THE Federal High Court in Lagos has authorized the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) to extend the remand of alleged drug lord Sulaimon Jimoh, commonly known as “Olowo Idi Ogede,” for an additional 14 days.
Justice Akintayo Aluko on Friday, approved the remand extension for Jimoh, who is also referred to as Temo, following an ex parte motion filed by the legal officer of the NDLEA’s Lagos command.
In requesting the extension, the NDLEA’s attorney informed the court that the motion was brought in accordance with Sections 6 of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria (as amended), Section 296 (1)(2) of the Administration of Criminal Justice Act 2015, Order 26 Rules 8 of the Federal High Court Civil Procedure Rules 2009, and under the court’s inherent jurisdiction.
The counsel explained that the sought extension is necessary for the NDLEA to consolidate various cases against the suspect across different jurisdictions, as responses to investigation letters related to multiple aspects of the cases are still pending.
He further noted that preliminary investigations have uncovered a broader and more complex network of drug activities that require additional scrutiny and verification.
The NDLEA also informed the court that the extension was aimed at ensuring legal custody of Jimoh and retaining the items seized from him to protect his rights.
The anti-drug agency supported its motion with a 13-paragraph affidavit submitted by Kayode Abu Ojo, a litigation officer with the agency.
In the affidavit, the declarant stated: “The applicant sought and obtained an Order from the Honourable Court to remand Sulaimon Jimoh, alias ‘Olowo Idi Ogede’ a.k.a. ‘Temo,’ a high-profile drug baron wanted for over ten years, in the applicant’s custody.”
It further detailed that the applicant had complied with the court’s order made on July 26, 2024, and was seeking an additional 14-day remand for several reasons.
Among these, the affidavit noted that during the initial 14-day remand period ordered by the court, there were nationwide protests that posed security challenges and hindered the investigative panel’s progress, leading to significant lost time.
Additionally, it was mentioned that the suspect’s legal counsel was unavailable for a period, which delayed the suspect’s ability to complete his statement. By the time the defense attorney was available, a considerable amount of the initial 14 day period had elapsed.
The ongoing investigation is reportedly revealing an extensive and intricate network of drug activities with both national and international implications. Furthermore, inquiries sent to related agencies, corporate entities, and other organizations regarding sensitive aspects of the suspect’s case are still pending responses.
The affidavit emphasized the need to address the numerous cases against the suspect across various jurisdictions to have a comprehensive understanding of the Drug Trafficking Organization (DTO) he allegedly operates, ensuring protection of both his rights and the court’s orders.
After considering the NDLEA’s arguments and reviewing all relevant documents and legal authorities provided, Justice Aluko deemed the application valid and granted the requested order.
The judge then adjourned the case to August 23, 2024, for a report on the investigation.
It should be noted that the court previously ordered the suspect’s remand in NDLEA custody for 14 days on July 26, 2024, and the matter was set to be revisited on August 9 for an update on the investigation.
