|By Adejumo Adekunle
The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) has secured the conviction of 10 Filipino sailors and their merchant vessel, MV Nord Bosporus, over the importation of 20 kilograms of cocaine through the Apapa seaport in Lagos.
The agency’s spokesperson, Femi Babafemi, disclosed that the Federal High Court in Lagos imposed fines and restitution totalling $6 million, alongside an additional N1.1 million penalty on the convicts.
According to the NDLEA, the vessel and its crew were arrested on November 16, 2025, after operatives intercepted the illicit drug shipment concealed aboard the ship, which had departed from Santos.
The agency subsequently filed a four-count charge against the defendants, with prosecution led by the Director of Prosecution and Legal Services, Theresa Asuquo. The defendants pleaded guilty and entered into a plea bargain agreement with the prosecution.
Delivering judgment, Justice Ayokunle Faji convicted the vessel under Section 25 of the NDLEA Act, ordering it to pay a N100,000 fine and $5.35 million in restitution to the Federal Government.
The court further ruled that three principal officers of the vessel pay N100,000 each and $100,000 in restitution, while the remaining seven crew members were fined N100,000 each and $50,000 apiece.
In total, the vessel and its crew are to pay $6 million and N1.1 million in fines and restitution.
Reacting to the judgment, NDLEA Chairman and Chief Executive Officer, Mohamed Buba Marwa, described the conviction as a major breakthrough in the agency’s war against drug trafficking.
He said the ruling represents a strong victory for the rule of law and demonstrates the agency’s renewed determination to eliminate illicit drugs from Nigeria.
Marwa noted that the heavy financial penalties would serve as a deterrent to international drug syndicates, stressing that the NDLEA is now intensifying efforts to dismantle not only drug supply chains but also the financial networks behind them.
He commended officers of the Apapa Strategic Command, as well as the Directorate of Prosecution and the judiciary, for ensuring a successful and swift trial.
The NDLEA boss reaffirmed the agency’s commitment to strengthening intelligence gathering and operational capacity, noting that the fight against illicit drugs remains critical to national security and the protection of Nigeria’s youth.
