Court remands alleged drug baron, Temo, for 14 days

The Federal High Court, in Lagos, on Friday, ordered the remand of an alleged drug baron, Sulaimon Jimoh, alias “Olowo Idi Ogede,” who was arrested on Monday, by the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency.

Justice Akintayo Aluko, made the remand order following an application by NDLEA, requesting that the suspect be remanded in its custody for 14 days, for further investigation.

The court also ordered an Interim attachment to the Federal Government of Nigeria of a grey-coloured Mercedes Benz SUV GLE 156 2022 model with Registration number 01G-300G, Ogun and chassis No. 4JGFB4JB9NA622055, belonging to the alleged drug baron, being a proceed of illicit drug dealing in Cannabis Sativa pending the determination of this case.

The court further made a deeming order that the grey-coloured Mercedes Benz SUV GLE 156 2022odel with Registration number: 01G-300G, Ogun and chassis number: 4JGFB4JBINA622055 belonging to the suspect, being a proceed of illicit drug dealing in Cannabis Sativa and already in its custody, as having been so properly held.

Justice Aluko granted NDLEA’s request to remand the alleged drug baron who is also known as Temo, and interim attachment of the vehicle, after granting an Exparte motion filed and argued by NDLEA’s counsel Lambert Nor.

While arguing the application, Nor told the court that the application was under Sections 6 and 44 of the 1999, Constitution (as amended); Section 293 of the Administration Of Criminal Justice Act, 2015; Sections 3(c), 31(a) 31, 32, 33, 34, 36 and 46 of the NDLEA 2004.

Nor also told the court that the Exparte motion for the order was supported with a 23-paragraph affidavit deposed to by Kayode A Ojo, a litigation officer with the agency and a written address.

NDLEA listed the following grounds for the orders sought: “that the suspect, Sulaimon Jimoh alias “Olowoidiogede”, a.k.a. “Temo” is a wanted high profile drug baron who is in control of the Cannabis Drug trade in the whole of the West Africa Region.

“That several tons of the drugs of the suspect had been seized over the years and the suspect had always managed to escape arrest.

“That there is a need to pursue other diverse aspects of the case by way of extensive investigation.

“That it is necessary to have legal custody of the suspect and the items seized from him in order not to violate his rights.

“That it is a Statutory and procedural requirement. And that there is a need to vest proper custody of the vehicles in the Agency pending the conclusion of the investigation/trial.

“That this Honourable court has unfettered discretion to grant the orders sought.”

Justice Aluko after listening to the submission of the NDLEA lawyer, and perusing through all the processes filed before the court, granted the orders sought for, and adjourned the matter to August 9, 2024, for a report of investigation.