Technology Exposed Alleged Drug Trafficking Kingpin, Says NDLEA

National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) has explained to a Federal High Court in Lagos how technology helped to expose the illicit drug transactions involving an alleged drug kingpin, Alhaji Sulaimon Jimoh Olowoidiogede, also known as Temo, and his alleged associates in the drug trade in Ghana.

The NDLEA, through one of its operatives, Majin Gideon, told the trial judge, Justice Dehinde Dipeolu, that the phone analysis of Temo indicated that he allegedly imported cannabis into Nigeria via the waterways and that he shared illicit drug trade information with a Ghanaian, Sulaimon Seun.

Gideon, the 12th prosecution witness, also informed the judge that he analysed and presented about 45 pages of visual-audio evidence documenting interactions between Temo and his associates in Ghana.

The anti-narcotic agency had arraigned Temo before the court on a six-count charge of importation, processing, trafficking and dealing in the illicit drug.

The agency had also accused the defendant, alongside four others, Ojo Emmanuel, Wasiu Olayinka Saliu, Taofeek Noah and one Kazeem; all said to be at large, of concealment of illicit funds, money laundering and running a Drug Trafficking Organisation between 2020 and 2024.

The defendant, however, pleaded not guilty to the offences, which the NDLEA claimed violence sections 20(1)(g); 14(b); 18(a), 20(i), 11(b), and 11(c) of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency Act Cap N30 Laws of the Federation of Nigeria, 2004.

Gideon, a digital forensic analyst with the NDLEA, testified that he received Temo’s Samsung Galaxy mobile phone for analysis and that after examining the device and its SIM card, he prepared a report and certificate based on his findings.

During his testimony, Majin indicated that, upon analysing the phone and SIM card, it was evident that Temo was operating a Drug Trade Organization (DTO) and importing Cannabis Sativa from Ghana for distribution in Nigeria.

The witness further stated that, “From the analysis done on Temo’s phone, it was discovered that the name used to register the phone number was Akanbi.”

He also revealed that Olowoidiogede communicated with Saba, who used a Ghanaian phone number. Saba addressed him as “Oga Temo” and inquired, “Oga Temo, please, what is our next plan?”

Justice Dipeolu has adjourned the trial to December 10 for further proceedings.