The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency has secured a court victory against a group of foreign sailors and their vessel over a cocaine shipment brought into Nigeria through Lagos.
Ten Filipino crew members aboard the merchant ship, MV Nord Bosporus, were found guilty after authorities uncovered 20 kilograms of cocaine hidden on the vessel at the Apapa port.
Spokesperson, Femi Babafemi, revealed this on Wednesday, the 18th of March, 2026, that the Federal High Court in Lagos handed down combined fines and restitution amounting to $6 million, along with an extra N1.1 million penalty.
The vessel and its crew were apprehended on November 16, 2025, following the interception of the illicit consignment. The ship had sailed from Santos, Brazil before arriving in Nigeria.
Legal proceedings were initiated under a four-count charge filed at the Federal High Court, Lagos, with the case identified as FHC/L/1232C/25. The prosecution was led by the Director of Prosecution and Legal Services, Theresa Asuquo.
All defendants admitted guilt and opted for a plea bargain arrangement with prosecutors.
In his ruling on Wednesday, Justice Ayokunle Faji found the vessel culpable under Section 25 of the NDLEA Act. The court ordered the ship to pay a N100,000 fine and $5.35 million as restitution to the Federal Government.
The court also directed three senior officers of the vessel and the second, third, and fourth defendants to each pay a N100,000 fine and $100,000 in restitution. The remaining seven crew members were fined N100,000 each and ordered to pay $50,000 individually.
Altogether, the financial penalties imposed on the vessel and its crew total $6 million and N1.1 million.
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Reacting to the judgment, NDLEA Chairman and Chief Executive Officer, Mohamed Buba Marwa, described the outcome as a major breakthrough in the agency’s fight against drug trafficking.
“The conviction is a resounding victory for the rule of law and a powerful testament to the renewed vigour of the NDLEA in our mission to rid Nigeria of illicit drugs,” Marwa said.
He explained that the scale of the penalties sends a clear message to international drug networks, stressing that the agency is shifting focus beyond seizures to targeting the financial systems behind the trade.
Marwa also praised officers of the Apapa Strategic Command for uncovering the concealed drugs, alongside the prosecution team and the judiciary for ensuring a speedy trial.
“This synergy between the NDLEA and the courts is the nightmare of every drug baron, and we will continue to strengthen this partnership until every drug supply chain in Nigeria is dismantled,” he added.
He restated the agency’s resolve to boost intelligence and operations, noting that the crackdown on illicit drugs remains key to national security and safeguarding young people.