Ten Thai nationals and their cargo vessel, MV Chayanee Naree, have been convicted by a Federal High Court in Lagos for trafficking 32.9 kilograms of cocaine into Nigeria through the Apapa Seaport.
Presiding Judge, Justice Daniel Osiagor, handed down the verdict on Thursday, May 15, 2025, after a three-year prosecution led by the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA). The court also imposed a $4.36 million penalty on the vessel and its crew.
The convicted sailors are Krilerk Tanakhan, Boonlert Hansoongnern, Jakkarin Booncharoen, Thammarong Put-tlek, Worrapat Paopinta, Marut Kantaprom, Werapat Somboonying, Urkit Amsri, Panudet Jaisuk, and Amrat Thawom — all of whom were arrested on October 13, 2021, alongside nine Nigerian accomplices.
The group was arraigned in February 2022 on charges of conspiracy and illegal importation of narcotics, offences that breach sections 11(a), 11(b), and 14(b) of the NDLEA Act.
Initially, the Thai sailors challenged the charges through a no-case submission, but the court dismissed the application, ruling that the prosecution had established a prima facie case. This led the defendants to seek a plea bargain with the NDLEA.
As part of the sentence, MV Chayanee Naree was found guilty of transporting the illegal consignment and ordered to pay a fine of $4 million. The 2nd to 11th defendants were convicted for allowing the use of the vessel for drug trafficking. Defendants 2, 3, and 4 must each pay N100,000 plus restitution of $50,000. The 5th to 11th defendants are to pay the same fine and an additional $30,000 each — totaling $4.36 million in penalties.
The trial of the nine 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 — continues on June 25.
The NDLEA prosecution team was led by DCGN Theresa Asuquo, assisted by A. Adebayo and Paul Awogbuyi. The defence was handled by Senior Advocates Babajide Koku, Femi Atoyebi, and Tunde Adejuyigbe.
NDLEA Chairman, Brig. Gen. Mohamed Buba Marwa (Rtd), praised the agency’s legal team and officers at the Apapa Command for what he called a resolute and thorough prosecution. He added that the outcome serves as a warning to international drug syndicates and their local operatives operating in Nigerian waters.
