Why 12 Dockworkers are still in detention — NDLEA

The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) has explained why the agency is yet to release 12 dockworkers arrested at the Apapa seaport in Lagos in connection with importation of cocaine.

This is contained in a recent statement issued by the Director, Media and Advocacy of the NDLEA, Mr. Femi Babafemi. The anti-drug agency said the dockworkers are being detained due to their alleged significant links to the importation of 32.9 kilograms of cocaine worth over N9.5 billion in street value.

Recall that the President-General of the Maritime Workers Union of Nigeria (MWUN); Comrade Adewale Adeyanju had recently raised alarm over the continued detention of the dockworkers without any evidence linking them to the illicit drugs.

But, speaking on the issue in the statement, the NDLEA informed that a Federal High Court in Lagos had granted an application by the agency for the interim attachment of a vessel MV Chayanee Naree used to import the 32.9 kilograms of cocaine into Nigeria through the Apapa seaport.

Beside the attachment order, the court also granted NDLEA’s request to detain the Master of the ship, Mr. Tanahan Krilerk and 21 foreign crew members as well as the dockworkers arrested in connection to the case.

The anti-narcotic agency had on October 13 intercepted the ship at the Apapa seaport following intelligence from international partners and support from other security forces such as the Nigerian Navy, Customs, DSS and the police.

A thorough search of the ship led to the recovery of 30 parcels containing cocaine, which weighed 32.9kg, a statement signed by NDLEA spokesperson Femi Babafemi had said.

The application in suit no: FHC/L/CS/1518/2021, which was filed by the agency’s Director of Prosecution and Legal Services, Joseph Nbone Sunday on Thursday, October 28 was granted the following day Friday October 28 by Hon. Justice A.O. Awogboro.

An application to renew the remand order was also filed on Friday, November 12 because of the volume of evidence coming out from the cooperation of the suspects in custody.

The NDLEA said its clarification became necessary following claims by the Maritime Workers Union of Nigeria that some of its members are being detained unlawfully by the Agency.

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