The Federal High Court sitting in Lagos has convicted 10 Thai sailors for smuggling 32.9 kilograms of cocaine into Nigeria.
The convicts were prosecuted alongside their vessel, MV Chayanee Naree, which was found to have been used in the unlawful importation of the prohibited drug.
Both the crew and the ship were apprehended on 13 October 2021 at Apapa Port, Lagos, upon their arrival from Brazil.
The convicted sailors are Krilerk Tanakhan, Boonlert Hansoongnern, Jakkarin Booncharoen, Thammarong Put-tlek, Worrapat Paopinta, Marut Kantaprom, Werapat Somboonying, Urkit Amsri, Panudet Jaisuk, and Amrat Thawom.
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The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) initially arraigned the sailors in February 2022, along with nine Nigerians accused of being their local accomplices.
The Nigerians, whose trial is ongoing, include Samuel Messiah, Ishaya Maisamari, Ilesanmi Ayo Abbey, Osabeye Stephen, Gbenga Ogunfadeke, Kayode Buletiri, Rilwan Omotosho Liasu, Saidi Sule Alani, and Jamiu Adewale Yusuf.
According to the NDLEA, the actions of the accused contravened Sections 11(a), 11(b), and 14(b) of the NDLEA Act, Cap N30, Laws of the Federation of Nigeria, 2004, which criminalise conspiracy, unlawful transportation, and importation of narcotic substances.
The crew and vessel were also accused of collaborating with three other individuals — Kehinde Enoch, Ayo Joseph, and one Tunde — all of whom are currently at large.
The case, prosecuted by NDLEA counsel Theresa Asuquo, A. Adebayo, and Paul Awogbuyi, was initially met with a no-case submission by the defence team, led by Senior Advocates of Nigeria (SANs) Babajide Koku, Femi Atoyebi, and Tunde Adejuyigbe.
The defence argued that the prosecution had failed to establish a prima facie case against the crew.
However, in his ruling, Justice Daniel Osiagor, upheld the prosecution’s arguments, holding that a prima facie case had indeed been established against the vessel and its crew. The court consequently ordered the defendants to open their defence.
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Following the court’s decision, the convicted sailors entered into a plea bargain with the NDLEA.
At the resumed hearing on Thursday, Justice Osiagor adopted the terms of the plea bargain.
He ordered MV Chayanee Naree to pay a fine of $4 million or its equivalent in Nigerian naira.
Additionally, the three captains — Krilerk Tanakhan, Boonlert Hansoongnern, and Jakkarin Booncharoen — were each fined $50,000, while the remaining crew members were fined $30,000 each.
Other convicted sailors were ordered to pay a fine of ₦100,000 each.
