Two Notorious Drug Kingpins Sentenced to 10 Years in Jail

A Federal High Court in Lagos has handed down a combined 10-year imprisonment sentence to two notorious drug kingpins, Ajetsibo Emami, known as “Warri Kinsman,” and Solomon Akpomuai, following their convictions for drug trafficking offenses.

Ajetsibo Emami, 37, was arrested by NDLEA operatives in Ikeja, Lagos, on June 28, 2025, after a three-day operation that dismantled his drug trafficking network. Authorities seized 414.2 kilograms of “Canadian Loud,” a potent strain of cannabis, packed in 24 jumbo bags containing 681 pouches. Emami’s network was intercepted after intelligence indicated plans to move the drugs to the Lekki area for further distribution across Lagos and beyond. He was convicted on a charge of dealing in illicit drugs and sentenced to six years in prison with an alternative fine of N50 million by Justice Deinde Dipeolu on August 18, 2025.

Solomon Akpomuai, 51, was apprehended by Customs operatives on June 3, 2025, along the Shagamu-Ijebu-Ode expressway with 2,197.8 kilograms of skunk cannabis. He was transferred to NDLEA custody on June 16 and subsequently tried for trafficking illicit drugs in a large commercial quantity. Justice Dipeolu sentenced Akpomuai to four years imprisonment or a N50 million fine.

The Chairman and CEO of NDLEA, Brigadier General Mohamed Buba Marwa (rtd), hailed the convictions as a significant milestone in Nigeria’s ongoing struggle against drug abuse and trafficking. Marwa emphasized that the agency’s balanced approach, combining efforts in drug supply reduction and demand reduction, is yielding positive results. He praised the judiciary, NDLEA officers, and other stakeholders committed to creating a drug-free Nigeria.

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This case follows other successful NDLEA operations, including the conviction of other drug kingpins earlier this year and seizures of narcotics concealed in creative ways such as cocaine hidden in lipsticks and property title documents. The agency, under Marwa’s leadership, continues to call for enhanced support from the National Assembly to bolster its capacity amid challenges like lack of accommodation for officers in the field.

The conviction of Emami and Akpomuai sends a strong message to drug traffickers and underscores Nigeria’s intensified efforts to dismantle drug networks and reduce substance abuse for a safer society