The Nation Newspaper

Tag: Cocaine

  • NDLEA intercepts Brazil returnee with cocaine concealed in genitals, shoes soles

    NDLEA intercepts Brazil returnee with cocaine concealed in genitals, shoes soles

    …over 9,939kg Loud, Colos, Skunk seized in Lagos, Niger, Edo, Anambra, Ondo raids; 

    ..12,500 ampoules of pentazocine injection recovered in Kano

    A Brazil-based Nigerian businessman, Uche Franklin Onyekwere, has been arrested by operatives of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) at the arrival hall of the Murtala Muhammed International Airport (MMIA) Lagos for concealing parcels of cocaine in his genitals and soles of his footwear.

    Director, Media and Advocacy, NDLEA Headquarters, Abuja, Femi Babafemi, disclosed this in a statement on Sunday.

    Babafemi said Onyekwere was arrested last Thursday during the inward clearance of South African Airways flight passengers arriving from Brazil via Johannesburg following processed intelligence. 

    Babafemi said when the 47-year-old suspect was taken for full body scan, the result confirmed illicit drug concealment.

    He said, “As a result, he was subjected to a strip search, during which a big parcel of white powdery substance, which later tested positive for cocaine, was discovered wrapped around his right thigh. A further search revealed two additional wraps of the same substance concealed in the sole of a pair of flat shoes worn by the suspect. In all, three large wraps of cocaine, with a gross weight of 1.60 kilograms, were recovered from his body and footwear.

    “During a preliminary interview, the suspect revealed he purchased the illicit drug consignment in Brazil with the intention to resell the cocaine in Nigeria in order to raise capital to boost his business and also finance the naming ceremony of his newly born child. The suspect who lives in Rua Ever, Mulariuha, São Paulo, claimed that he has been living in Brazil since 2008 while he has been operating a toy business for about nine years.”

    Babafemi said at the Tincan seaport in Lagos, a total of 55 jumbo bags of Canadian Loud, a strong strain of cannabis with a gross weight of 1,183 kilograms imported from Montreal, Canada in a container was discovered on Wednesday, during a joint examination of the shipment by NDLEA officers, Customs and other security agencies. 

    Read Also: PROFILE: Meet longest-serving Reps member since 1999, Hon Mutu Nicholas Ebomo 

    He said the illicit consignments were hidden inside two vehicles: a Hyundai SUV and a Toyota Matrix car.

    The statement read, “In Niger state, NDLEA operatives acting on credible intelligence in the early hours of Tuesday 26th January intercepted a long truck marked T 31589 LA along Dei-Dei Abuja expressway where they arrested the trio of Andy Chidogu, 49; Kenneth Ogene, 45; and Sadiq Olanrewaju, 27, for conveying 176 bags of skunk, a strain of cannabis weighing 2,735 kilograms and 1 kilogram of Colorado, a synthetic cannabis, concealed in the truck.

    “Investigations revealed that Kenneth Ogene who drives the truck left Lagos on 23rd January loaded with 800 bags of flour to Ekpoma, Edo State and arrived the following day 24th January. In Ekpoma, he then negotiated to transport the 176 bags of skunk and 1kg Colos for N1.7million.”

    Babafemi said in another interdiction operation, NDLEA operatives in Edo state on Tuesday arrested Shaibu Yusuf along Auchi-Abuja express road while looking for a vehicle to convey 66 bags of skunk concealed in bags of charcoal, weighing 792kg, to Katsina.

    He said also, in Edo, operatives supported by Nigerian Army personnel on Wednesday 28th January raided a cannabis farm at  Ebora camp, Ilushi in Esan South East LGA where 4,063.675kg skunk was destroyed on over 1.6 hectares farmland while 328kg processed cannabis and its seeds were recovered. 

    Suspects arrested at the camp include: Jeremiah Nwodeh, 46; Chukwudi Pius,33; Pius Ogaba, 46; and Onora Kwene, 35.

    Babafemi said, “In Anambra state, NDLEA operatives on Wednesday 28th January intercepted a cement truck at Upper Iweka Onitsha, heading to Nkpor. A search of the trailer revealed that bags of cement were used to conceal 345.2kg skunk owned Abum Okeke, 42, who was one of the three occupants of the truck at the time of arrest.

    “At least, two suspects: Tunde Ogundele,39, and Soji Elegbelye, 46, were on Monday 26th January arrested at Eleyewo community in Akure North area of Ondo state, in connection with the seizure of 473kg skunk, while NDLEA operatives in Kano on same day nabbed Abdullahi Usman, 45, at Murtala Mohammed way, with 12,500 ampoules of pentazocine injection recovered from him. Not less than 4,390 pills of tramadol were seized from another suspect Musa Shuaibu, 42, when he was arrested in Gaya area of Kano on Tuesday 27th January.

    “While Oragwan Ekene was arrested on Friday 30th January at Okeyson park, Alaba, Lagos, with 15.5kg skunk heading to Onitsha, Anambra state with the illicit consignment, 3.5kg of same psychoactive substance was recovered from a sound system and two packets of cereal found in the luggage of Omang Peter Edward at the arrival tarmac of Seme border, Badagry on Tuesday 27th January. The suspect was coming from Cotonou, Benin Republic into Lagos.”

    He said across all Commands and formations of the Agency nationwide, NDLEA officers continued their War Against Drug Abuse, (WADA), sensitization activities in schools, worship centres, work places and communities among others in the past week. 

    These, he said, include: WADA enlightenment lecture to students and staff of Government Day Junior Secondary School, Jaji Maji, Yobe; Boys Technical College, Aba, Abia; Government Technical and Vocational College, Obollo Orie, Enugu; St. John’s R.C.M Primary School, Odomola Eredo, Epe, Lagos; Yandaki Primary School, Kaita, Katsina and Seed of Life College, Ibadan, Oyo state, among others.

    “While commending the officers and men of the MMIA, Tincan, Niger, Lagos, Edo, Anambra, Ondo, and Kano Commands for the arrests, seizures and their professionalism, Chairman/Chief Executive Officer of NDLEA, Brig. Gen. Mohamed Buba Marwa (Rtd) enjoined them and their colleagues across the country to continue the current balanced approach to their drug supply reduction and drug demand reduction efforts;” the statement read. 

  • Ex-convict, three others arrested over UK-bound cocaine consignment in liquid starch sachets

    Ex-convict, three others arrested over UK-bound cocaine consignment in liquid starch sachets

    A notorious drug trafficker Nwobodo Chidiebere Basil, previously convicted of dealing in 30.10kg methamphetamine in 2023, has again been arrested by operatives of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA).

    This followed the seizure of 75 parcels of cocaine weighing 1.50 kilograms concealed in  sachets of cold-water starch heading to the United Kingdom at the export shed of the Murtala Muhammed International Airport (MMIA), Ikeja, Lagos.

    Director, Media and Advocacy NDLEA Headquarters, Abuja, Mr. Femi Babafemi, broke the news yesterday.

    Babafemi said in a statement that three cargo agents – Jubrin Firdausi Hassana; Kuku Daniel Oluwasegun; and Igwe Chioma Jane – involved in the deal were arrested on December 20, this year, before further investigations unravelled 37-year-old Basil as the mastermind.

    He said he was arrested in a follow up on December 21 at a relaxation centre in Ikeja where he went on a date with his girlfriend.

    “The agency’s criminal database revealed that Nwobodo had been arrested in May 2023 in connection with the seizure of 30.10kg methamphetamine concealed in powdered custard containers as part of a consolidated cargo going to London, United Kingdom at the export shed of the Lagos airport.

    “He was subsequently arraigned at a Federal High Court in charge number: FHC/L/337C/2023, convicted and sentenced to five years’ imprisonment with an option of a fine of N7million, along with one-month community service, with effect from December 4, 2023. He paid the fine and soon after returned to the same crime,” Babafemi said.

    Also, he said NDLEA operatives on December 22 set ablaze tons of skunk, a strain of cannabis and wooden warehouses in Ara forest, Ara-Ekiti where 638 kilograms of same psychoactive substance were recovered.

    He said no fewer than 1,205 blocks of compressed cannabis sativa, weighing 883.1kg were recovered from three Toyota Camry vehicles intercepted by the agency’s operatives on patrol on Igara-Auchi Road, Edo State last December.

    The statement reads: “In Cross River State, raids conducted on December 21  at Agoi-Ibami community, Yakurr Local Government Area, led to the arrest of three suspects and seizure of various quantities of skunk. They include Freedom Jonah Akpama, 27, with 671kg; David Itam David, 30, with 89kg; and Nelson Arikpo Osam, 26,  with 148kg.

    ‘‘In another operation, Joy Oisamaye, 42 was arrested with 38kg skunk by  operatives on patrol on Abaji-Abuja Expressway on December 22 on her way from Otua in Owan East Local Government Area, Edo State.

    Read Also: Customs intercepts N29.4 billion of cocaine in Lagos

    “While NDLEA operatives in Lagos arrested a female suspect Ajoke Dauda with 45.5kg skunk on Christmas day at Agbara, on Badagry Expressway, another suspect Oluwasegun Felix was nabbed with 18.5kg of same substance at Itoga, Badagry, the previous day. In Takum, Taraba State, two other suspects – Emmanuel Danladi, 39, and John Onoja, 41, – were nabbed with 48kg of same substance on December 23 and 24.

    “In Gombe State, a 65-year-old driver Sada’u Mohammed was arrested while conveying 300 ampoules of pentazocine injection, and 27,900 pills of tramadol, and other opioids, on the Gombe-Biu highway, heading to Biu in Borno State.”

    “Meanwhile, a 47-year-old businessman Ignatius  Egbochie (alias  Brown), wanted in connection with the seizure of 56 parcels of Loud, a strain of cannabis, weighing 26kg at the Tin Can seaport in Lagos, has been arrested by NDLEA operatives. The illicit drug consignment was seized on December 10 during a joint examination of a container by NDLEA, Customs and other security agencies.  A follow up by NDLEA operatives on December 19 led to the arrest of Ignatius in Apapa.

     Chairman/Chief Executive Officer of NDLEA, Brig.-Gen. Mohamed Buba Marwa (rtd), acknowledged their commitment and enjoined them as well as their colleagues to remain extra vigilant throughout the yuletide and in the new year.

  • Iran-bound businessman arrested in Port Harcourt for ingesting 53 wraps of cocaine

    Iran-bound businessman arrested in Port Harcourt for ingesting 53 wraps of cocaine

    Operatives of the National Drug Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) at the Port Harcourt International Airport (PHIA) have arrested a businessman, 44-year-old Ezemokwe Chukwuebuka Christian for ingesting 53 wraps of the same cocaine while on his way to Tehran Khomeini, Islamic Republic of Iran.

    This comes barely two weeks after operatives also intercepted a 60-year-old businessman Chinedu Leonard Okigbo heading to Iran with 65 pellets of cocaine in his stomach at the Mallam Aminu Kano International Airport (MAKIA) Kano.

    Director, Media and Advocacy, NDLEA Headquarters Abuja, Femi Babafemi, in a statement on Sunday, said Ezemokwe was arrested at the Port Harcourt airport on Saturday 7th June while trying to board Qatar Airways flight QR1434 flying to Tehran Khomeini in Iran via Doha.

    After a body scan proved positive to ingestion of illicit drug, he was placed on excretion observation during which he expelled 53 wraps of cocaine in six excretions with a total weight of 1.172kg, Babafemi said.

     The suspect claimed to have gone into the criminal trade two years ago, moving between the West African sub-region and Iran, according to the statement.

    Babafemi added that in a similar manner, operatives at the Murtala Muhammed International Airport (MMIA) Ikeja Lagos in the early hours of Saturday 14th June intercepted an Italy bound passenger Edobor Ambrose Ali on an Air France flight.

    According to the statement, the NDLEA officers in collaboration with the Aviation Security of the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN), discovered drug consignments hidden in the luggage of the suspect during baggage scanning at the tarmac.

    Read Also: Only President can take Nigeria to desired destination, says Tompolo

    The statement reads, “The suspect was thereafter brought down from the aircraft for baggage identification after which a thorough search of the bag led to the discovery of 14, 410 pills of tramadol 225mg and 200mg concealed in winter jackets. In his statement, Ebodor said he lives in Italy where he was hired and sent on the all expense paid trip to Nigeria to courier the drug consignments to Milan, Italy for a fee of 2000 Euros.

    “At the Port Harcourt Ports in Onne, Rivers state, NDLEA operatives on Friday 13th June intercepted a shipment of 157,800 bottles of codeine-based syrup worth over N1.1 billion naira in street value, during a joint examination of a watch-listed container with men of Customs Service and other security agencies. The opioid consignments were hidden behind 257 cartons of ceramic sanitary wares.

    “At least, three suspects: Friday Achibong Joseph, 47; Abraham Anthony Willy, 21; and Utibe David Okon, 24, were arrested on Thursday 12th June when NDLEA operatives raided a warehouse in Obereakai, Odukpani LGA, Cross River state, where a total of 2,687kg skunk, a strain of cannabis, was recovered. Same day in Bauchi state, NDLEA officers acting on credible intelligence, arrested the duo of Iriemi Imonikhe, 49, and Sa’idu Ladan, 30, along Bauchi -Jos road after 195 blocks of skunk weighing 287kg were discovered in their Toyota Camry car marked AKL 201 GG.

    “While 14 jumbo sacks of skunk weighing 560kg were recovered from a wooden boat at Oniru beach in Lagos by operatives of the Marine Command of NDLEA on Thursday 12th June, officers of the Muhammadu Buhari International Airport Maiduguri (MBIAM) same day arrested two businessmen: Ishaku Abdullahi, 30; and Buba Usman, 32, at the arrival hall of the domestic wing of the airport with various quantities of ecstacy pills and skunk packaged in fanciful wraps labelled as ‘Lychee’ and ‘Porro Legal’

    “The War Against Drug Abuse, WADA, social advocacy activities by NDLEA Commands equally continued across the country in the past week. Some of them include: WADA sensitization lecture delivered to students and staff of Command Secondary School, Orba, Uden LGA, Enugu; Divine Gift International School, Abakaliki, Ebonyi; Baptist Primary School, Ago-Are, Oyo; and St. Vincent Secondary School, Oti-Oron Okobo, Akwa Ibom state, among others.

    “While commending the officers and men of MMIA, PHIA, MBIAM, PHPC, Marine, Cross River, and Bauchi Commands of the Agency for the arrests and seizures of the past week, Chairman/Chief Executive Officer of NDLEA, Brig. Gen. Mohamed Buba Marwa (Rtd) praised their compatriots in all the commands across the country for pursuing a fair balance between their drug supply reduction and drug demand reduction efforts.”

  • Concealing cocaine in religious books beyond crime

    Concealing cocaine in religious books beyond crime

    Sir: Barely days after the chairman/chief executive officer of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), Brig. Gen. Mohamed Buba Marwa (rtd), signed a historic Memorandum of Understanding with Saudi Arabia’s General Directorate of Narcotics Control (GDNC), the NDLEA brought the intent of the agreement to fruition and public notice. The agency successfully intercepted an attempt to smuggle cocaine concealed within religious books—a tactic both deceptive and sacrilegious. This feat not only highlights the vigilance and tactical sophistication of the NDLEA but also reinforces its position as a world-class anti-narcotics organization.

    This latest success sends a powerful message to both local and international partners: Nigeria’s NDLEA is a trusted force in the global war against drug trafficking. It is a timely assurance to the Saudi Arabian authorities and other partners worldwide that the NDLEA is ready, capable, and committed to its mandate. The collaboration with GDNC is more than a ceremonial agreement—it is a partnership anchored in mutual trust and operational excellence.

     Only weeks earlier, the NDLEA was commended by officials of the National Intelligence Service of the Republic of Korea during their visit to Nigeria. They expressed their appreciation for the agency’s role in apprehending a 59-year-old fugitive drug trafficker, Ogbonnaya Kevin Jeff, who had evaded law enforcement for 17 years. Wanted by Interpol for years, Jeff’s capture by the NDLEA is not just a win for Nigeria but a significant contribution to international justice and security. It reflects the growing operational credibility and reach of the agency under its current leadership.

    Under Marwa’s stewardship since assuming office four years ago, the NDLEA has undergone a remarkable transformation. His tenure has ushered in sweeping reforms that many once considered impossible in the history of the agency. From modernizing the agency’s operations to improving staff welfare and accountability, Marwa has proven to be a reformer with results.

    One of the most notable milestones in this transformation is the recent construction of the agency’s first-ever residential barracks in over three decades—one in Adamawa and another in Kano. This development not only boosts the morale of NDLEA personnel but also provides them with the stability needed to carry out their duties effectively. Infrastructure development of this nature had remained a pipe dream until Marwa took the reins.

    Read Also: FULL LIST: Top 15 European scholarships Nigerians can apply for in 2025

    The NDLEA’s scorecard among Ministries, Departments, and Agencies (MDAs) of government reflects an institution that has been reenergized and repositioned to fulfil its true mandate. The dedication, discipline, and drive now seen in the NDLEA are directly traceable to Marwa’s leadership ethos—one rooted in public service excellence, accountability, and patriotic commitment.

    Marwa’s track record as a former military administrator of Lagos is well known, but his work at the NDLEA has further cemented his reputation as a public administrator par excellence. He has demonstrated that with the right leadership, even the most challenged institutions can be transformed into efficient, respected, and results-driven organizations.

     In conclusion, the recent achievements of the NDLEA—whether intercepting drugs disguised in religious materials or collaborating effectively with international partners—highlight the importance of visionary leadership. The lesson here is clear: placing capable individuals in strategic positions can yield far-reaching benefits, both locally and globally. The NDLEA under Marwa’s leadership serves as a shining example of what is possible when integrity, experience, and commitment converge in public service.

    •Kalthum Alhassan,Tudun Wada, Kano.

  • Two brothers en route India arrested at Lagos airport with cocaine

    Two brothers en route India arrested at Lagos airport with cocaine

    • UK techie with consignment
    • 75-year-old man nabbed with skunk in Abia
    • 250,000kg cannabis destroyed in Cross River community

    Two brothers – John Abugu, 43, and Kenneth Abugu, 31 – who were travelling to India have been arrested at the Murtala Muhammed International Airport (MMIA), Ikeja, Lagos with five kilograms of cocaine.

     They were arrested by the Special Operations Unit of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), according to the agency’s Director, Media and Advocacy, Headquarters, Abuja, Femi Babafemi, who made this known in a statement yesterday.

    He said the brothers were arrested last Thursday, following credible intelligence with the drugs concealed in their suitcases.

    Babafemi said they claimed they were on their way to India for medical treatment but when their suitcases were searched by the agency’s officers, white powder later confirmed to be cocaine were found on the walls of their bags.

    Also, NDLEA officers of the MMIA Strategic Command same day intercepted a 20-year-old Ghanaian-British man, Parker Darren Hazekia Osei, with 36 parcels of Loud, a strong strain of cannabis weighing 19.40kg in a giant travelling bag.

    The statement reads: “The suspect who claims he is a student of Computer Science at East London University, United Kingdom, was arrested during the clearing of passengers on an Ethiopian Airlines flight from Bangkok, Thailand, at the E-Arrival Hall of the airport.

    “In his statement, the techie claims he lives with his parents in the U.K. but left London about a week ago for Bangkok where he picked up the illicit drug consignment to deliver in Nigeria.”

    The NDLEA spokesman added that operatives in Kogi State arrested a 33-year-old lady, Ngozi Ogili, while moving three kilogrammes of methamphetamine from Lagos to Abuja.

    She was nabbed in a commercial bus on Okene-Lokoja highway on Monday, March 31.

    A follow up at her point of delivery in Apo mechanic, Abuja led to the seizure of quantities of Loud and Colorado, synthetic strains of cannabis, Babafemi said.

    Read Also: NDLEA arrests fleeing auto spare parts dealer over cocaine smuggling attempt

    In Abia State, last Saturday Babafemi added, their officers arrested a 75-year-old man, Nna Nnanna Felix with 1.6kg skunk, a strain of cannabis during a raid at Umunteke Asa, Ukwa West Local Government Area, while another suspect David Chinemerem, 21, was nabbed with 2,050 ampoules of pentazocine at 7 Nnajiego Lane, Umuode road, Aba on April.

    In Yobe State, last Saturday, no fewer than 381 bottles of codeine syrup and 108 tablets of tramadol were seized from a suspect, Abdullahi Adamu on Potiskum-Damaturu Road, Yobe State by the operatives, while raids at Osogbo Motor Park, Onitsha and a house at Oba in Idemili Local Government Area of Anambra State led to the arrest of Obinna Sunday and seizure of 195,000 pills of tramadol. Also arrested was Ugochukwu Ojalanonye with 4.2kg codeine syrup and 5.4kg pentazocine.

  • Four drug kingpins jailed for 95 years over N4.6b cocaine, skunk trafficking

    Four drug kingpins jailed for 95 years over N4.6b cocaine, skunk trafficking

    Four drug kingpins — Ogbuji Christian Ifeanyi, Iloduba Augustine Chinonye, Shuaibu Nuhu Isa (alias Don), and Zidon Zurga — have been convicted and sentenced to a total of 95 years in prison by the Federal High Courts in Lagos and Yola, Adamawa State, for trafficking cocaine and skunk valued at over N4.6 billion.

    The Director of Media and Advocacy at the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), Abuja, Femi Babafemi, disclosed this in a statement on Friday.

    According to Babafemi, Ogbuji was apprehended by NDLEA operatives at the Murtala Muhammed International Airport (MMIA), Ikeja, Lagos, on September 18, 2024, during an inward clearance of Ethiopian Airlines passengers from Addis Ababa. He was found in possession of 817 wraps of cocaine, weighing 19.40 kilograms, with an estimated street value of N4.656 billion.

    The arrest came just 16 months after Ogbuji had been convicted for ingesting 93 pellets of cocaine. He was first arrested at the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport (NAIA), Abuja, on May 10, 2023, upon arrival from Uganda via Addis Ababa. The 93 pellets had a gross weight of 1.986 kilograms.

    Following his first arrest, Ogbuji was arraigned before Federal High Court 12, Abuja, presided over by Justice Mobolaji Olajuwon, in charge number FHC/ABJ/CR/192/2023, and was convicted on July 13, 2023. He was sentenced to two years in prison with the option of a N3 million fine, which he paid to secure his release.

    Read Also: RONKE OSHODI-OKE: Nollywood will frustrate you

    However, he was rearrested at the Lagos airport on September 18, 2024, with a large cocaine consignment.

    Obafemi said, “Not done with crime, Ogbuji was again arrested at the Lagos airport with the large consignment of cocaine on 18th September 2024, after which he was arraigned before Justice Yellim Bogoro of the Federal High Court Lagos in charge number: FHC/L/845C on 16th January 2025.”

    On February 28, the court sentenced Ogbuji to five years imprisonment on count one, with an option of a N7 million fine, and 10 years on count two without an option of a fine. The court ruled that failure to pay the fine would result in a total of 15 years in prison. Additionally, the court ordered the forfeiture of all monetary exhibits and other items seized from him, disclosed Obafemi.

    In a separate case, 51-year-old Iloduba was arrested on December 31, 2021, at the Akanu Ibiam International Airport, Enugu, for cocaine trafficking. Investigations revealed he had ingested 58 wraps of the drug—48 of which he excreted while in transit in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, and the remaining 10 in NDLEA custody after his arrest on January 1, 2022.

    “He was thereafter arraigned on two counts in charge number FHC/EN/CR/18/2022 before Justice Folashade Giwa Ogunbanjo of the Federal High Court, Enugu.

    “After three years of prosecution, Iludoba was convicted and sentenced to five years imprisonment on each count, bringing his total years in jail to 10 years, which will run concurrently from the date of his conviction, Wednesday 5th March 2025,” said the NDLEA spokesman.

    According to Obafemi, Shuaibu Nuhu Isa (55) and Zidon Zurga (50) were also arrested by NDLEA operatives on November 25, 2024, along the Numan-Yola road. They were found transporting 500.8 kilograms of skunk, a strain of cannabis, concealed in a Toyota Hilux with registration number Lagos NT 829 AAA and a Prado SUV bearing a fake presidency plate, 01B-266 FG.

    The duo was arraigned before Justice Bala Usman under charge number FHC/YL/150/2024 and convicted on February 7, 2025. They were sentenced to 35 years each on two counts, bringing their total combined jail term to 70 years, or an option to pay a fine of N25 million each. The court also ordered the interim forfeiture of the two vehicles used in trafficking the illicit drugs.

    Reacting to the convictions, NDLEA Chairman and Chief Executive Officer, Brig. Gen. Mohamed Buba Marwa (Rtd), commended the trial courts and the agency’s officers for their diligence and professionalism in investigating and prosecuting the cases.

  • Turkey-bound Angolan businessman arrested for ingesting 120 wraps of cocaine at Kano airport

    Turkey-bound Angolan businessman arrested for ingesting 120 wraps of cocaine at Kano airport

    The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) has arrested a 42-year-old Angolan businessman Mbala Dajou Abuba at the Mallam Aminu Kano International Airport (MAKIA), Kano for attempting to ferry a consignment of cocaine to Istanbul Turkey.

    Director, Media and Advocacy, NDLEA Headquarters, Abuja, Femi Babafemi, in a statement yesterday, said Abuba, who is from the Zaire province in Angola, was arrested at the screening point of the  airport while trying to board EgyptAir Flight MS 880 to Istanbul, Turkey via Cairo.

    Babafemi said a body scan confirmed the suspect ingested the illicit drug.

    Abuba was, thereafter, placed under excretion observation during which he expelled 120 pellets of cocaine weighing 1.829 kilogrammes in seven excretions, the statement indicated.

    Babafemi said the suspect claimed he was into the business of township delivery in Angola before delving into the illicit drug trade.

    Read Also: Mass deportation: Nigerian migrants in America live inanxiety, confusion

    Also, an attempt by auto spare parts dealer, Okeke Ebuka Igwe, to send two parcels of 1.10kg cocaine concealed in vehicle propellers to Angola through the export shed of the Murtala Muhammed International Airport (MMIA), Ikeja Lagos, was foiled by NDLEA operatives who arrested him on February 24, following credible intelligence.

    Babafemi said the suspect claimed that he is a businessman selling auto parts in ASPANDA Trade Fair Complex, Ojo, Lagos.

    The statement reads: “The bid by another suspect, Ezechi Iyke Cyprian to move a large consignment of cocaine weighing 5.40 kilograms to Owerri, Imo state in his Toyota Sienna bus on Sunday 23rd February was frustrated by operatives of a special operations unit of NDLEA who arrested him following weeks of intelligence and surveillance.’’

  • Ex-convict held for importing N4.6b cocaine

    Ex-convict held for importing N4.6b cocaine

    A 48-YEAR-OLD businessman Christian Ifeanyi Ogbuji has been arrested by operatives of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) for importing N4.6 billion worth of the same drug.

    This is coming 16 months after he was arrested and convicted for ingesting 93 pellets of cocaine.

    Ogbuji was arrested at the Murtala Muhammed International Airport (MMIA), Ikeja, Lagos for importing 817 wraps of the Class A drug weighing 19.40 kilogrammes.

      Director, Media and Advocacy NDLEA Headquarters, Abuja, Femi Babafemi, who made this known in a statement yesterday, said the suspect was first arrested at the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport (NAIA), Abuja, on May 10, last year upon arrival from Uganda via Addis Ababa, onboard Ethiopian Airlines flight ET 951 for ingesting 93 pellets of cocaine with a gross weight of 1.986kg.

    Babafemi added: “He was subsequently arraigned before Federal High Court 12, Abuja presided over by  Justice Mobolaji Olajuwon in charge no: FHC/ABJ/CR/192/2023 and convicted on July 13, 2023. Ogbuji was sentenced to two years imprisonment with an option of paying a fine of N3million, which he paid and was set free.

    “The court also ordered the  forfeiture of the seized 1.986 kilograms cocaine, his international passport, 14 US dollars and 9000 Uganda shillings found on him at the time of his arrest.’’

    Read Also: Niger Delta monarchs pledge support for Tinubu’s administration, PAP chief

    Ogbuji was again arrested at the Lagos airport on September 18, this year during an inward clearance of Ethiopian Airlines flight passengers from Addis Ababa to Lagos.

    “The suspect had approached the joint examination table with a black travelling bag which was searched by an NDLEA operative who cleared the luggage. In a dubious move, Ogbuji sneaked back to the carousel area to put inside the cleared bag a black backpack he left on the conveyor’s belt.

    “As he made his way out of the arrival hall, vigilant NDLEA officers intercepted him and subjected him to a secondary search. It was then large wraps of excreted cocaine were found concealed inside the backpack hidden in the black travelling bag that was earlier found with the suspect.

  • Man arrested for importing N4.6b worth of cocaine 16 months after conviction

    Man arrested for importing N4.6b worth of cocaine 16 months after conviction

    Barely 16 months after he was convicted for ingesting 93 pellets of cocaine, a 48-year-old businessman Christian Ifeanyi Ogbuji has been arrested again by operatives of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) for importing N4.6 billion of the same drug.

    Director, Media and Advocacy NDLEA Headquarters, Abuja, Femi Babafemi, who disclosed this in a statement on Tuesday, said he was arrested at the Murtala Muhammed International Airport (MMIA) Ikeja Lagos for importing 817 wraps of the Class A drug weighing 19.40 kilograms with an estimated street value N4,656,000,000.

    According to the statement, the suspect was first arrested at the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport, NAIA, Abuja, on Wednesday 10th May 2023 upon arrival from Uganda via Addis Ababa, onboard Ethiopian Airlines flight ET 951 for ingesting 93 pellets of cocaine with a gross weight of 1.986kg. 

    “He was subsequently arraigned before Federal High Court 12 Abuja presided over by Hon. Justice Mobolaji Olajuwon in charge no: FHC/ABJ/CR/192/2023 and convicted on 13th July 2023. Ogbuji was sentenced to two years imprisonment with an option of paying a fine of Three Million Naira (N3,000,000.00), which he paid and was set free. 

    “The court also ordered the  forfeiture of the seized 1.986 kilograms cocaine, his international passport, 14 US dollars and 9000 Uganda shillings found on him at the time of his arrest.

    “Not done with crime, Ogbuji was again arrested at the Lagos airport on Wednesday 18th September 2024 during an inward clearance of Ethiopian Airlines flight passengers from Addis Ababa to Lagos. 

    Read Also: NDLEA seizes N16.1b drugs in Lagos

    “The suspect had approached the joint examination table with a black travelling bag which was searched by an NDLEA operative who cleared the luggage. In a dubious move, Ogbuji sneaked back to the carousel area to put inside the cleared bag a black backpack he left on the conveyor’s belt.

    “As he made his way out of the arrival hall, vigilant NDLEA officers intercepted him and subjected him to a secondary search. It was then large wraps of excreted cocaine were found concealed inside the backpack hidden in the black travelling bag that was earlier found with the suspect. 

    “A total of 817 pellets of cocaine excreted by many traffickers in Addis Ababa weighing 19.40kg belonging to different members of a drug cartel were recovered.

    “During interview with the suspect, he stated that he initially left the backpack containing the drug at the carousel area as a strategy to beat NDLEA operatives, adding that he never knew there could be a secondary search since he had presented his bag for search previously and nothing incriminating was found. He claimed he had to procure a new international passport to continue his criminal trade.

    “Investigation reveals Ogbuji is an unrepentant kingpin within the network of drug cartels operating between Brazil, Ethiopia, Nigeria and others in the West African sub-region like

    Benin, Togo, Ghana, Liberia, and Cote d’Ivoire,” the statement reads.

    In his reaction to the arrest of Ogbuji, Chairman/Chief Executive Officer of NDLEA, Brig. Gen. Buba Marwa (Rtd) commended the officers and men of the MMIA Strategic Command for an excellent job done.

    He said the seizure of such a large consignment of cocaine at the airport is a milestone that will send a strong message to the international drug cartels trying to find footholds in Nigeria. 

    He said the Agency will continue to work to disrupt the activities of drug cartels operating in the country.

  • Businesswoman, autoparts dealer arrested for attempt to export opioids, cocaine

    Businesswoman, autoparts dealer arrested for attempt to export opioids, cocaine

    • …NDLEA intercepts 2.4million tramadol pills in Gombe

    The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) says it has arrested an Ibadan, Oyo state-based businesswoman, Mrs. Adewunmi Adebola Dorcas and an auto parts dealer, Arinze Ora, over attempts to export consignments of opioids and cocaine to London, United Kingdom and Congo Brazzaville respectively.

    Director, Media & Advocacy NDLEA Headquarters, Abuja, Femi Babafemi, made this known in a statement on Sunday.

    Babafemi said NDLEA officers at the export shed of the Murtala Muhammed International Airport, Lagos had on Friday 6th September 2024 intercepted a cargo going to the United Kingdom.

    He said a thorough search of the consignment revealed 924 bottles of codeine-based syrup weighing 135.70kg and 5,250 tablets of rohypnol were hidden in cartons of foodstuffs.

    According to the statement, the freight agent, Owojori Olanrewaju Sunday, who presented the cargo for export was promptly arrested. 

    Further investigation led to the arrest of another suspect, Adewunmi Akeem Temitope, who claimed that his mother, 58-year-old Mrs. Adewunmi Adebola Dorcas, sent the consignment to him from Ibadan to deliver to the agent, Babafemi said.

    “A follow up operation on Saturday 7th September led to the arrest of Mrs. Adewunmi in Ibadan where she deals in foodstuffs and cargo export.

    In his statement, the agent Owojori confessed that he has been working for Mrs. Adewunmi to export cargoes to the UK, adding that he was paid N2,411,000.00 for the job, while he was paid N2.1million for a similar consignment handled for the businesswoman earlier,” the statement reads.

    Read Also: Wanted drug baron behind four cocaine shipments to Saudi Arabia, Qatar arrested

    The NDLEA spokesman also said operatives at the same export shed of the Lagos airport on Wednesday 11th September intercepted some cartons of auto spare parts and checkers powder custard going to Congo Brazzaville on Ethiopian Airlines. 

    He said a diligent search of the cargo led to the discovery of 300 grams of cocaine concealed in the containers of checkers powder custard packed together with some auto parts.

    “A follow up operation led to the arrest of the sender of the consignment, Arinze Ora, who deals in auto parts at Shop 12, Block 7 Aspanda Trade Fair Auto Parts Wing, Amuwo Odofin area of Lagos,” he said.

    Babafemi added that meanwhile, operatives of a Special Operations Unit of NDLEA on Tuesday 10th September arrested two brothers: Ikechukwu Ikeabba and Ugochukwu Ikeabba who are sponsors of drug traffickers who specialise in exporting drugs by ingestion to Vietnam. 

    He said their arrest followed diligent investigation of an earlier arrest of an Onitsha, Anambra state based-businessman, Ibeanusi Solomon Nosike, who excreted 68 wraps of cocaine weighing 1.282 kilograms after 12 days of excretion observation after he was arrested at the local wing of the Lagos airport by NDLEA operatives.

    The statement reads: “The 36-year-old Ibeanusi was arrested in the early hours of Thursday 8th August 2024 at the old domestic terminal of the Lagos airport while attempting to board the first flight out of Lagos to Abuja where he was scheduled to join a Qatar Airways flight to Vietnam at the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport, NAIA, Abuja at about 10am same day.

    “Another Vietnam-bound businessman, 54-year-old Paul Okwuy Mbadugha had been arrested by NDLEA operatives at the Abuja airport on Monday 12th August 2024 during the outward clearance of Qatar Airways flight QR 1432 to Hanoi, Vietnam via Doha after he tested positive to ingestion of cocaine. 

    “After four days under observation, Mbadugha egested a total of 88 wraps of the illicit drug with a gross weight of 1.710 kilograms.

    At the time of the arrest of the two kingpins, the Ikeabba brothers, they were caught with 87 wraps of cocaine dummies used in training intending swallowers.

    “In Gombe state, NDLEA operatives acting on credible intelligence on Saturday 14th September arrested three suspects: Auwal Abdullahi, Isah Rabiu and Abubakar Da’u along Bauchi-Gombe road while travelling in a DAF truck marked GME 552 ZU. A search of the vehicle led to the seizure of two million four hundred and ninety (2,490,000) pills of tramadol concealed with bags of salt.

    “A suspect, Idris Adamu, 23, was arrested with 41.5 kilograms of cannabis sativa at Kachia town, Kaduna state on Tuesday 10th September while two suspects: Godiya Sekyen Jikuk, 36, and Yusuf Umaru,65, were nabbed at Isinbode-Ekiti, Ekiti state with a total of 73.6kg cannabis on Wednesday 11th September.

    “In Bauchi state, no fewer than 208,920 pills of tramadol and diazepam were seized from a suspect, Chinedu Asadu, 35, on Thursday 13th September while 104kg of cannabis was recovered from two suspects: Abba Abdullahi and Mustapha Yahaya along the Lagos-Ibadan expressway on Tuesday 10th September by operatives in Lagos state.

    “Not less than 350,000 bottles of codeine-based syrup were discovered by NDLEA operatives in two containers shipped from India during a joint examination of the containers with men of Customs Service and other security agencies at the Tincan port in Lagos on Tuesday 10th September. The containers were part of those targeted by NDLEA for 100 percent examination.”

    Babafemi said with the same vigour, Commands and formations of the Agency across the country continued their War Against Drug Abuse (WADA) sensitization activities to schools, worship centres, work places and communities among others in the past week. 

    These, he said, include WADA enlightenment lecture to students and staff of Government Secondary School, Galamawa and Government Junior Secondary School, Kaci, Dutse, Jigawa state;  students of Kukudus Islamic School, Minna,Niger state; nurses and midwives at UBTH School of Nursing, Ugbowo, Benin City, Edo state; members of Vulcanisers Association of Nigeria in Ibarapa central LGA, Oyo state;  Muslim faithful at Central Mosque, Demsa, Adamawa state; and WADA advocacy visit to the Emir of Rano, Kano state, Alhaji Muhammad Isah Umaru, among others.

    “While commending the officers and men of the Special Operations Unit, MMIA, Tincan, Lagos, Gombe, Kaduna, Bauchi, and Ekiti Commands of the Agency for the arrests and seizures, Chairman/Chief Executive Officer of NDLEA, Brig. Gen. Mohamed Buba Marwa (Rtd) stated that their operational successes and those of their compatriots across the country are well appreciated. He urged them to continue to intensify ongoing drug supply reduction and drug demand reduction efforts,” the statement reads.