Court Grants NDLEA Leave To Detain Vessel, Crew Over Drug Trafficking Allegations

Justice Nicholas Oweibo of the Federal Court in Lagos yesterday granted permission to the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) to detain the master of a vessel, MV Cooper Island and 19 other crew-members on board the ship over allegations of drug trafficking.

Justice Oweibo ordered that the suspects, who are accused of importation of 24 kilograms of cocaine into Nigeria, are to remain in the custody of the NDLEA until August 17, 2023 when investigation into the alleged crime is expected to be concluded.

The judge made the orders after entertaining an ex-parte motion marked FHC/L/CS/1458/2023, filed and moved by one of the lawyers to the NDLEA, Abu Ibrahim.

Ibrahim had informed the court that the drug was allegedly smuggled into the vessel, which was used to bring in sugar from Brazil into the country.

Those ordered to be detained are: Krasnoperov Oleksi, the master of the vessel; Enesa Julio (Jnr) Pedrogosa; Nonan Ulysses Doria; Duran Niel Stephen Dias; Frugalidad Francis Cabaluna; Akulov Oleg; Emano Marlon Acut; Sarmiento Neco Manalo; Pantukan Michael Constantino; Guion Aguinaldo Villas.

Others include Torino Jhundhel Adang; Alado Elpe De Pedro; Empedrado Ryan De Jesus; Liquit Niel Morris Auxtero; Tupas Risan Jub Sola, Valencia Ceaser Jr. Carbagon; Peralta Jestoni Dalida; Teljona Elvis Urag; Loreno Regino Jr. Salaum and Adelanter Louie Luis Lapascau.

While moving the motion, Ibrahim told the court that the application was under Sections 44(2)(k), 35(1)(C) of the 1999 Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, 1999 (as amended); Sections 3(1)(a)(C), 32(C), 33, 34, 36 and 41(b)(iii) of the NDLEA Act Cap. N30 LFN 2004, and under the court’s Inherent Jurisdiction.

He also claimed that 24 Kilograms of cocaine was seized aboard the Vessel MV COOPER ISLAND on July 6, 2023, at Tin Can Island Seaport, Lagos.

The lawyer also alleged that the NDLEA is investigating the unlawful importation and transporting of 24 Kilograms of cocaine to Nigeria in conjunction with Interpol and other foreign collaborators.

The NDLEA averred that while working in close collaboration with the Nigeria Navy, Ports Security/Law Enforcement and other relevant agencies/officials, they were able to intercept the Vessel MV COOPER ISLAND and upon searching it, substances suspected to be cocaine was recovered aboard the vessel.

“The substance tested positive for cocaine with a combined weight of 24 Kilograms when they were subjected to a preliminary test by the NDLEA exhibit officer, Bonnie Wisdom,” he said.

After listening to the NDLEA’s lawyer on the application, Justice Oweibo ruled that, “the application is granted as prayed.”

The judge then adjourned the matter to August 17 for reports of the investigation.