The Federal High Court in Lagos has granted the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) permission to detain Sulaimon Jimoh, alias ‘Olowo Idi Ogede’, a suspected drug baron, for 14 days.
Additionally, the court ordered the temporary seizure of a grey Mercedes Benz SUV GLE belonging to Jimoh, believed to be a proceeds of illicit drug dealing in Cannabis Sativa.
Justice Akintayo Aluko made the rulings while granting an application filed by Lambert Nor, a deputy commander in charge of prosecution and legal services of the NDLEA in Lagos.
The NDLEA requested the remand and seizure orders, citing various legal provisions, including the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, the Administration of Criminal Justice Act, and the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency Act.
The agency alleged that Jimoh is a wanted high-profile drug baron controlling the cannabis trade in West Africa.
The court’s orders allow the NDLEA to hold Jimoh in custody for 14 days and seize his vehicle pending the outcome of the case.
“That several tons of the drugs of the suspect had been seized over the years and the Suspect had always managed to escape arrest.
“That there is a need to pursue other diverse aspects of the case by way of extensive investigation. That it is necessary to have legal custody of the suspect and the items seized from him in order not to violate his rights
“That it is a statutory and procedural requirement. And that there is a need to vest proper custody of the vehicles in the Agency pending the conclusion of the investigation/trial. That this honourable court has unfettered discretion to grant the orders sought.”
