Nigerian Court Convicts 10 Thai Sailors, Vessel for Cocaine Trafficking; Fines Total $4.3 Million
…Marwa hails verdict as a stern warning to international drug cartels, commends NDLEA prosecution team
In a landmark ruling that underscores Nigeria’s firm stance against drug trafficking, the Federal High Court in Lagos, presided over by Justice Daniel Osiagor, has convicted ten Thai nationals and their vessel, MV Chayanee Naree, for trafficking 32.9 kilogrammes of cocaine from Brazil into the country through the Apapa Seaport.
The verdict follows more than three years of meticulous prosecution by the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA).
The convicted individuals – Krilerk Tanakhan, Boonlert Hansoongnern, Jakkarin Booncharoen, Thammarong Puttlek, Worrapat Paopinta, Marut Kantaprom, Werapat Somboonying, Urkit Amsri, Panudet Jaisuk and Amrat Thawom – all Thai nationals, were arraigned alongside nine Nigerian accomplices in February 2022 on charges bordering on conspiracy and the illegal importation of narcotics.
They were apprehended on 13th October 2021 during a strategic operation at the Apapa port. The Nigerian defendants – Samuel Messiah, Ishaya Maisamari, Ilesanmi Ayo Abbey, Osabeye Stephen, Gbenga Ogunfadeke, Kayode Buletiri, Rilwan Omotosho Liasu, Saidi Sule Alani, and Jamiu Adewale Yusuf – are scheduled to face trial on 25th June 2025.
The NDLEA prosecutors argued that the defendants’ actions violated sections 11(a), 11(b), and 14(b) of the NDLEA Act Cap N30, Laws of the Federation of Nigeria, 2004.
The Thai sailors had initially filed a no-case submission, but this was overruled by the court following compelling arguments by the prosecution that a prima facie case had been established.
Faced with overwhelming evidence, the defendants entered into a plea bargain agreement with the NDLEA, paving the way for the court’s judgement on Thursday, 15th May 2025.
Justice Osiagor convicted the vessel, MV Chayanee Naree, for its role in the unlawful transportation of cocaine and imposed a fine of $4 million or its equivalent in Naira.
Furthermore, the 2nd to 11th defendants were convicted under Section 25 of the NDLEA Act for permitting the use of the vessel in trafficking narcotics.
Specifically, the 2nd, 3rd, and 4th defendants were each fined N100,000 and ordered to pay $50,000 in restitution to the Federal Government of Nigeria. The 5th to 11th defendants were each fined N100,000 and ordered to pay $30,000 in restitution, bringing the total financial penalties to $4,360,000.
The prosecution team was led by the NDLEA’s Director of Prosecution and Legal Services, Deputy Commander-General of Narcotics Theresa Asuquo, ably supported by A. Adebayo and Paul Awogbuyi. The defence was led by Senior Advocates of Nigeria – Messrs Babajide Koku, Femi Atoyebi, and Tunde Adejuyigbe.
Reacting to the judgement, NDLEA Chairman and Chief Executive, Brigadier General Mohamed Buba Marwa (Rtd), described the ruling as “a strong message to the international drug cartel and their local collaborators that Nigeria will never be a safe haven for illicit drug trafficking.”
Marwa lauded the NDLEA prosecution team and officers of the Apapa Strategic Command for their doggedness, professionalism, and unwavering commitment to justice throughout the investigation and legal proceedings.
He urged the Agency’s personnel not to relent in pursuing the remaining aspects of the case still pending before the court.
The NDLEA continues to intensify its efforts to dismantle international drug syndicates and protect Nigeria’s ports from becoming gateways for illicit substances.
