Nigerian Court Remands Alleged Lagos Drug Kingpin ‘Temo’ In Prison Over Trafficking
This follows Jimoh’s arraignment by the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) over alleged drug trafficking cases.
A Federal High Court sitting in Lagos has remanded an alleged Lagos-based drug baron, Jimoh Sulaimon, popularly called Temo, in the custody of Nigerian Correctional Services (NCoS).
This follows Jimoh’s arraignment by the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) over alleged drug trafficking cases.
Jimoh, who is also known as Olowoidigede, Godfather and 001, was arraigned before Justice Deinde Isaac Dipeolu on an amended six count-charge of being a member of a drug trafficking organisation (DTO).
He was accused of importing, processing, trafficking and dealing in 704 kilograms of cannabis sativa (Ghana Loud) and concealment of illicit funds.
The prosecutor, Lambert Nor, Deputy Command and NDLEA Lagos Command’s Head of Legal department, at the arraignment of the suspect on Wednesday, told the court the Jimoh and four others namely Ojo Emmanuel; Wasiu Olayinka Saliu; Taofeek Noah and one Kazeem, all said to be at large, run a drug trafficking organisation between 2020 and 2024.
Nor told the court that Jimoh and others now at large run the alleged drug operation between Nigeria and Ghana.
He also told the court that the defendant and others at large without lawful authority engaged in the concealment and disguise of the true source of proceeds of illicit dealing in drugs and psychotropic substances.
He told the court that the defendant’s alleged criminal acts contravened 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.
Jimoh denied the allegations and pleaded not guilty to the charges.
Based on his plea, Nor informed the court that he had four witnesses in court to testify against Jimoh.
He also asked the court to remand the defendant till the determination of the charges against him.
However, the lawyer representing the suspect, Chief Benson Ndakara, who is a former staff member of the NDLEA but now a private lawyer, accused the anti-narcotic agency of media trial even before charging his client before a competent court for trial.
Ndaraka said: “There has been so much media hype in this case even before coming to court, but I pray that God give my Lord the strength to hear this matter.”
The counsel for the defendant also informed the court that the defendant’s bail application had been filed but would be moved at a later date.
At the resumed hearing on Wednesday, Nor called four prosecution witnesses who are mainly exhibits keepers and forensic experts.
Each of the witnesses gave evidence on the role they played in the case and also tendered several exhibits which were admitted in evidence without objection from the defence counsel.
The exhibits tendered and admitted at Wednesday’s sitting included 19 bags all weighing 704 kilograms of cannabis sativa, a Camry car, two mobile phones, a Fiat truck among others.
After hearing the witnesses, Justice Dipeolu adjourned further trial till October 2 and 4 for the continuation of trial.
The judge also ordered that the defendant be remanded in the custody of the NCoS till the next adjourned date.
