Court Extends Remand of Alleged Drug Baron Sulaimon Jimoh for Further Investigation

On August 12, 2024, the Federal High Court in Lagos took significant action in the case against Sulaimon Jimoh, widely known as “Olowo Idi Ogede” or “Temo,” a figure at the center of serious drug trafficking allegations. The court granted an additional 14-day remand, allowing the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) to continue holding Temo in custody as investigations into his alleged drug network progress.

The ruling was made by Justice Akintayo Aluko, who considered an ex parte motion filed by the NDLEA seeking to extend Temo’s remand. During the court proceedings, NDLEA prosecution counsel, Lambert Nor, presented compelling arguments for the extension, emphasizing the necessity of further investigation to fully understand the scope of Temo’s operations.

Nor cited various legal frameworks supporting the request, including the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria and the Administration of Criminal Justice Act 2015. He articulated the critical nature of the investigation, stating, “The extension is crucial as we continue to unravel the suspect’s extensive drug network.” The NDLEA is awaiting responses from several agencies relevant to the case, which indicates the complexity and far-reaching implications of the alleged drug activities.

Moreover, Nor underscored the importance of continued custody for Temo to prevent any potential violations of his rights or court orders. He remarked on the significant findings from preliminary investigations, which suggest a broader and more intricate network of drug trafficking that spans both national and international borders. “We need this additional time to ensure that we have a complete picture of the drug trafficking organization that the suspect allegedly operates so the court can be fully informed,” he added.

Supporting the motion, the NDLEA submitted a detailed 13-paragraph affidavit, sworn by Kayode Abu Ojo, a litigation officer within the agency. The affidavit revealed that the initial 14-day remand, which was granted on July 26, 2024, was hindered by nationwide protests and the unavailability of Temo’s legal counsel. These factors led to delays in the investigation, stating, “By the time the counsel for the suspect came, quite a substantial time of the 14 days granted by the court had been lost.”

As the investigation unfolded, it became clear that the network of drug activities involved more complexity than initially anticipated, necessitating inquiries into various sister agencies and relevant bodies. The affidavit reiterated the need for additional time to ensure a thorough investigation.

After carefully reviewing the NDLEA’s request and the supporting documents, Justice Aluko ruled in favor of the agency, stating, “The application has merit, and the order sought is hereby granted.” The court then set the next hearing date for August 23, 2024, during which the NDLEA is expected to present its detailed investigation report.

Temo has been a wanted figure in the drug trade for over a decade, with his case initially remanded on July 26, 2024. The subsequent hearing was scheduled for August 9, 2024, but was postponed, leading to the latest decision for an extension of his remand.

This development highlights the ongoing efforts of the NDLEA in combatting drug trafficking in Nigeria and underscores the complexities involved in investigating such extensive networks. The case continues to draw attention, reflecting broader concerns regarding illegal drug trade and its implications for society.