Justice Daniel Osiagor of the Federal High Court in Lagos on Thursday convicted ten Thai nationals for trafficking 32.9 kilograms of cocaine into Nigeria.
The convicted individuals, all sailors, were found guilty alongside their vessel, MV Chayanee Naree, which was used to smuggle the illicit drug into the country.
The convicted Thais’ sailors are: 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 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) 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 Nigerian 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 Advocates 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 had established a prima facie case against the vessel and its Crew.
In deciding the No-Case-Submission, Justice Osiagor acceded to the submissions of the prosecution and held that the prosecution had established a prima facie case against the vessel and its 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 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 optio n.
Meanwhile, the trial of the nine Nigerians has been adjourned to June 25.