Federal High Court Convicts 10 Filipino Sailors, MV Nord Bosporus Over Cocaine Trafficking; $6m Fine Imposed
The Federal High Court in Lagos has convicted ten Filipino sailors and the merchant vessel MV Nord Bosporus for trafficking 20 kilogrammes of cocaine into Nigeria, imposing cumulative financial sanctions of $6 million and ₦1.1 million.
Delivering judgment on March 18, 2026, Justice Ayokunle Faji held the defendants guilty under the NDLEA Act, following their arrest at Apapa seaport by operatives of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) on November 16, 2025. Investigations revealed the consignment originated from Santos, Brazil.
The defendants, arraigned on a four‑count charge, entered a plea bargain and pleaded guilty. The court ordered the vessel to pay ₦100,000 and $5.35 million in restitution to the Federal Government. Three principal officers were each fined ₦100,000 and $100,000 restitution, while seven crew members were fined ₦100,000 each and $50,000 apiece.
Reacting, NDLEA Chairman/CEO Buba Marwa described the ruling as a landmark victory against transnational drug cartels, stressing that Nigeria’s territorial waters are no longer safe for illicit shipments. He noted that beyond seizures, the agency is dismantling the financial structures of syndicates to ensure offenders suffer significant economic consequences.
Marwa commended the Apapa Strategic Command for vigilance and the prosecution team for securing swift conviction, while acknowledging the judiciary’s role in expediting proceedings. He reaffirmed NDLEA’s commitment to protecting Nigerian youth and strengthening national security through sustained enforcement, intelligence, and legal action.
