Justice Daniel Osiagor of a Lagos Federal High Court, today convicted 10 sailors who are citizens of Thailand, for trafficking 32. 9 kilograms of Cocaine.
Also convicted alongside the sailors, was the vessel named MV Chayanee Naree, which was said to have been used in smuggling the prohibited drug into Nigeria.
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 the 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 Nigerians 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.
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 have established a prima facie case against the vessel and it’s Crew.
In deciding the No-Case-Submission, Justice Osiagor, acceded to the submissions of the prosecution, and held that the the prosecution has established a prima facie case against the vessel and it’s 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 option of $4 million USD or Naira equivalent.
On the convicted sailors, the judge ordered three Captain of the vessel namely; Krilerk Tanakhan; Boonlert Hansoongnern and Jakkarin Booncharoen, to pay $50,000 USD and the remaining crew members to pay the sum of $30, 000, 00 USD, adding that all the convicted to pay the sum of N100, 000. 00, as a fine option.
Meanwhile, the trial of the nine Nigerians has been adjourned to June 25.
