Court remands NDLEA’s most wanted Lagos drug baron

Federal High Court, Lagos

The Federal High Court in Lagos on Wednesday remanded Lagos drug baron, Jimoh Sulaimon, popularly known as “Temo” or “Olowoidigede”, following his arraignment by the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency over multiple drug trafficking allegations.

Temo, also referred to as “Godfather” and “001”, is facing an amended six counts, including membership in a Drug Trafficking Organisation, importing, processing, trafficking, and dealing in 704 kilograms of cannabis sativa, also known as Ghana Loud, and concealing illicit funds.

The NDLEA’s Deputy Command and Head of Legal Department for Lagos, Lambert Nor, who prosecuted the case, during the arraignment told the court that Temo, along with four others currently at large, Ojo Emmanuel, Wasiu Olayinka Saliu, Taofeek Noah, and Kazeem, operated the drug ring between Nigeria and Ghana from 2020 to 2024.

“They engaged in the illegal trafficking of drugs across borders,” Nor told the court. “The defendant and his associates also laundered the proceeds of their drug operations, disguising the true source of their illicit income.”

According to Nor, the offences committed 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.

However, Temo pleaded not guilty to all the charges preferred against him.

Following Temo’s plea, Nor informed the court that he had four witnesses prepared to testify against the defendant and requested that Temo be remanded in custody until the trial concludes.

Temo’s lawyer, Benson Ndakara, a former NDLEA employee, accused the agency of conducting a “media trial” against his client.

He said, “There has been so much media hype in this case even before coming to court, but I pray that God gives my Lord the strength to hear this matter.”

Ndakara confirmed that a bail application had been filed but stated that it would be moved at a later date.

He also requested a day-to-day trial in line with Section 296 of the Administration of Criminal Justice Act  2015.

In response, Justice Deinde Dipeolu ordered the prosecutor to present his witnesses. The four prosecution witnesses, who were primarily exhibit keepers and forensic experts, testified about their roles in the case.

They also presented several exhibits, including 19 jute bags containing 704 kilograms of cannabis sativa, a Camry car, and two mobile phones, all of which were admitted as evidence without objection from the defence.

One of the witnesses, Moses Eldah, an exhibit keeper with the NDLEA Central Exhibits Unit, recounted how on October 13, 2020, he received 704 kilograms of cannabis and other items from a colleague, J.E. Jakyang. “A Fiat truck, a Siena car, a Toyota Camry car, and two phones were also handed over to me,” he testified.

Under cross-examination, Dogo admitted that he did not know how the items were recovered. “I was not involved in the recovery process,” he said.

After hearing the testimonies, Justice Dipeolu adjourned the case to October 2 and 4, 2024, for the continuation of the trial.

Temo was ordered to remain in the custody of the Nigerian Correctional Services until the next hearing.