🇳🇬NigeriaWest Africa
Nigerian court convicts 11 Indian sailors and vessel for cocaine trafficking, orders $5.3 million restitution
via Punch Nigeria3 min read
A Federal High Court in Lagos has convicted 11 Indian sailors and their merchant vessel, MV Aruna Hulya, for trafficking 31.5 kilograms of cocaine into Nigeria. The conviction follows the interception of the illicit drug by National Drug Law Enforcement Agency NDLEA operatives on January 2, 2026, at the Apapa seaport. The cocaine was found concealed in Hatch 3 of the ship, which had arrived from the Marshall Islands. The vessel's master, Sharma Shashi Bhushan, and 10 other crew members were arraigned on a two-count charge. Justice Joseph Aneke adopted a plea bargain agreement, convicting all 12 defendants under Section 25 of the NDLEA Act. Each defendant was ordered to pay a fine of N100,000. Additionally, the MV Aruna Hulya was ordered to pay restitution of $5.3 million to the Federal Republic of Nigeria. The vessel's three principal officers, Sharma Shashi Bhushan, Nilesh Mukuno Bhalerad, and Melethil Insaf Rahman, were directed to pay $100,000 each, while the remaining crew members were ordered to pay $50,000 each as restitution. Brig. Gen. Mohamed Buba Marwa retd., Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of the NDLEA, stated that the judgment serves as a strong warning to international drug trafficking syndicates and demonstrates that Nigeria will not be a transit route for illicit drugs.
Free daily or weekly digest of the most important stories from across 18 African countries. No spam, unsubscribe any time.
This summary was AI-generated from a story originally published by Punch Nigeria.
Must ReadThe All Progressives Congress APC in Oyo State has expressed concern over Governor Seyi Makinde's statement regarding the loss of over 200 members of the Western Nigeria Security Network, Amotekun Corps, in undisclosed circumstances. The APC, through its Publicity Secretary Olawale Sadare, called on the Governor to provide more details about these deaths and ensure the protection of corps officials and residents. Governor Makinde had mentioned the deaths during a visit to Oriire Local Government Area on May 30, following an incident where two people were killed and over 40 school children and teachers were abducted on May 15. The APC criticized what it described as the Governor's "lack of empathy" and "flippancy" in announcing the deaths. The party also raised questions about the conditions of service within the Amotekun Corps, suggesting a lack of synergy with federal security agencies and improper deployment of corps members to guard private facilities. The APC urged the Governor to involve security experts and improve training and welfare for Amotekun officials.
The Kwara State Government, in collaboration with the United Nations Population Fund, has launched a sensitisation campaign to reduce maternal and newborn mortality. The initiative, announced by Saad Hamdalat, Press Secretary of the Kwara State Ministry of Health, emphasizes antenatal care, hospital deliveries, and birth preparedness. Dr. Taoheed Abdullahi, Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Health, urged pregnant women to register early for antenatal care and attend all scheduled appointments, highlighting that early detection and management of complications are crucial for reducing deaths. Delivery kits were distributed to encourage clinic attendance and skilled birth assistance. Gloria Enueze, UNFPA Focal Person, underscored the vital role of midwives in maternal and child health and noted the benefits of family planning for birth spacing. Hajia Sulyman Ajibola, Head of Department of Health, Ilorin East Local Government Area, advised participants to use the provided delivery kits and sleep under insecticide-treated mosquito nets. This campaign is part of activities commemorating the International Day of the Midwife, observed annually on May 5 to recognize midwives' contributions and advocate for investment in midwifery services.
The Presidency has disassociated itself from claims regarding the appointment of Prince Adeniyi Adeyemi by an organization named the Presidential Foreign Intervention Promotion Council. A State House statement issued on Thursday by the Chief of Staff to the President, Femi Gbajabiamila, clarified that this alleged organization is not recognized by the Federal Government and does not exist under President Bola Tinubu's administration. The statement noted that Prince Adeniyi Adeyemi, operating under the guise of this organization, has been presenting himself to the public as having received an appointment from the Chief of Staff's office. The public is advised that no such office or appointment exists within the current administration. The Chief of Staff urged foreign and diplomatic missions, financial and multilateral institutions, development organizations, security agencies, and the general public to be aware of this disclaimer.