A Federal High Court sitting in Lagos has convicted 10 Thai sailors and their vessel, MV Chayanee Naree, for trafficking 32.9 kilograms of cocaine from Brazil into Nigeria through the Apapa seaport. The ruling, delivered by Justice Daniel Osiagor on Thursday, May 15, 2025, comes after more than three years of diligent prosecution by the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA).
The convicted sailors included Krilerk Tanakhan, Boonlert Hansoongnern, Jakkarin Booncharoen, Thammarong Put-tlek, Worrapat Paopinta, Marut Kantaprom, Werapat Somboonying, Urkit Amsri, Panudet Jaisuk, and Amrat Thawom all citizens of Thailand.
They were initially arraigned alongside nine Nigerian suspects in February 2022 on charges bordering on conspiracy and unlawful importation of illicit drugs, in violation of Sections 11(a), 11(b), and 14(b) of the NDLEA Act, Cap N30 LFN 2004.
The arrest was made on October 13, 2021, when the vessel arrived at the Apapa port. The Nigerian suspects Samuel Messiah, Ishaya Maisamari, Ilesanmi Ayo Abbey, Osabeye Stephen, Gbenga Ogunfadeke, Kayode Buletiri, Rilwan Omotosho Liasu, Saidi Sule Alani, and Jamiu Adewale Yusuf are still standing trial, with proceedings adjourned to June 25, 2025.
Following the dismissal of a no-case submission filed by the Thai sailors, the defendants opted for a plea bargain, which led to Thursday’s conviction.
As part of the judgment, the vessel MV Chayanee Naree was fined $4 million or its Naira equivalent for unlawful transportation of cocaine. The 2nd to 11th defendants were convicted under Section 25 of the NDLEA Act for permitting the vessel’s use for trafficking.
Additionally, the 2nd, 3rd, and 4th defendants were each fined N100,000 and ordered to pay $50,000 in restitution to the Federal Government. The 5th to 11th defendants were each fined N100,000 and ordered to pay $30,000 in restitution, bringing the total fines and restitution to $4,360,000.
The NDLEA’s prosecution team was led by Director of Prosecution and Legal Services, DCGN Theresa Asuquo, assisted by A. Adebayo and Paul Awogbuyi. The defence was led by Senior Advocates of Nigeria—Babajide Koku, Femi Atoyebi, and Tunde Adejuyigbe.
Reacting to the judgment, NDLEA Chairman/Chief Executive, Brig. Gen. Mohamed Buba Marwa (Rtd), described the ruling as a powerful message to international drug syndicates and their local collaborators that Nigeria remains a hostile ground for illicit drug trafficking. He praised the NDLEA’s Apapa Command and prosecution team for their commitment and thoroughness.
He urged them to sustain their efforts as the case involving the Nigerian suspects continues.
