LAGOS, Nigeria – The Federal High Court in Ikoyi, Lagos, presided over by Justice Akintayo Aluko, has granted a 14-day extension to the remand of Sulaimon Jimoh, an alleged drug lord also known by his alias ‘Olowo Idi Ogede’ or ‘Temo’.
This decision was made following a request by the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), which sought more time to tie up multiple ongoing investigations linked to the suspect.
The extension was granted after an ex parte motion was filed and argued by Lambert Nor, the Legal Officer-In-Charge of the Lagos Command of the NDLEA. In his submission, Nor invoked Section 6 of the Nigerian Constitution (as amended), Section 296 (1)(2) of the Administration of Criminal Justice Act 2015, and Order 26 Rules 8 of the Federal High Court Civil Procedure Rules 2009.
He argued that these legal provisions grant the court jurisdiction to approve the extension request.
Justice Aluko, in his ruling, acknowledged the NDLEA’s need for additional time to consolidate its cases against the suspect, who is implicated in a series of drug-related activities across various jurisdictions.
The NDLEA’s ongoing investigations have reportedly uncovered a broader and more complex network of criminal activities, necessitating further checks and confirmations before proceeding to trial.
The NDLEA also assured the court that Jimoh’s legal rights would be respected during the extended remand period, emphasizing that all necessary legal protocols would be observed.
In support of the motion, the NDLEA presented a 13-paragraph affidavit, deposed by Kayode Abdu Ojo, a litigation officer with the agency.
The affidavit underscored the need for the additional remand period, arguing that “the applicant desires an order of this honourable court to remand Sulaimon Jimoh alias ‘Temo’ for 14 days,” citing ongoing investigations into diverse aspects of the cases linked to the suspect.
Justice Aluko, after reviewing the affidavit and considering the arguments presented, granted the extension, allowing the NDLEA to continue its investigation and compile evidence from various jurisdictions.
This case is part of a broader crackdown on narcotics and organized crime in Nigeria, where the NDLEA has been actively pursuing high-profile drug lords and dismantling their networks.
The remand extension is seen as a critical step in ensuring that comprehensive evidence is gathered to support the prosecution’s case.
