High-risk international drug trafficking: a Nigerian faces 15 years in prison before the Criet
The Court for the Repression of Economic Crimes and Terrorism (CRIET) held a hearing, on Monday, July 7, 2025, in a high-risk international drug trafficking case involving a Nigerian national.
The defendant is accused of attempting to leave Beninese territory with nearly 10 kilograms of cocaine hidden in his luggage.
It was during routine checks that agents discovered 9.89 kg of cocaine carefully concealed in his suitcase.
On the stand, the defendant claimed to be completely unaware of the contents of the suitcase, stating that it was handed over to him in Nigeria by a certain El Hadj, whose full identity remains unknown. His lawyer attempted to convince the Court of his client’s good faith, highlighting the lack of criminal record and the weakness of the evidence of his criminal intent.
But for the prosecution, there is no doubt about the guilt of the accused. The prosecutor pointed out the considerable quantity of drugs, the professionally devised modus operandi, as well as the suspect’s behavior at the time of the arrest. He requested a 15-year prison sentence, including a firm 10 years, accompanied by a fine of 5 million CFA francs.
CRIET has adjourned its ruling. The verdict is expected on August 11, 2025. Until then, the accused remains in provisional detention awaiting his fate.
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