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From Godwin Tsa, Abuja, Ighomuaye Lucky, Benin
The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) has secured the conviction and sentencing of 11 Indian sailors and their merchant vessel, MV Aruna Hulya, at the Lagos division of the Federal High Court.
They were convicted and fined a total of $6m by the court barely six months after their arrest by operatives of NDLEA for importing 31.5 kilogrammes of cocaine into Nigeria through the Apapa seaport.
The NDLEA had taken the Indian crew members and their vessel into custody following the discovery of the cocaine in Hatch 3 of the ship at the GDNL Terminal, Apapa Port, Lagos, on Friday, January 2, 2026. The drugs were found during a routine operation by NDLEA operatives and were traced to a consignment originating from the Marshall Islands.
The Master of the vessel, Sharma Shashi Bhushan, and 10 other crew members – Bharati Manoj Kumar, Nevage Sandesh Suresh, Pandey Prashant, Nuttu Anand, Akash Babu, Nilesh Mukuno Bhalerad, Melethil Insaf Rahman, Barla Chantanya Krishna, Prabhasukhan Singu, and Jai Parkash — were arraigned on a two-count charge in Suit No. FHC/L/56C/2026 before Justice Joseph Chukwujekwu Aneke of the Federal High Court, Lagos.
Yesterday, Justice Aneke delivered his ruling on plea bargain terms filed by both the prosecution and the defence. All 12 defendants were convicted under Section 25 of the NDLEA Act and sentenced to pay 100,000 naira each as prescribed by the Act.
In addition, the vessel listed as the first defendant, was ordered to pay restitution to the Federal Republic of Nigeria in the sum of $5.3 million or its naira equivalent.
The three principal officers of the vessel: Sharma Shashi Bhushan, Nilesh Mukuno Bhalerad, and Melethil Insaf Rahman, the second, third, and fourth defendants respectively were each directed to pay restitution of $100,000, while the remaining crew members, listed as the fifth to twelfth defendants, were each ordered to pay $50,000.
Reacting to the judgment, NDLEA Chairman and Chief Executive Officer, Brig. Gen. Mohamed Marwa (rtd.), described the conviction as a landmark ruling that sends a resounding message to drug trafficking networks worldwide.
“Nigeria is no longer a safe corridor for cocaine or any other illicit substance,” Marwa declared.
He noted that the judgment is the third of its kind in recent times, following earlier convictions of foreign nationals and vessels on similar charges. “Let it be known that these are not coincidences — they are the direct result of deliberate, intelligence-led operations by our officers who remain vigilant at every port of entry,” he said.
Meanwhile , the Edo State Command of NDLEA, yesterday, destroyed 73,463.21 kilograms of assorted illicit drugs seized across the state, describing the operation as a significant blow to drug trafficking networks and substance abuse in Nigeria.
Speaking during the public destruction exercise in Benin City, Marwa said the exercise demonstrated the agency’s unwavering commitment to eliminating illicit drugs and safeguarding communities from the devastating consequences of substance abuse.
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Represented by the NDLEA Zonal Controller, Narcotic, Ahmed Ningi, Marwa said the exercise went beyond the destruction of narcotics, symbolising Nigeria’s resolve to dismantle drug trafficking syndicates and prevent dangerous substances from reaching vulnerable citizens.
According to him, the destroyed exhibits consisted mainly of cannabis weighing 73,210.23 kilograms, alongside psychotropic substances, methamphetamine, cocaine and heroin.
He noted that the sheer volume of the seizures highlighted both the scale of the drug threat and the effectiveness of intelligence-led operations carried out by NDLEA personnel.
“The drugs being destroyed today would have ended up in the veins, lungs and bloodstreams of countless young Nigerians if not for the vigilance and courage of our officers.
“Their destruction represents justice for the many lives that could have been ruined,” he said.
Marwa stressed that the presence of cocaine, heroin and methamphetamine among the seized substances showed that Edo State and Nigeria remain targets of international drug trafficking networks.
He lamented the devastating social impact of substance abuse, saying addiction continues to rob many young people of their future while inflicting emotional and economic hardship on families and communities.
Calling for stronger collaboration among government agencies, community leaders, parents, teachers and religious organisations, he said the fight against drug abuse requires a united and sustained effort.
Marwa explained that public destruction exercises promote transparency, assure the public that seized drugs are not returned to circulation, and send a clear warning to criminal elements.
“The message is clear: NDLEA will continue to track drug traffickers, seize their consignments and ensure that illicit substances are permanently removed from society,” he stated.
He reaffirmed the agency’s commitment to sustaining the war against drug trafficking and abuse until communities across the country are free from the menace of illicit drugs.
Also speaking, the Edo State Commander of Narcotics, Mitchell Ofoyeju, said the massive seizure resulted from relentless intelligence-driven operations by officers and men of the command.
He emphasised that the fight against drug trafficking and substance abuse is a collective responsibility and should not be left to NDLEA alone.
