NDLEA arrests Brazil-based businessman, others in drug raids across states

By Olasunkanmi Akoni

The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) says it has arrested several suspects and recovered large quantities of illicit drugs in operations carried out across different parts of the country.

NDLEA spokesman, Femi Babafemi, said a 41-year-old businessman based in São Paulo, Brazil, identified as Abugu Ikechukwu, was arrested at the Murtala Muhammed International Airport (MMIA), Ikeja, Lagos, after arriving in Nigeria from Brazil via Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, on an Ethiopian Airlines flight on June 11.

According to the agency, a search of his luggage led to the recovery of 14 towels and shirts allegedly impregnated with 6.10 kilograms of liquid cocaine.

The suspect reportedly told investigators that he had lived in Brazil for over 14 years, where he operates an African restaurant, and had travelled to Nigeria to visit his family and purchase food items for his business.

In separate operations, NDLEA said it took into custody a 60-year-old woman, Chidimma Sunday, in Abia State and a 28-year-old man, Abubakar Usman, in Rivers State over alleged drug-related offences.

The agency stated that Chidimma was apprehended by a local vigilante group in Umuna Autonomous Community, Isialangwa North Local Government Area of Abia State, and later handed over to NDLEA. Usman was arrested during a raid in Rumuokoro, Port Harcourt, where officers reportedly recovered various substances from him.

In Delta State, operatives arrested a 36-year-old suspect, Onya Jude, at Ogwashi-Uku in Aniocha South Local Government Area. NDLEA said substances suspected to be cannabis were recovered from gas cylinders allegedly used for concealment.

The agency also announced the arrest of two suspects, Jamilu Idris and Aminu Abdullahi, in Gombe State, where substances suspected to be cannabis were reportedly recovered.

In Kano State, NDLEA said a suspect, Ngozi Gaius, was arrested along the Zaria-Kano Road while allegedly conveying tramadol tablets. Two other suspects, Nasiru Hamza and Muhammad Sani, were intercepted in Kwara State with a large consignment of suspected cannabis, according to the agency.

NDLEA further disclosed that its operatives raided a warehouse in Taraba State, where a substantial quantity of substances suspected to be cannabis was recovered. The agency said the operation followed intelligence reports on the activities of a suspected drug dealer.

In the Federal Capital Territory, Abuja, a suspect identified as Emmanuel Nnadi was arrested during a patrol operation along the Gwagwalada Expressway. NDLEA said various controlled substances were recovered from him.

The agency also reported the seizure of a large consignment of a cannabis strain popularly known as “Ghana Loud” around the Alaba International Market area of Lagos.

Beyond enforcement operations, NDLEA said its commands across the country continued public awareness campaigns under its War Against Drug Abuse (WADA) initiative, targeting schools, communities, traditional institutions and workplaces.

Babafemi said sensitisation programmes were conducted in schools and communities in Nasarawa, Enugu, Lagos, Kano, Anambra and other states.

NDLEA Chairman, Brig.-Gen. Mohamed Buba Marwa (retd.), commended officers involved in the arrests and seizures, urging commands nationwide to sustain efforts aimed at reducing drug trafficking and abuse through enforcement and public education.

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