NDLEA Arraigns 10 Filipinos Over 20kg Cocaine Bust

The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) has arraigned the vessel MV Nord Bosporus and ten Filipino nationals before a Federal High Court in Lagos on allegations of conspiracy and unlawful importation of 20 kilograms of cocaine into Nigeria.

According to reports, the individuals arraigned alongside the vessel are Eugene Quinos Corpuz, Mark Joseph Jardiniano, Alexis Navidad Evarrola, Francis Gerard Niones Carpio, Franz Jude Mayran, Mahinay Junniel Lagura, Mario Ganiban Malvar, Hormachuelos Lordito Guivencan, Joshua Emmanuel Hufanda, and Edwin Baltazar Reyes.

The defendants appeared before Justice Ayokunle Faji on Monday on a four-count charge, designated FHC/L1232c/2025. Prosecuting counsel Barrister Theresa Asuquo, leading Adekunle Onabajo, informed the court that the vessel and the defendants were arrested on November 16, 2025, at the GDNL Terminal, Apapa port, Lagos, in connection with the alleged cocaine smuggling.

The prosecutor stated that the alleged offenses contravene Sections 11(b) and 14(b) of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency Act, Cap N30, Laws of the Federation of Nigeria, 2004. All the defendants pleaded not guilty to the charges.

Despite their pleas, Barrister Asuquo confirmed that a plea bargain agreement had been signed in accordance with Section 270(4) of the Administration of Criminal Justice Act (ACJA) 2015. The prosecution indicated its intention to file an amended charge. The lead defense counsel, Femi Atoyebi (SAN), affirmed the plea bargain and requested a hearing date for the court to consider the agreement.

By consent of the parties, Justice Faji adjourned the matter to Tuesday, March 17, for further proceedings.

The charges allege that the vessel and the defendants transported 20 kilograms of cocaine from Santos, Brazil, to Lagos without lawful authority, and conspired to import and unlawfully transport the narcotic in violation of the NDLEA Act.