Lagos Court Fines Vessel, 10 Sailors $6m Over Cocaine Smuggling — NDLEA

By Abah Margaret

A Federal High Court sitting in Lagos has convicted 10 Filipino sailors and a merchant vessel, MV Nord Bosporus, over the importation of 20 kilograms of cocaine into Nigeria.

The court imposed fines and restitution totalling $6 million and ₦1.1 million following the conviction.

According to a statement by the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), signed by its Director of Media and Advocacy, Femi Babafemi, the suspects were arrested at the Apapa seaport on November 16, 2025.

The arrests led to a four-count charge filed in suit number FHC/L/1232C/25, prosecuted by a team led by Theresa Asuquo.

Court Ruling

Delivering judgment, Justice Ayokunle Faji found the vessel guilty under the provisions of the NDLEA Act and ordered it to pay a ₦100,000 fine alongside $5.35 million in restitution to the Federal Government.

The vessel’s crew members—who entered guilty pleas under a plea bargain agreement—were also sanctioned.

Three principal officers were each fined ₦100,000 and ordered to pay $100,000 in restitution, while the remaining crew members were fined ₦100,000 each and ordered to pay $50,000 in restitution.

The combined penalties amount to $6 million and ₦1.1 million.

NDLEA Reacts

Reacting to the ruling, NDLEA Chairman, Mohamed Buba Marwa, described the judgement as a major victory in the fight against drug trafficking.

“This is a resounding victory for the rule of law and a strong signal to drug cartels that Nigeria’s waters are no longer safe for illicit activities,” he said.

Marwa noted that the hefty financial penalties send a clear warning to international shipping operators and collaborators involved in narcotics trade.

He added that the agency is intensifying efforts to dismantle drug networks by targeting both their operations and financial assets.

The NDLEA boss also commended officers of the Apapa Strategic Command for their vigilance, as well as the judiciary for the speedy trial.

He reaffirmed the agency’s commitment to protecting Nigeria’s youth and strengthening national security through sustained anti-drug operations.