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Ship and crew members convicted for drug smuggling
The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) has secured the conviction of 10 Filipino sailors and the 'Nord Bosporus' over the importation of 20 kilograms of cocaine into Nigeria through the Apapa seaport in Lagos. The agency’s spokesman, Femi Babafemi, disclosed on March 18, that the Federal High Court in Lagos also imposed fines and restitution totaling $6 million, alongside an additional N1.1 million penalty on the convicts. The vessel and its crew were arrested on Nov 16, 2025, following the interception of the cocaine consignment concealed onboard the ship, which had arrived from Santos. Subsequently, the NDLEA filed a four-count charge against them in suit number FHC/L/1232C/25 before the Federal High Court 2, Lagos, led by the agency’s Director of Prosecution and Legal Services, Theresa Asuquo. The defendants, however, pleaded guilty and entered into a plea bargain agreement. Delivering his judgment on March 18, Justice Ayokunle Faji found the vessel guilty under Section 25 of the NDLEA Act and ordered it to pay a N100,000 penalty and $5.35 million in restitution to the Federal Government. Three principal officers of the vessel—the 2nd, 3rd, and 4th defendants—were each fined N100,000 and ordered to pay $100,000 in restitution, while the remaining seven crew members were fined N100,000 each and $50,000 in restitution apiece. In total, $6 million and N1.1 million had to be paid as fines and restitution.
Crew detained on bulk carrier following discovery of cocaine
The Department of Migrant Workers (DMW) confirmed that the 20 Filipino crew members remained detained aboard the 'Nord Bosporus' in Lagos, following the discovery of about 20 kilograms of cocaine inside a parcel during a port inspection. The Nigerian Drug Enforcement Authority (NDEA) found a black-wrapped package inside the vessel, upon its arrival at the Port of Lagos, enrotue from Santos, on Nov. 16, 2025, enroute from Brazil. The Nigerian authorities secured an order from the local courts to arrest the vessel. The crew was allowed to communicate with their families on Nov 21 and Nov 22, until Nov 26, when their mobile phones were confiscated by the police authorities for investigation. The Philippine ambassador in Abuja, Mersole Mellejor assured that there is already close coordination with Nigerian authorities. The Philippine Honorary Consul in Lagos, Emmanuel Oloja Akpakwu, has also been instructed to keep in touch with the local authorities. The ship owners and the local manning agency have instructed their Protection and Indemnity (P&I) Club lawyers to be present once questioning begins. The seafarers have not issued any statements regarding the seized cocaine. The DMW and the Overseas Workers Welfare Administration have begun reaching out to the families of the detained seafarers to provide updates and assistance. The DMW was also in close coordination with the ship owners and the manning agency to ensure that allotments and other crew benefits continued uninterrupted.
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