Federal High Court Extends Detention of Vessel and Crew in Cocaine Smuggling Case
Justice Friday Ogazi of the Federal High Court, Lagos Division, on Monday ordered the continued detention of the vessel MV San Antonio and its 21 crew members for an additional 14 days. The order was granted in connection with ongoing investigations into allegations that the vessel smuggled 25.5 kilogrammes of cocaine into Nigeria.
The vessel was intercepted by the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) upon arrival at Apapa Port, Lagos, on 6 December 2025, having sailed from Brazil. Customs officials reportedly discovered the illicit substance concealed within a bulk consignment of sugar. Following the discovery, the NCS handed over the vessel and its crew to the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) for further investigation and possible prosecution.
The detained crew members include the vessel’s master, Trofymov Oleksandr, alongside Stoychev Sergiy, Bobrov Maksim, Stupnytsky Sergiy, Bitinev Aleksei, Novruzov Teymur, Sosnov Oleg, Bondar Ihor, Klymenko Oleh, Cala Michael De Jesus, Jamir Julfikhar Jacusalem, Blanco Cruz Veloso, Fajardo Ronnel Luntaao, Gumela Lolito Jr Serojano, Toston Romulo Jr Oling, Smirnov Viacheslav, Gorre Mar Kemmeth Tabudlong, Cruz John Vhoie Glavez, Sablan Jamille Alorro, Abesia Kelvin Belarmino, and Ubay Kenneth Biaoco.
On 12 December 2025, Justice Ogazi had earlier granted an ex parte application filed by NDLEA counsel, Mr. Kunle Adebajo, authorising the agency to detain the vessel and its crew for an initial period of 14 days.
At the resumed hearing, NDLEA’s counsel informed the court that the agency had filed a fresh application seeking an extension of the remand order for another 14 days, citing the need to conclude ongoing investigations. The application was supported by an eight‑paragraph affidavit sworn to by Fatogun Thompson, who disclosed that preliminary findings had linked certain Nigerian nationals to the alleged trafficking operation.
In his ruling, Justice Ogazi held that the application was meritorious and accordingly granted the extension as prayed. The matter was adjourned to 13 January 2026 for a report on the progress of investigations.
