Justice Daniel Osiagor of the Federal High Court, Lagos has convicted 10 sailors who are citizens of Thailand, for trafficking 32. 9 kilograms of Cocaine.
The judge also convicted the vessel named MV Chayanee Naree, which was said to have been used in smuggling the prohibited drug into Nigeria.
The convicts are Thais’ sailors; Krilerk Tanakhan; Boonlert Hansoongnern; Jakkarin Booncharoen; Thammarong Put-tlek; Worrapat Paopinta; Marut Kantaprom; Werapat Somboonying; Urkit Amsri; Panudet Jaisuk and Amrat Thawom.
The vessel and convicted sailors were first arraigned before the court alongside nine Nigerians, on the alleged offences in February 2022, by the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA).
The Nigerians are: Samuel Messiah; Ishaya Maisamari; Ilesanmi Ayo Abbey; Osabeye Stephen; Gbenga Ogunfadeke; Kayode Buletiri; Rilwan Omotosho Liasu; Saidi Sule Alani and Jamiu Adewale Yusuf.
The vessel, the convicted sailors and the nine Nigerians were arrested on October 13, 2021, at Apapa, Lagos, on their arrival from Brazil.
They were charged before the court on the charges bordering on conspiracy, unlawful transportation and unlawful importation of 32. 9 kilograms of Cocaine.
Their illegal acts according to the NDLEA contravened sections 11 (b), 11(a) and 14 (b)Â of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency Act Cap N30 Laws of the Federation of Nigeria, 2004. And punishable under the same Act.
The convicted Thais and their Nigerians alleged co-conspirators, were accused of committing the acts alongside the trio of Kehinde Enoch, Ayo Joseph and one Tunde, all said to be at large.
The convicted sailors were prosecuted by the NDLEA prosecutors, who include; Mrs Theresa Asuquo, A. Adebayo and Paul Awogbuyi. While they were defended by their team of lawyers, who include Babajide Koku, Femi atoyebi and Tunde Adejuyigbe, who are Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN).
Upon conclusion of the NDLEA’s case, the convicted sailors opted for No-Case-Submission instead of opening their defence against the allegations against them. This was however contended by the prosecutors, who submitted that they have established a prima facie case against the vessel and it’s Crew.
In deciding the No-Case-Submission, Justice Osiagor, acceded to the submissions of the prosecution, and held that the the prosecution has established a prima facie case against the vessel and it’s Crew members
The judge therefore ordered the convicted Thais and others to open their defence against the charges against them.
Based on the court’s ruling, the convicted sailors entered a plea bargain agreement with the NDLEA.
At the resumed hearing of the matter for judgment today and based on the plea bargain agreement, Justice Osiagor ordered the vessel to pay a fine option of $4 million USD or Naira equivalent.
On the convicted sailors, the judge ordered the three Captains of the vessel, namely; Krilerk Tanakhan; Boonlert Hansoongnern; Jakkarin Booncharoen; to pay the sum of $50, 000, 00 USD. And that the other crew member to pay $30, 000, USD each. And that other convicted sailors are ordered to pay the sum of N100, 000. 00, as a fine option.
Meanwhile, the trial of the nine Nigerians has been adjourned to June 25.