The Federal High Court in Lagos has ordered the remand of Alhaji Sulaimon Jimoh, alias Olowoidiogede, also known as Temo, an alleged drug baron, for 14 days. This decision comes after Jimoh was apprehended by the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) in the Mushin area of Lagos on Monday, following years of evading capture.
On Friday, July 26, 2024, Justice Akintayo Aluko issued the remand order at the request of the NDLEA, which sought to hold Jimoh in custody for further investigation. Additionally, the court ordered the interim attachment of a grey-colored Mercedes Benz SUV GLE 156 2022 model, with Registration Number 01G-300G and chassis No. 4JGFB4JB9NA622055, to the Federal Government of Nigeria. This vehicle, which is allegedly a product of illicit drug dealing, will be held pending the outcome of the case.
The court also made a deeming order that the SUV, already in the court’s custody, is considered properly held as evidence of drug trafficking. Justice Aluko granted the NDLEA’s requests following an Exparte motion filed and argued by NDLEA’s counsel, Lambert Nor.
During the hearing, Nor argued that the application was based on Sections 6 and 44 of the 1999 Constitution (as amended), Section 293 of the Administration of Criminal Justice Act, 2015, and various sections of the NDLEA Act 2004. He supported the Exparte motion with a 23-paragraph affidavit from Kayode A. Ojo, a litigation officer with the agency, along with 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.”
After reviewing the submissions, Justice Aluko granted the requested orders and scheduled the next hearing for August 9, 2024, to receive a report on the investigation.
