Court extends the detention of Lagos drug baron, Temo.

The Federal High Court in Lagos has extended the remand of alleged drug lord, Sulaimon Jimoh, also known as “Olowo Idi Ogede” or “Temo,” for an additional 14 days under the custody of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA).

Justice Akintayo Aluko granted the extension after considering an ex parte motion filed by the NDLEA.

The decision was made on Friday after the NDLEA’s prosecution counsel, Lambert Nor, presented the motion, arguing for an extension to further detain the defendant.

After reviewing the arguments and the documents submitted, Justice Aluko approved the remand extension.

Nor argued that the extension was essential under the provisions of the Nigerian Constitution, the Administration of Criminal Justice Act 2015, and the Federal High Court Civil Procedure Rules.

He emphasized the need for more time to thoroughly investigate Temo’s extensive drug network.

Nor also noted that the NDLEA was awaiting responses from various agencies and institutions involved in the case.

“Preliminary investigations have revealed a more extensive and sensitive drug network, both within and outside Nigeria, requiring further scrutiny,” Nor stated.

The NDLEA lawyer stressed that the extension was necessary to prevent any violation of Temo’s rights or court orders.

“We require this additional time to ensure a comprehensive understanding of the drug trafficking network that the suspect is allegedly involved in, so the court can be fully informed,” he added.

In support of the motion, the NDLEA submitted a 13-paragraph affidavit, sworn by Kayode Abu Ojo, a litigation officer with the agency.

The affidavit explained that the initial 14-day remand, ordered on July 26, 2024, was disrupted by nationwide protests and the absence of the suspect’s counsel, which delayed the investigation.

“During this period, the suspect’s counsel was unavailable, preventing the completion of the suspect’s statement. By the time the counsel returned, a significant portion of the initial 14-day period granted by the court had been lost.

“The ongoing investigation has uncovered a more complex and sensitive drug network, with inquiries sent to related agencies still pending. This necessitates the request for additional time,” the affidavit stated.

After considering these submissions, Justice Aluko ruled in favor of the NDLEA’s application.

“The application has merit, and the requested extension is granted,” the judge ruled. The court adjourned the case to August 23, 2024, for the NDLEA to present its investigation report.

Temo, a long-wanted drug baron, was first remanded on July 26, 2024. The case, initially adjourned to August 9, 2024, was further postponed for an additional 14 days.