Rita Odafe
The infamous drug lord from Lagos, Jimoh Sulaimon, known informally as “Temo” or “Olowoidigede,” has been remanded by the Federal High Court in Lagos on Wednesday.
This remand follows his charges by the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) concerning numerous drug trafficking offenses.
Temo, also called “Godfather” and “001,” faces six amended charges, which include being part of a Drug Trafficking Organisation, and dealing with 704 kilograms of cannabis sativa, referred to as Ghana Loud, among other offenses including concealing illegal funds.
Lambert Nor, the Deputy Command and Head of the Legal Department for Lagos at the NDLEA, detailed in court that Temo collaborated with four fugitives—Ojo Emmanuel, Wasiu Olayinka Saliu, Taofeek Noah, and Kazeem—operating a drug trade between Nigeria and Ghana from 2020 to 2024.
“They engaged in the illegal cross-border drug trafficking,” Nor stated. “The defendant and his associates laundered drug profits, obscuring their illegal income.”
Nor cited the specific legal sections violated per the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency Act, Cap N30 of the Federation of Nigeria, 2004.
In response to the charges, Temo entered a not guilty plea.
Nor indicated the presence of four witnesses ready to testify against Temo and requested his remand until the trial ends.
Temo’s attorney, Benson Ndakara, who previously worked with the NDLEA, accused the agency of leading a “media trial” against his client.
“There has been considerable media attention prior to this court appearance, and I pray for the strength for the judge to handle this case,” Ndakara remarked.
He noted that they had submitted a bail application that would be addressed later and asked for a daily trial in accordance with the 2015 Administration of Criminal Justice Act.
In reply, Justice Deinde Dipeolu instructed the prosecution to present their witnesses. The four witnesses, mainly exhibit keepers and forensic experts, detailed their involvement in the case.
Evidence submitted included 19 jute bags with 704 kilograms of cannabis, a Camry vehicle, and two phones, which were accepted without challenge from the defense.
Moses Eldah, an evidence keeper from the NDLEA, shared his account of receiving 704 kilograms of cannabis and other items on October 13, 2020. “A Fiat truck, a Siena car, a Toyota Camry, and two phones were among the items handed to me,” he explained.
During cross-examination, Eldah admitted he was uninformed about the recovery process of these items.
“I was not a part of the recovery process,” he stated.
After hearing the evidence, Justice Dipeolu postponed the trial until October 2 and 4, 2024, for further proceedings. Temo is to remain under the custody of the Nigerian Correctional Services until the next hearing.
