…Convicts, vessel fined $4.3m, Nigeria accomplices to face trial
By Didimoko A. Didimoko with agency report
The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) has secured the conviction of 10 Thai sailors and their vessel, MV Chayanee Naree, for smuggling 32.9 kilograms of cocaine into Nigeria through the Apapa Seaport in Lagos.
Investigation by our reporter showed that the street value of a gram of cocaine is up to $150, and the 33.9kg of the illicit drug could sell for up to $5 million, depending on the location.
Justice Daniel Osiagor of the Federal High Court in Lagos delivered the judgment, imposing a total fine of $4.36 million on the vessel and its crew following over three years of diligent prosecution by the NDLEA.
The cocaine, trafficked from Brazil, was intercepted at the Lagos port on October 13, 2021, during a coordinated NDLEA operation.
The Thai nationals—Krilerk Tanakhan, Boonlert Hansoongnern, Jakkarin Booncharoen, Thammarong Put-tlek, Worrapat Paopinta, Marut Kantaprom, Werapat Somboonying, Urkit Amsri, Panudet Jaisuk, and Amrat Thawom—were arraigned in February 2022 alongside nine Nigerian suspects on charges of conspiracy and unlawful importation of narcotics, contrary to sections 11(a), 11(b), and 14(b) of the NDLEA Act, Cap N30, Laws of the Federation of Nigeria, 2004.
After the court dismissed their no-case submission, the Thai sailors opted for a plea bargain with the NDLEA. At the resumed hearing on May 15, 2025, the court accepted the plea agreement and delivered its ruling.
The vessel, MV Chayanee Naree, was convicted of unlawful importation of 32.9kg of cocaine and fined $4 million. The 2nd to 11th defendants were convicted under Section 25 of the NDLEA Act for permitting the use of the ship for smuggling.
Defendants 2, 3, and 4 were each fined ₦100,000 and ordered to pay $50,000 in restitution to the Federal Government, while defendants 5 through 11 received the same ₦100,000 fine, with an additional $30,000 each in restitution, bringing the total penalty to $4.36 million.
The trial of the nine 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—was adjourned to June 25, 2025.
The prosecution team was led by NDLEA’s Director of Prosecution and Legal Services, DCGN Theresa Asuquo, assisted by A. Adebayo and Paul Awogbuyi. Defence counsel included prominent Senior Advocates of Nigeria: Babajide Koku, Femi Atoyebi, and Tunde Adejuyigbe.
NDLEA Chairman, retired Brig. Gen. Buba Marwa hailed the judgment as a strong signal to international drug cartels and their local collaborators that Nigeria is not a haven for illicit drug trafficking. He commended the agency’s legal team and officers from the Apapa Strategic Command for their dedication, urging them to maintain momentum in prosecuting the remaining aspects of the
