Court extends remand of alleged drug baron ‘Temo’ by 14 days

By Adeyanju Esther

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 in the custody of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA).

Justice Akintayo Aluko granted the extension in response to an ex parte motion filed by the NDLEA.

The motion was argued by NDLEA prosecution counsel Lambert Nor, who requested the extension to continue investigations into the suspect’s extensive drug network.

Nor explained that the additional time was necessary to complete the investigation and obtain responses from various agencies connected to the case.

He emphasised that the delay in the investigation was due to nationwide protests and the unavailability of the suspect’s counsel, which disrupted the initial 14-day remand period.

The NDLEA supported its motion with a 13-paragraph affidavit from Kayode Abu Ojo, a litigation officer, detailing the complications faced during the initial remand period.

The affidavit noted that the investigation had uncovered a more intricate drug network and that additional time was needed to gather comprehensive information.

After reviewing the submissions, Justice Aluko ruled in favour of the NDLEA’s request.

The judge stated, “The application has merit, and the order sought is hereby granted.” The court adjourned the case to August 23, 2024, for the NDLEA to present its investigation report.

Temo, a long-sought drug baron, was first remanded on July 26, 2024. The case, originally scheduled for review on August 9, 2024, was further postponed to allow for the extended investigation period.