Lagos Drug “Godfather,” Temo, Remanded By High Court

Infamous Lagos drug Lord, Jimoh Sulaimon, also known as “Temo” or “Olowoidigede” by associates has now been remanded in custody by a Federal High Court sitting in Lagos.

The baron often referred to as “the Godfather,” or “001,” by his inner circus received the order on Wednesday.

This comes after the the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) arraigned the drug lord on multiple drug trafficking charges.

The amended six counts charge against “the Godfather” includes being a member of a drug cartel involved in the importing, processing, trafficking, and dealing in 704 kilograms of cannabis sativa, also known as ‘Ghana Loud,’ and concealing fraudulent funds.

Lead prosecutor for the case, NDLEA’s Deputy Command and Head of Legal Department for Lagos, Lambert Nor, accused Temo and four others now at large for running a drug syndicate that stretched from Nigeria to Ghana from year 2020till date.

The other four accused are, Ojo Emmanuel, Wasiu Olayinka Saliu, Taofeek Noah, and Kazeem.

“They engaged in the illegal trafficking of drugs across borders.

“The defendant and his associates also laundered the proceeds of their drug operations, disguising the true source of their illicit income,” Nor stated at the hearings.

Nor held that the offences committed contravened Sections 20(1)(g), 14(b), 18(a), 20(i), 11(b), and 11(c) of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency Act, Cap N30 Laws of the Federation of Nigeria, 2004.

Nor revealed that the prosecution had lined up four witnesses ready to testify of Temo’s crimes, praying the court to remand the accused in custody pending final verdict on the case.

The drug baron pleaded “not guillty” to all the charges levelled against him.

Counsel to the accused, Benson Ndakara, cried against the tactics of media trial being used by the Agency against his client.

“There has been so much media hype in this case even before coming to court, but I pray that God gives my Lord the strength to hear this matter,” Ndakara said.

Defence Counsel confirmed filing a bail application to be heard at a latter date.

Ndakara prayed the court for a day-to-day trial in consonance with Section 296 of the Administration of Criminal Justice Act 2015.

The presiding Justice Deinde Dipeolu ordered the prosecutor to present his witnesses to the court.

The prosecution proceeded by presenting the four witnesses, mostly exhibit keepers and forensic experts.

Exhibits such as 19 jute bags containing 704 kilograms of cannabis sativa, a Camry car, and two mobile phones, were all presented and admitted as evidence by the court without the defence cousel objecting.

The continuation of the trial was adjourned to October 2 and 4, 2024.

In the meantime, Temo will be remanded in the custody of the Nigerian Correctional Services until his next court appearance.