LAGOS, Nigeria (May 15, 2025) — A Federal High Court in Lagos has convicted 10 Thai nationals and their ship, MV Chayanee Naree, for trafficking 32.9 kilograms of cocaine from Brazil into Nigeria through the Apapa seaport.
In a press statement released on Thursday by Femi Babafemi, Director, Media and Advocacy, NDLEA Headquarters, Abuja, the agency confirmed that Justice Daniel Osiagor delivered the judgment after the defendants entered a plea bargain agreement. The NDLEA had led over three years of sustained investigation and prosecution in the case.
In addition to the vessel’s conviction, the court imposed a combined financial penalty of $4.36 million, including fines and restitution by the crew members. The ship itself was fined $4 million or its naira equivalent. The sailors were ordered to pay additional restitution ranging from $30,000 to $50,000 each, along with fines of ₦100,000.
The convicted crew members 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 on October 13, 2021, along with nine Nigerian nationals, during a joint operation by the NDLEA at the Lagos Port Complex, Apapa.
The Nigerian suspects — Samuel Messiah, Ishaya Maisamari, Ilesanmi Ayo Abbey, Osabeye Stephen, Gbenga Ogunfadeke, Kayode Buletiri, Rilwan Omotosho Liasu, Saidi Sule Alani, and Jamiu Adewale Yusuf — are still facing trial. Their case was adjourned to June 25.
The sailors were originally arraigned in February 2022 on charges bordering on conspiracy and unlawful transportation of narcotics, violating Sections 11(a), 11(b), and 14(b) of the NDLEA Act Cap N30, Laws of the Federation of Nigeria, 2004.
Their initial no-case submission was dismissed by the court after the NDLEA prosecution team successfully established a prima facie case. The court then ordered them to open their defense, prompting the plea deal.
According to the ruling, defendants two to eleven were convicted under Section 25 of the NDLEA Act for permitting the use of the ship to transport the drugs. Defendants two to four were ordered to pay $50,000 each in restitution, while defendants five to eleven must pay $30,000 each.
The NDLEA prosecution was led by the agency’s Director of Prosecution and Legal Services, DCGN Theresa Asuquo, supported by A. Adebayo and Paul Awogbuyi. The defense team was led by Senior Advocates of Nigeria, Babajide Koku, Femi Atoyebi, and Tunde Adejuyigbe.
NDLEA Chairman and Chief Executive Brig. Gen. Mohamed Buba Marwa (Retired) said the judgment delivers a clear message to international drug trafficking networks.
“This judgment sends a strong signal to international drug cartels and their local collaborators that Nigeria will not serve as a safe haven for narcotics trafficking,” Marwa said. “Our officers demonstrated exceptional diligence in arresting, investigating, and prosecuting this case.”
He urged the NDLEA legal team to maintain momentum as the trial of the Nigerian suspects continues.
