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Tag: Drug

  • Two drug barons Emami, Akpomuai convicted, sentenced to 10 years imprisonment

    Two drug barons Emami, Akpomuai convicted, sentenced to 10 years imprisonment


    . Their conviction an indication NDLEA strategies are working, says Marwa

    Two notorious drug kingpins: 37-year-old Ajetsibo Emami popularly known as ‘Warri Kinsman’ and 51-year-old Solomon Akpomuai have been convicted and sentenced to a combined 10 years imprisonment by a Federal High Court in Lagos.

    Emami was arrested in Ikeja Lagos on Saturday 28th June 2025 after NDLEA operatives dismantled his drug trafficking network in a three-day operation leading to the arrest of three other suspects. Recovered from Emami’s network were 24 jumbo bags containing 681 pouches of Canadian Loud, a strain of cannabis weighing 414.2 kilograms.
    The bust of Emami’s drug ring followed credible intelligence on his attempt to move the shipment to Lekki area of Lagos, from where it will be distributed to other parts of the state and across the country.

    He was subsequently arraigned before Justice Deinde Dipeolu of the Federal High Court 8 Lagos in charge number FHC/L/636C/2025 bordering on dealing in illicit drugs. In his ruling delivered on Monday 18th August 2025, the trial judge convicted Emami on the one count charge filed against him by NDLEA prosecutor Assistant Commander of Narcotics Buhari Shuaibu Abdullahi and sentenced him to six years in prison with an option of N50million in lieu of jail.

    In his case, Solomon Akpomuai was first arrested by men of Customs Service along Shagamu-Ijebu-Ode expressway with 2,197.8 kilograms of skunk, a strain of cannabis on 3rd June 2025 and transferred to NDLEA on 16th June after which he was arraigned in charge number FHC/L/635C before Justice Dipeolu for trafficking illicit drugs in large commercial quantity. Also delivering his judgement on the matter, the trial judge convicted and sentenced Akpomuai to four years in prison with an option of N50million fine.

    Chairman/Chief Executive Officer of NDLEA, Brig Gen Mohamed Buba Marwa (rtd) described the conviction of the two drug kingpins as an indication that Nigeria will sooner than later surmount the menace of substance abuse and illicit drug trafficking as a result of the positive outcomes of the current balanced approach to the Agency’s drug supply reduction and drug demand reduction efforts. He commended the judiciary, NDLEA officers involved in the investigation and prosecution of the cases as well as other stakeholders for their commitment to the cause of a drug free country.

  • NDLEA detains popular Lagos couple, 2 daughters

    NDLEA detains popular Lagos couple, 2 daughters

    The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) on Sunday said it has arrested and detained a businessman, his wife and two daughters over alleged drug peddling.

    In a statement by the NDLEA Director, Media And Advocacy, Femi Babafemi in Abuja, stated that their family friend was also taken into custody.

    Babafemi said that this came after investigation revealed that the family ran a major illicit drug distribution network in Lagos involving the family friend.

    “The couple was first arrested on Friday, June 13 by operatives of the Department of State Security (DSS) in Ojo area of the state and transferred to NDLEA along with 277.5kg skunk.

    “While they were still being investigated in custody, credible intelligence revealed that the family business was going on in his house.

    “This led to a raid of their home and a packing store where 231kg of the same substance was recovered on Tuesday, July 1.”

    Meanwhile, NDLEA operatives at the Murtala Muhammed International Airport, (MMIA), Ikeja Lagos on Wednesday, July 2 intercepted a frequent flyer for drug trafficking.

    Babafemi said that the suspect specialised in conveying goods for customers from Nigeria to Italy and vice versa.

    “He was found to have hidden 7,660 pills of tramadol 225mg and 200mg inside food items packed among other goods he was conveying to Italy.

    “He claimed that he was to be paid the sum of 800 euros upon successful delivery of the drug consignment in Italy,”he said.

    NDLEA destroys 9.67 hectares of cannabis farmland, arrests 7 suspects

    Meanwhile, the NDLEA destroyed  24,175 kilograms of skunk on 9.67 hectares of cannabis farmland at Ikaka, Oke-Ila forest, Osun.

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

    Babafemi said that NDLEA operatives had raided the area where seven suspects were arrested on July 3.

    In another development, in Borno, 167kg of skunk was recovered at Gamboru-Ngala, while a total of 452kg of the same psychoactive substance was seized at Gadar Tamburawa in Kano.

    Babafemi said that two suspects were arrested in connection with the seizure on July 3.

    He said NDLEA operatives on patrol along Abuja-Kaduna expressway recovered 11,000 pills of tramadol 225mg from a suspect, while their counterparts in Sokoto arrested 62-year-old in connection with the seizure of 4,800 pills of tramadol 225mg.

    In Kebbi state, operatives raided Bakin Kasuwa Yauri base where they seized 312 kg skunk and 10,000 tabs of diazepam, while two suspects  were also arrested with 49,930 capsules of tramadol in  Taraba state.

    “In Edo state, NDLEA operatives raided the Ewere forest in Owan West LGA where they arrested a wanted suspect, Alaba Monday, 49, in one of his cannabis farms with 115 kg of processed skunk.”

    He said three other suspects were nabbed in another farm measuring 2.050201 hectares.

    According to him, a 78-year-old suspect was arrested with 14.49kg skunk and tramadol during a raid by NDLEA operatives at Ofudua, Obubra LGA, Cross River, while three other suspects were nabbed  at Ovonum, Obubra LGA.

  • [VIDEO] Watch how NDLEA operatives unearthed drugs concealed in shoe soles

    [VIDEO] Watch how NDLEA operatives unearthed drugs concealed in shoe soles

    There’s no technique, drug traffickers have not adopted, including concealing hard drugs in shoe soles to beat the prying eyes of NDLEA operatives.

    In a video obtained by TheNewsGuru.com, Europe bound drugs concealed in shoe soles could not beat NDLEA operatives as they uncovered the drugs.

    WATCH:

     

  • Female drug trafficker apprehended at Kuje prison [Photos]

    Female drug trafficker apprehended at Kuje prison [Photos]

    The Nigerian Correctional Service (NCoS) FCT Command has apprehended a lady, Precious Yusuf trying to push in drug to inmates of medium Security Custodial Centre Kuje, Abuja.

    This is contained in a statement by the Command Public Relations Officer (CPRO) Mr Samson Duza, on Wednesday in Abuja.

    Duza said that the lady came into the Kuje custodial centre on Tuesday, July 9 disguising as a visitor to an inmate.

    Suspected drug trafficker

    He said that it was during the usual routine search by officers of the centre that items suspected to be Indian hemp, and other dangerous drugs concealed in food packs in a carton were recovered.

    “The culprit confessed to have been sent to bring this to an inmate of the custodial centre,”he said.

    Recovered illicit drugs by the NCoS personnel

    Duza quoted the Controller, FCT Command, Ibrahim Usman as ordering that the suspect be handed over to the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency, (NDLEA) for further investigation and prosecution.

    Usman, however, warned drug peddlers to desist from trying to smuggle illicit substances into the custodial centres on the guise of visits’ saying that officers and men were at alert to deflate such plot.

    He called on the general public and well meaning Nigerians to support the Service in its reformatory pursuit to keep the society safe, while assuring the public of safe custody of those legally interned.

  • NDLEA intercepts illicit drug consignment in commercial bus engine, arrests 2 grandpas

    NDLEA intercepts illicit drug consignment in commercial bus engine, arrests 2 grandpas

    Operatives of the National Drugs Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) have intercepted a consignment of Indian hemp and other psychoactive drugs hidden in the engine compartment of a commercial bus travelling interstate.

    Spokesman of the agency, Mr Femi Babafemi stated on Sunday in Abuja that the drugs, weighing at least 5.2kg, were intercepted on Thursday on Gbongan-Ibadan Road in Osun.

    He added that the 35-year-old driver of the bus who took responsibility for the concealment was taken into custody for investigation.

    “On Wednesday, the previous day, a 26-year-old lady, who produces and distributes “skuchies’’ was arrested in Osogbo, during a raid on her hideout.

    “At least, 16.5 litres of skuchies and different quantities of molly and Indian hemp were recovered from her during the raid,’’ Babafemi stated.

    Molly acts both as a stimulant and hallucinogen, producing an energising effect, distortions in time and perception, and enhanced enjoyment of tactile experiences.

    Babafemi stated also that NDLEA operatives arrested a 70-year-old grandfather, and a 65-year-old man in Borno on Saturday for drug trafficking.

    They were arrested in Maiduguri and Gamboru-Ngala respectively alongside a 24-year-old and a 28-year-old.

    Babafemi said that 32,000 ampoules of tramadol injection were recovered from them.

    “Also on Saturday, NDLEA operatives at Geidam in Yobe intercepted a Volkswagen Golf 3 car heading to Gagamari in Niger Republic.

    “The 28-year-old driver was to deliver 40 blocks of Indian hemp weighing 24.5kg to a dealer.

    “Forty-two cartons, containing 8,400 bottles of codeine syrup weighing 1,260kg were also recovered from a 29-year-old driver, on Katsina Road, Kaduna on Tuesday March 5.

    “In Kano State, a 35-year-old was arrested for being in possession of 62kg of Indian hemp at Gadar Tamburawa area, where a 40-year-old was also nabbed with 244 bottles of codeine syrup,’’ he stated.

    Babafemi added that NDLEA operatives also arrested a 28-year-old man on Kano-Maiduguri Road on Thursday with 49,800 pills of tramadol.

    “In Lagos State, NDLEA operatives arrested a man at Igbo Elerin area on Wednesday and seized 84 litres of “skuchies’’, 1.1 litres of codeine syrup, 4kg of Indian hemp and 800 tablets of tramadol from him,’’ he stated.

    The NDLEA spokesman also stated that operatives arrested at least eight suspects on Friday when they raided the notorious Karu abattoir drug joint in the FCT.

    The operatives recovered 51.3kg of Indian hemp in the raid.

    In Plateau, two suspects, aged 45 years and 38 years were arrested on Monday, March 4 at Zawan, in Jos South Local Government Area while in possession of Indian hemp weighing 611.438kg.

    Babafemi stated also that NDLEA officers intercepted a Zaria, Kaduna State-bound commercial bus coming from Onitsha, Anambra on Wednesday March 6 in Kogi.

    He added that NDLEA operatives also intercepted 8,580 pills of tramadol and exol-5 from a 40-year-old suspect on Okene-Lokoja-Abuja Expressway in the outgone week.

    “In Enugu, operatives raided some lockup shops at New Market on March 5 and seized 371.42kg Indian hemp and 9.49g of methamphetamine,’’ Babafemi also stated.

    He added that the NDLEA chairman, retired Brig.-Gen. Buba Marwa, commended its officers in Borno, Kogi, Kaduna, Kano, Osun, Lagos, Plateau, Enugu, Yobe and FCT for jobs well done in the outgone week.

    Marwa charged the officers and their colleagues in other formations nationwide not to rest on their oars as they continued to intensify their drug demand and supply reduction activities.

  • Police nab suspected Drug baron retrieve 45 bags of Cannabis, other illicit drugs

    Police nab suspected Drug baron retrieve 45 bags of Cannabis, other illicit drugs

    The Police Command in Katsina State has nabbed one Muhammad Isma’il with 45 bags of substances suspected to be cannabis sativa.

    The spokesman of the command, ASP Abubakar Sadiq-Aliyu, said on Monday in Katsina that the 30-year-old suspect was arrested in Malumfashi.

    According to him, other exhibits allegedly recovered from the suspect included 500 bottles of ‘suck and die solution’ and some quantities of D5 tablets.

    “On Jan. 3, 2024, based on credible intelligence received from a reliable source, the command succeeded in arresting the suspected notorious drug baron, a resident of B.C.G.A. Quarters, Malumfashi.

    “Nemesis caught up with him when information about his suspected nefarious activities was received by the Malumfashi divisional police station.

    “Detectives led by the Divisional Police Officer Malumfashi, swung into action and succeeded in arresting the suspect,” Sadiq-Aliyu said.

    He added that a search of the premises of the suspect led to the recovery of the illicit substances and drugs.

    The spokesman claimed that the suspected drugs dealer had acknowledged ownership of the illicit drugs and 45 bags of Indian hemp.

    Sadiq-Aliyu further said that Isma’il had named one Ibrahim Kisko, now at large, as his accomplice.

    “Meanwhile, the suspect and exhibits will be transferred to the National Drugs Law Enforcement Agency for further discreet investigation,” he said.

  • Drug baroness, 4 kingpins arrested as NDLEA busts 3 syndicates in Lagos

    Drug baroness, 4 kingpins arrested as NDLEA busts 3 syndicates in Lagos

    Three major illicit drug syndicates were taken down by operatives of a special unit of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency, NDLEA, in intelligence-led operations across parts of Lagos state, leading to the arrest of a baroness and four other kingpins with multi-billion naira worth of Cocaine, Opioids and Loud recovered from their hideouts.
    A female head of one of the syndicates, Faith Ebele Nwankwo was arrested on Wednesday 9th August at her residence, House 6, C close, 3rd Avenue, Festac area of Lagos shortly after she returned from a warehouse at Plot 3432 Sola Akinsola Street, Divine Estate, Amuwo Odofin where she loaded eight cartons of tramadol 225mg into an unmarked white Honda Pilot SUV.
    A search of her residence and the warehouse led to the recovery of Two Million Seven Hundred and Fifty Thousand (2,750,000) pills of tramaking, a brand of tramadol 225mg and 250mg packed in 39 cartons weighing 1,916 kilograms. The drugs and the SUV were recovered while the suspect was taken into custody.
    In another operation targeted at a group of transnational syndicate involved in importation, exportation, distribution, and dealing in Cocaine and Canadian Loud, operatives of the same Special Unit of the Agency on Friday 4th August tracked the drug syndicate to Atlantic Nominee Estate in Lekki- Ajah area of Lagos where a blue Toyota Highlander SUV was loaded with 8.49kg of cocaine and 10.3kg Canadian Loud for distribution by the duo of Urama Chinemelum Precious, 32, and Adelakun Ilelabayo Oluade, 55. A follow-up operation at the residence of Chinemelum at House 7, Road 7, Lagra estate, Eti-Osa, Lagos led to the recovery of additional 18 blocks of Loud weighing 18.5kg.
    The following day, Saturday 5th August, operatives of the Special Unit went after another syndicate involved in importation, distribution and diversion of ephedrine hydrochloride, a precursor chemical used for the production of methamphetamine, following intelligence that members of the cartel were planning to divert 25 kilograms of the substance.
    Two members of the syndicate: Udeh Vincent Ogbonna, 53, and Okonkwo Ifeanyi Uzozie, 50, were arrested at a commercial bus terminal in Jibowu, Yaba, Lagos where they were attempting to send the concealed substance to the South East. A body search conducted on the two suspects led to the recovery of Three Thousand ($3,000) US Dollars found on Udeh Vincent Ogbonna.
    In operations across four other states of Ogun, Ondo, Edo and Nasarawa, NDLEA operatives recovered over 13,391.8 kilograms of skunk. No fewer than 1,955kgs of the illicit substance packed in 139 jumbo bags and stored in the warehouse of a wanted notorious drug dealer, Lekan Jimoh (aka Konmo Konmo) in Ado Odo Ota area of Ogun state were recovered in the early hours of Saturday 12th August in collaboration with officers and men of the Nigerian Army.
    In Ondo, Ogbu Paul Odey, 30; Daniel Osidi, 34; John Iyage, 41; Friday Simon, 28; and Friday James, 24, were arrested in connection with the seizure and/or destruction of over 10,325.5kgs of cannabis sativa in Iju and Ala forests, in Akure area of the state between Wednesday 9th and Thursday 10th August.
    While 22-year-old James Aga was arrested during the raid of an uncompleted building on the outskirts of Utese town in Ovia North East LGA of Edo State on Friday 11th August with 10kg skunk, 976kg of the same substance was recovered from the building in addition to the recovery of four motorcycles. In an earlier operation in Utese forest on Tuesday 8th August, at least 46.545kgs of skunk were recovered and 1.581146 hectares of cannabis farms destroyed
    while two suspects: Onyelunisue Azuka, 48 and Abraham Ayomide, 30, were arrested.
    In Nasarawa state, 49-year-old Umar Abdullahi, was arrested on Friday 11th August with 64.8kgs of cannabis sativa in Doma LGA, while NDLEA operatives of the Directorate of Operations and General Investigation, DOGI, on Wednesday 9th August intercepted a 4.5kg consignment of Loud coming from the United States at a courier firm in Lagos.
    In his reaction to the clinical dismantling of the three drug syndicates and arrest of their kingpins, Chairman/Chief Executive Officer of NDLEA, Brig. Gen. Mohamed Buba Marwa (Retd) commended the officers and men of the Special Unit for being pro-active and pragmatic in the operations. He also applauded their colleagues in Ogun, Ondo, Edo and Nasarawa Commands as well as those of DOGI for their zeal and professionalism. He charged them and their compatriots across the country to remain vigilant and focused.
  • NDLEA arrests artistes’ manager for drug peddling at Lagos VIP clubs

    NDLEA arrests artistes’ manager for drug peddling at Lagos VIP clubs

    NDLEA has arrested an artistes’ manager and his businessman accomplice who specialise in distributing illicit drugs to fun seekers at VIP night clubs and lounges in Lekki and Island axis of Lagos state.

    Its Director, Media and Advocacy, Mr Femi Babafemi announced the arrests in a statement he issued on Sunday in Abuja.

    Babafemi stated that the arrests followed an intelligence report that the suspects were expecting a shipment of “Colorado’’, a strong strain of synthetic Indian hemp from Los Angeles, United States of America.

    He stated that one Abdulraheem Oseni (aka Papalampa) was the first to be arrested at his residence in Lekki area of Lagos State when the “Colorado’’ consignment arrived on Sunday, July 23.

    He added that the suspect told investigators that he started the illicit trade three years ago.

    “The suspect said that he has been selling to patrons of clubs and lounges in Lekki and Lagos Island.

    “Oseni said beside the drug business, he also organises shows for artistes around Lagos and outside Nigeria,’’ Babafemi stated.

    He added that 10 parcels of “Colorado’’ weighing 2.5kg and intercepted by NDLEA operatives at the Murtala Muhammed International Airport, Ikeja, were linked to Oseni.

    The illicit drugs were concealed inside large tins of coffee and duvets, Babafemi stated.

    He added that NDLEA operatives recovered some quantities of “Colorado’’, a digital weighing scale and other paraphernalia during a follow-up search at Oseni’s residence.

    “An Ikoyi, Lagos-based businessman, Nnadi Kingsley Ikenna also linked to the shipment was away in South Africa when the consignment arrived.

    “While operatives maintained surveillance around Ikenna’s Ikoyi residence, they also set their dragnet for him at the Murtala Muhammed International Airport, Ikeja.

    “He eventually arrived into the waiting arms of NDLEA officers on Thursday, July 27 when he returned to Nigeria on a Kenya Airlines flight.

    “Ikenna, in his statement accepted ownership of a part of the consignment,’’ Babafemi stated.

  • Police arrest kidnap, drug peddling suspects in Delta

    Police arrest kidnap, drug peddling suspects in Delta

    The Police Command in Delta has apprehended a kidnap suspect and recovered arms and ammunition from him in the state.

    The spokesman of the command, DSP Bright Edafe, told newsmen on Thursday in Warri that the suspect was nabbed on Wednesday by operatives of the command’s Rapid Response Squad (RRS).

    Edafe said that the suspect was arrested at his hideout in Uvwie Local Government Area following an intelligently gathered information about the hoodlum.

    He said that the RRS was led by its commander, Superintendent of Police (SP) Omouwuigbe Nosakhare.

    “Acting on credible intelligence about a suspect who hibernates somewhere in Warri but a member of a dreaded kidnap syndicate, SP Nosakhare, on May 24, 2023, led operatives of RRS and stormed the criminal hideout in Uvwie Local Government Area where the suspect was arrested.

    “A search warrant was executed in his premises where one English Berretta pistol and 15 rounds of 7.62mm AK-47 ammunition were recovered,” he said.

    Edafe said that investigation in the matter was ongoing.

    In another development, the police spokesman said that the command had arrested a suspected drug peddler in Jeddo Community, Okpe Local Government Area of the state.

    He said that the suspect was apprehended on Wednesday by police operatives attached to the Orerokpe Division while on intensive stop-and-search/visibility patrol on Jeddo Road.

    “The operatives intercepted the suspect with a suspicious looking bag. He was subjected to a search during which weeds suspected to be Indian hemp was discovered.

    “Other hard drugs in large quantities were found in his possession and packaged in a mini rubber cups for sale. The suspect was arrested and taken into custody,” he said.

    Edafe said that preliminary investigation revealed that the suspect was a notorious drug peddler in Okpe and environs, adding that efforts to arrest his accomplices are ongoing.

  • NDLEA arrest prophet, 76 others with illicit drugs in Mushin

    NDLEA arrest prophet, 76 others with illicit drugs in Mushin

    The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency ( NDLEA) said it raided Mushin area of Lagos and arrested a prophet, David Yekini, and 76 others with substances suspected to be hard drugs.

    The Deputy Commander, Operations and Training, NDLEA Lagos State Command, Mr. Adetula Oluwarotimi told newsmen in Lagos on Thursday.

    Oluwarotimi said that the operation was conducted by a combined team of 150 NDLEA and military officers and it lasted six hours.

    He said the raid was part of the war against drug abuse and to sanitise the society of bad elements ahead of the forthcoming elections.

    “Without the consumption of hard drugs, criminality will be minimal, and for NDLEA to ensure the forthcoming election is devoid of any crime, there must be visitations,” Oluwarotimi said.

    The deputy commander said hard drugs seized included Canadian Loud worth N5 million, Cannabis sativa weighing 146.85 kg, and 43.7grammes of Methamphetamine.

    Oluwarotimi said the NDLEA would interrogate the suspects to know the users of hard drugs that require rehabilitation.

    “While those that deal in illicit drugs among them would be charged to court,” he added.

    NDLEA in January seized about 10. 827 tonnes of illegal drugs and arrested 88 suspected drug offenders in Lagos state.