Metro

Court Convicts 10 Sailors, Ship For Cocaine Trafficking

Published

8 months ago

May 15, 2025

A Federal High Court in Lagos has convicted 10 Thai nationals and their vessel, MV Chayanee Naree, for trafficking 32.9kg of cocaine into Nigeria from Brazil through the Apapa seaport.

The convicted Thai sailors are Krilerk Tanakhan, Boonlert Hansoongnern, Jakkarin Booncharoen, Thammarong Put-tlek, Worrapat Paopinta, Marut Kantaprom, Werapat Somboonying, Urkit Amsri, Panudet Jaisuk, and Amrat Thawom.

They were arrested alongside nine Nigerian suspects on October 13, 2021 and arraigned in February 2022 on charges bordering on conspiracy and the unlawful importation of narcotic.

A statement on Thursday by the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency’s spokesperson, Femi Babafemi, said the trial judge, Justice Daniel Osiagor, delivered the judgment following a plea bargain agreement entered into by the convicted crew members with the NDLEA.

He said Justice Osiagor convicted the vessel under Section 11(a) of the NDLEA Act and imposed a fine of $4 million or its Naira equivalent for its role in smuggling the illicit drug into Nigeria.

Babafemi said, “The convicted sailors opted for a plea bargain agreement with the NDLEA and as a result, Justice Osiagor delivered his ruling at the resumed hearing of the matter on Thursday 15th May 2025.

“Among other penalties, the judge convicted the Vessel MV Chayanee Naree for unlawful transportation of 32.9kg of cocaine into Nigeria and ordered to pay a fine of $4 million or its Naira equivalent.

“ The 2nd – 11th defendants were convicted under Section 25 of the NDLEA Act for permitting the use of the vessel for the unlawful transportation of 32.9kg of cocaine, while the 2nd, 3rd and 4th defendants were ordered to pay N100,000.00 each as punishment for the offence and in addition restitution in the sum of $50,000 each or its equivalent in Naira to the Federal Government of Nigeria.

“The 5th – 11th defendants are to pay N100,000.00 each and restitution in the sum of $30,000.00, bringing the total amount payable to $4,360,000.00.”

He said Justice Osiagor adjourned the trial of the nine Nigerian suspects to June 25.

Metro

JUST IN: Fire Guts Ogun Guangdong Free Trade Zone In Igbesa

Published

10 hours ago

January 11, 2026

Editor

A fire broke out on Sunday at the Ogun State Guangdong Free Trade Zone in Igbesa.

As of this report, there has been no official statement on what caused the incident. However, a resident said the fire was triggered by a gas explosion from a foam-producing company in the industrial park.

The source added that the fire spread quickly, affecting nearby houses before emergency responders arrived.

Details later…

Metro

AAU Postpones Resumption Date

Published

1 day ago

January 10, 2026

Editor

The management of Ambrose Alli University, Ekpoma, Edo State, has approved, on behalf of the university’s Senate, the postponement of students’ resumption and commencement of academic activities.

In a statement,
Otunba Mike Aladenika,
Head, Information, Public Relations & Protocol, AAU, said the decision became necessary to enable the university to complete ongoing renovation works on student structures and facilities, aimed at enhancing the overall teaching and learning experience.

“According to him, the management is committed to providing a conducive environment for academic excellence and believes that this temporary adjustment will ultimately benefit our students.

“While the university management intends to announce a new resumption date, any student(s) still in our hostels are advised to vacate with immediate effect to allow for effective ongoing renovation works

“In light of this development, the university regrets to announce that the 140th Inaugural Lecture, originally scheduled for Thursday, 15th January 2026, and ongoing examinations have been postponed.

“A new date for the lecture and the completion of the examinations will be communicated to all stakeholders in due course.

“The university appreciates the understanding and cooperation of students, parents, and guardians on this matter.

“We urge all students to adhere to the new resumption date and prepare for a productive academic session.

“Parents and guardians are kindly requested to ensure their children/wards are aware of and comply with the revised resumption schedule.”

Metro

Protest Rocks Ekpoma Over Incessant Kidnapping

Published

1 day ago

January 10, 2026

Editor

Residents of Ekpoma, Esan West Local Government Area of Edo State on Saturday protested against incessant kidnappings in the area.

Ekpoma, in recent times has been under attack by kidnappers who snatched residents from their homes.

The protest grounded commercial activities as students of the Ambrose Alli University, Ekpoma, also joined in the protest.

The protesters, in anger, also pulled down campaign billboards for the 2027 general elections mounted in the university hosting town.

Speaking on the protest, Principal Security Officer to Governor Monday Okpebholo, Austin Eigbiremolen, assured that adequate security would be deployed to Ekpoma.

According to him, the kidnappers would be chased away from the area in no distance time.

Also reacting to the protest, Edo State Police Command Public Relations Officer, Eno Ikoedem, dismissed was top of the security situation in Ekpoma, adding the state Commissioner of Police, Monday Agbonika, was already in Ekpoma.

Ikoedem said nine persons who were kidnapped on Friday were rescued unhurt after the Eagle Combat Drone Unit was deployed to the forest alongside local hunters.

“In the heat of the rescue operation, the kidnappers’ camp was located through real-time aerial intelligence.

“The ground troops stormed the camp, forcing the kidnappers to flee and abandon two locally fabricated AK-49 rifles.

“The victims, including five children were rescued unhurt. This landmark deployment underscores the transformative role of technology in modern policing and sets a new benchmark for operational enhancement in Edo State,” she said.