The Federal High Court in Lagos has granted the request of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) to remand an alleged drug kingpin, Sulaimon Jimoh, also known as “Temo”, who was arrested by the agency’s operatives, for 14 days.
The court also ordered an interim attachment to the Federal Government of Nigeria of a Grey Colored Mercedes Benz SUV GLE 156 2022 Model with Registration number 01G-300G, OGUN and Chassis No. 4JGFB4JB9NA622055, belonging to the alleged drug baron, as it is suspected to be proceeds from illicit drug dealing in Cannabis Sativa pending the determination of this case.
The court also made a deeming order that the Grey Colored Mercedes Benz SUV GLE 156 2022 Model with Registration number: 01G-300G, OGUN and Chassis number: 4JGFB4JBINA622055 belonging to the suspect, being a proceed of illicit drug dealing in Cannabis Sativa and already in its custody, as having been so properly held.
Justice Akintayo Aluko, who presided over the court, permitted NDLEA to remand the alleged drug baron who is also known as Temo and interim attachment of the Vehicle while granting an exparte motion filed and argued by Barrister Lambert Nor, a Deputy Commander in charge of prosecution and legal services of the agency in Lagos State.
In urging the court to grant the agency’s remand request of the alleged drug baron, Barrister Nor stated that the application was pursuant to Sections 6 and 44 of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria 1999 (as amended); Section 293 of the Administration of Criminal Justice Act, 2015; Sections 3(c), 31(a) 31, 32, 33, 34, 36 and 46 of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency Cap. N30 LFN 2004; Order 26 Rules 8 of the Federal High Court Civil Procedure Rules 2009 and under the court’s inherent jurisdiction.
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Mr. Nor also told the court that the exparte motion for the orders was supported by an affidavit deposed to by Kayode Ojo, a litigation officer with the agency, and a written address.
The NDLEA listed the following grounds for the orders sought: “that the suspect, Sulaimon Jimoh alias “Olowoidiogede”, a.k.a. “Temo” is a wanted high profile drug baron who is in control of the Cannabis Drug trade in the whole of the West Africa Region.
“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.”
Justice Aluko, after listening to the submission of the NDLEA lawyer, perusing through all the processes filed before the court, and citing plethoras of authorities, granted the orders sought, while the matter is adjourned to August 9, 2024, for a report of investigation.
