A Federal High Court in Lagos has convicted 10 Filipino sailors and their vessel, MV Nord Bosporus, over the importation of 20 kilograms of cocaine into Nigeria through the Apapa seaport.
The court also imposed fines and restitution totaling $6 million.
The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) confirmed the development on Wednesday through its spokesman, Femi Babafemi, noting that an additional N1.1 million penalty was also levied on the convicts.
The vessel and its crew were arrested on November 16, 2025, after authorities intercepted the cocaine shipment concealed onboard the ship, which had originated from Santos, Brazil.
Following the arrest, the NDLEA filed a four-count charge against the defendants in suit number FHC/L/1232C/25 before Federal High Court 2, Lagos. The case was prosecuted by the agency’s Director of Prosecution and Legal Services, Theresa Asuquo.
The defendants later pleaded guilty and entered into a plea bargain agreement.
Delivering judgment on Wednesday, Justice Ayokunle Faji found the vessel guilty under Section 25 of the NDLEA Act and ordered it to pay a N100,000 penalty along with $5.35 million in restitution to the Federal Government.
The court also ruled that three principal officers of the vessel—the 2nd, 3rd, and 4th defendants—each pay N100,000 and $100,000 in restitution, while the remaining seven crew members were fined N100,000 each and ordered to pay $50,000 in restitution apiece.
In total, the vessel and its crew are to pay $6 million and N1.1 million as fines and restitution.
Reacting to the ruling, NDLEA Chairman/Chief Executive Officer, Brig. Gen. Mohamed Buba Marwa (retd), described the outcome as a significant victory in the fight against drug trafficking.
He said the judgment sends a clear warning to international drug cartels that Nigeria’s territorial waters are no longer a safe route for illicit drug operations.
“The conviction is a resounding victory for the rule of law and a powerful testament to the renewed vigour of the NDLEA in our mission to rid Nigeria of illicit drugs,” Marwa said.
He added that the $6 million penalty would serve as a strong deterrent, stressing that the agency is now focused not only on drug seizures but also on dismantling the financial networks behind trafficking operations.
Marwa commended officers of the Apapa Strategic Command for their alertness in discovering the cocaine hidden deep within the vessel’s cargo, noting that the success reflects the effectiveness of the agency’s intensified enforcement strategy.
He also praised the Directorate of Prosecution and Legal Services and the judiciary for ensuring the speedy handling of the case.
“This synergy between the NDLEA and the courts is the nightmare of every drug baron, and we will continue to strengthen this partnership until every drug supply chain in Nigeria is dismantled,” he said.
Reaffirming the agency’s commitment, Marwa emphasized that combating drug trafficking remains vital to protecting the nation’s youth and ensuring national security, adding that intelligence gathering and operational capacity will continue to be strengthened.
