Court Sentences Ex-Footballer and Drug Kingpin to 24 Years

The Federal High Court in Lagos sentenced former international footballer Segun Hunkarin and fugitive drug kingpin Ntoruka Chinedu to a combined 24 years’ imprisonment for the unlawful importation of cocaine. Justice Musa Kakaki delivered the sentences after finding both guilty of importing 7.05 kilograms of cocaine.

Chinedu, who was first arraigned in September 2015 for importing 6.25 kilograms of cocaine, absconded after being granted bail and remained at large for nearly 10 years. He was re-arrested on June 24, 2025, at Murtala Muhammed International Airport while attempting to smuggle an additional 800 grams of cocaine.

Hunkarin, who had played professional football in Brazil, was arrested at the airport car park while waiting to receive the consignment. He admitted to previously trafficking drugs from Brazil to Ethiopia.

Chinedu received a total of 22 years—20 years for the 2015 case and 2 years for conspiracy with Hunkarin, who was sentenced to 2 years for his role. The NDLEA prosecutor urged for conviction in line with the NDLEA Act, while the convicts' counsel sought leniency, which the court denied.