Federal High Court Convicts 10 Thai Sailors, Ship for Cocaine Trafficking, Fines Total $4.36 Million

Federal High Court Convicts 10 Thai Sailors, Ship for Cocaine Trafficking, Fines Total $4.36 Million

...NDLEA’s Marwa hails ruling as strong warning to international drug syndicates

After more than three years of intensive investigation and prosecution, the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) has secured the conviction of 10 Thai nationals and their vessel, MV Chayanee Naree, for trafficking 32.9 kilograms of cocaine into Nigeria.

Delivering judgment at the Federal High Court in Lagos, presiding judge Justice Daniel Osiagor found the defendants guilty of bringing the illicit drug consignment from Brazil through the Apapa seaport on October 13, 2021.

The convicted Thai crew members include Krilerk Tanakhan, Boonlert Hansoongnern, Jakkarin Booncharoen, Thammarong Put-tlek, Worrapat Paopinta, Marut Kantaprom, Werapat Somboonying, Urkit Amsri, Panudet Jaisuk, and Amrat Thawom. They were arraigned in February 2022 alongside nine Nigerian suspects on charges bordering on conspiracy and illegal transportation of narcotics, in violation of sections 11(a), 11(b), and 14(b) of the NDLEA Act, Cap N30, Laws of the Federation of Nigeria, 2004.

Initially, the Thai defendants submitted a no-case application, which was dismissed after the court ruled that the prosecution had established a prima facie case. They later opted for a plea bargain agreement with the NDLEA.

In his ruling on Thursday, May 15, 2025, Justice Osiagor convicted the vessel MV Chayanee Naree and imposed a $4 million fine or its Naira equivalent. The 2nd to 11th defendants were convicted for allowing the vessel to be used for trafficking, with the 2nd, 3rd, and 4th defendants each fined N100,000 and ordered to pay restitution of $50,000. The 5th to 11th defendants were also fined N100,000 each and ordered to pay $30,000 each in restitution, bringing the total financial penalties to $4.36 million.

Meanwhile, the trial of the nine Nigerian co-defendants—Samuel Messiah, Ishaya Maisamari, Ilesanmi Ayo Abbey, Osabeye Stephen, Gbenga Ogunfadeke, Kayode Buletiri, Rilwan Omotosho Liasu, Saidi Sule Alani, and Jamiu Adewale Yusuf—was adjourned to June 25.

The prosecution team was led by the NDLEA Director of Prosecution and Legal Services, DCGN Theresa Asuquo, alongside A. Adebayo and Paul Awogbuyi. The defence team comprised senior legal practitioners Babajide Koku (SAN), Femi Atoyebi (SAN), and Tunde Adejuyigbe (SAN).

Reacting to the verdict, NDLEA Chairman/Chief Executive Brig. Gen. Mohamed Buba Marwa (Rtd) applauded the ruling, describing it as a stern warning to international drug syndicates and their Nigerian collaborators.

“This judgment sends a strong signal that Nigeria is not and will never be a safe haven for drug trafficking,” Marwa stated, commending the NDLEA prosecution team and officers of the Apapa Strategic Command for their professionalism, commitment, and resilience.

He further urged the agency to remain steadfast as the trial of the remaining suspects continues.

—Femi Babafemi, Director of Media & Advocacy, NDLEA Headquarters, Abuja