Justice Daniel Osiagor of the Federal High Court, Lagos, yesterday convicted 10 Thai sailors for trafficking 32.9 kilogrammes of cocaine.

The vessel, MV Chayanee Naree, allegedly used in smuggling the drugs into Nigeria, was also convicted.

The sailors: Krilerk Tanakhan, Boonlert Hansoongnern, Jakkarin Booncharoen, Thammarong Put-tlek, Worrapat Paopinta, Marut Kantaprom, Werapat Somboonying, Urkit Amsri, Panudet Jaisuk, and Amrat Thawom were arrested alongside the vessel on October 13, 2021, at Apapa, Lagos, upon their arrival from Brazil.

The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) had arraigned the vessel, its crew, and nine Nigerians before the court in February 2022 on charges of conspiracy, unlawful transportation, and unlawful importation of cocaine, offences said to contravene sections 11(b), 11(a), and 14(b) of the NDLEA Act Cap N30 Laws of the Federation of Nigeria, 2004.

The Nigerian accomplices: Samuel Messiah, Ishaya Maisamari, Ilesanmi Ayo Abbey, Osabeye Stephen, Gbenga Ogunfadeke, Kayode Buletiri, Rilwan Omotosho Liasu, Saidi Sule Alani, and Jamiu Adewale Yusuf are facing trial, which has been adjourned to June 25.

The convicted sailors initially submitted a no-case plea, arguing the prosecution had failed to establish a prima facie case against them. Justice Osiagor, however, upheld the prosecution’s argument, leading the sailors to enter a plea bargain agreement with the NDLEA.

During yesterday’s judgment, Justice Osiagor ordered the vessel to pay a fine of $4 million or its naira equivalent. The vessel’s three captains: Krilerk Tanakhan, Boonlert Hansoongnern, and Jakkarin Booncharoen were fined $50,000 each, while the remaining crew members were fined $30,000 each. Additionally, the court imposed a fine option of N100,000 on the other convicted sailors.

The case was prosecuted by NDLEA lawyers Mrs Theresa Asuquo, A. Adebayo, and Paul Awogbuyi, while the defence team included Babajide Koku, Femi Atoyebi, and Tunde Adejuyigbe SAN.