Crime

Drug Trafficking Kingpins and 16 Others Receive Total of 302 Years in Prison

Published by Tope Fakinlede on August 20th, 2024.

Drug Trafficking Kingpins and 16 Others Receive Total of 302 Years in Prison

Three major drug traffickers and 16 additional offenders have been sentenced to a combined total of 302 years in prison for their involvement in illegal drug activities, including cocaine, heroin, methamphetamine, cannabis, and opioids. This sentencing follows their arrest and thorough prosecution by the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA).

These 19 individuals are among 414 drug traffickers and dealers convicted by the Federal High Court in various locations, including Benue, Bauchi, Edo, Lagos, Ogun, Gombe, and the Federal Capital Territory, Abuja, from July 1 to 31, 2024. Their convictions came as a result of charges brought by the NDLEA.

One of the kingpins, Bolanle Lookman Dauda, 50, was apprehended on May 25, 2024, during a raid by NDLEA operatives at Ibiye, near the Lagos-Badagry Expressway, as he was attempting to smuggle drugs into Ghana. At the time of his arrest, Dauda was found with 42 blocks of cocaine, totaling 47.5 kilograms. A subsequent search of his residence in Agbara, Ogun State, led to the recovery of an additional 10 kilograms of cocaine, making a total of 57.5 kilograms. Dauda was tried before Hon. Justice Ambrose Allagoa of the Federal High Court, Lagos, and on July 19, 2024, he was sentenced to 21 years in prison or a fine of N30 million.

Another convicted kingpin, Ikeh Stanley Ifeanyi, 34, was arrested at Idumota market on Lagos Island with 1,100 ampoules of fentanyl, a potent synthetic opioid. This substance, 100 times stronger than heroin, is linked to numerous overdose deaths. Ifeanyi was charged before Justice Kehinde Ogundare of the Federal High Court, Lagos, and on July 4, 2024, was sentenced to 14 years in prison or a fine of N2 million.

Christian Anyanwu was arrested on November 26, 2022, with 1.4 kilograms of methamphetamine hidden in custard tins intended for Brazil. He was tried before Justice Yellin Bogoro of the Federal High Court, Lagos, and convicted on July 12, 2024, receiving a 16-year prison term, with four years being mandatory and without the option of a fine.

Other notable sentences in July include Moses Yakubu, who received 25 years in prison from Justice Rita Ajumogobia in Abuja on July 22; Oluosun Okikiola, sentenced to 15 years by Justice A. A Okeke in Abeokuta on July 17; Chanchan Terpase, sentenced to seven years by Justice R.J Abubakar in Makurdi on July 9; and Beauty Gani, who was given 30 years in prison or a fine of N8 million by Justice C.O. Obiozor in Benin on July 3, 2024.

NDLEA Chairman/CEO, Brig Gen Mohamed Buba Marwa (Rtd), praised the efforts of the arresting officers and judiciary for their role in these cases. He noted that these convictions will enhance the agency’s efforts to reduce drug supply.