Full Breakdown
Nigerian Court Convicts Indian Crew and Vessel for $6 Million Cocaine Trafficking
6/12/2026, 3:20:05 AM
Conviction and Financial Penalties
On 11 June 2026, the Federal High Court in Lagos, led by Justice Joseph Chukwujekwu Aneke, convicted the crew of MV Aruna Hulya and the vessel for trafficking 31.5 kg of cocaine seized at Apapa port. Each of the 11 Indian crew members received a 100,000 naira fine. The ship was ordered to pay $5.3 million in restitution; the master and two senior officers $100,000 each, the other eight crew $50,000 each, totalling about $6 million.
Background: Nigeria’s Anti-Drug Drive
Nigeria’s National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) has stepped up inspections at Lagos’s ports, which are used as cocaine transit points. The MV Aruna Hulya case follows two recent convictions of foreign vessels, reflecting a broader crackdown on drug smuggling.
Key Actors
The vessel MV Aruna Hulya is Marshall Islands-registered. The crew includes captain Sharma Shashi Bhushan and ten Indian seafarers (Bharati Manoj Kumar, Nevage Sandesh Suresh, Pandey Prashant, Nuttu Anand, Akash Babu, Nilesh Mukuno Bhalerad, Melethil Insaf Rahman, Barla Chantanya Krishna, Prabhasukhan Singu, Jai Parkash). NDLEA is led by Chairman Brig. Gen. Mohamed Buba Marwa (rtd).
Timeline of Investigation and Judgment
2 Jan 2026 – NDLEA finds 31.5 kg cocaine in hatch 3 of MV Aruna Hulya at Apapa.
11 Jun 2026 – Federal High Court (case no. FHC/L/56C/2026) issues conviction and fines.
Data Summary
- Cocaine seized: 31.5 kg
- Statutory fine per crew member: 100,000 naira
- Vessel restitution: $5.3 million
- Principal officers’ restitution: $100,000 each
- Remaining crew’s restitution: $50,000 each
- Total penalties: ? $6 million
Legal and Policy Significance
The ruling applies Nigeria’s NDLEA Act, specifically Section 25’s statutory penalty, and shows courts will hold foreign nationals and vessels financially liable. Targeting both ship and crew aims to disrupt profit motives of transnational drug networks using Nigerian ports.
Official Statements
NDLEA officials said the case demonstrates intelligence-led operations, serves as a deterrent, and confirms Nigeria will no longer be a “safe corridor” for narcotics.
Conflicting Reports & Gaps
All three sources agree on the seizure, charges and penalties; no contradictions appear. Ownership details of the vessel and any auction outcome are not disclosed.
Verbatim Quotes
- “This judgment is the third of its kind in recent times, following the convictions of foreign nationals and vessels on similar charges,” — Mohamed Buba Marwa, NDLEA Chairman
- “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.” — Mohamed Buba Marwa, NDLEA Chairman
- “Whether you come by air, land, or sea — whether you are a Nigerian or a foreign national — if you attempt to use our waters as a narcotics highway, you will face the full weight of Nigerian law,” — Mohamed Buba Marwa, NDLEA Chairman
- “The war against drug trafficking is one we are winning, and we intend to keep it that way.” — Mohamed Buba Marwa, NDLEA Chairman
Outlook for Future Enforcement
NDLEA pledged continued intelligence-driven inspections at Lagos ports to keep Nigeria’s waterways secure and prevent drug transit.
