Felix Temitope, Abuja
DAILY COURIER – The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) has arrested an automobile spare parts dealer, Levi Chidiebele Ubodoeze, for attempting to export two kilograms of cocaine concealed in vehicle propellers to Angola. His arrest follows a three-week manhunt launched by the agency after seizing the illicit drug consignment at a logistics company in Aspanda, Trade Fair Complex, Lagos, on February 21, 2025.
The NDLEA’s swift coordination with Angolan authorities led to the arrest of the intended recipient of the drugs, which further helped uncover the identity of the sender. Acting on this intelligence, NDLEA operatives tracked Ubodoeze to his residence in Ago Palace Way, Isolo, Lagos, on March 6. He was caught inside a KIA Sport Utility Vehicle (SUV) attempting to escape. A subsequent search of the vehicle led to the discovery of 75.50kg of phenacetin, a known cocaine-cutting agent, disguised as semolina. A digital weighing scale, commonly used for measuring illicit drugs, was also recovered from his residence.
During interrogation, Ubodoeze confessed to dealing in cocaine while running his motor spare parts business at Ladipo Market, Mushin, Lagos. He admitted that after his Angolan contact was arrested, he attempted to vacate his residence and flee before NDLEA operatives closed in on him.
Meanwhile, in another operation at the Murtala Muhammed International Airport (MMIA), Ikeja, Lagos, NDLEA operatives intercepted a shipment of cannabis-laced candies imported from the United Kingdom. The consignment, intended for sale at a kiddies’ mart located at 46 Ogunlana Drive, Surulere, Lagos, was seized on February 27, 2025, upon arrival as a consolidated cargo via Allied Airways.
Forensic analysis confirmed that the candies contained a strong strain of cannabis. Following investigations, the NDLEA arrested Adedamola Taylor on March 4 after initially detaining a freight agent connected to the shipment. In his statement, Adedamola claimed that the package was sent by his UK-based brother, Babatunde Alabi, and was meant for Musurat Lawal, who operates the kiddies’ shop in Surulere. A subsequent operation at the store led to Musurat’s arrest.
In Lagos, two suspects, China Michael and Igbo Ekene, were apprehended on March 7 at Shibiri, Ojo, with 248 compressed blocks of Ghanaian Loud (128kg) hidden in the underbelly of a commercial truck. Similarly, three other suspects, Osinachi Nwachukwu, Tochukwu Okafor Christian, and John Ugochukwu Mbakwe, were arrested at Mosalasi Junction, Mushin, with 301,600 pills of tramadol and other opioids.
Further north, in Kano, NDLEA operatives arrested 65-year-old Yahaya Haruna on March 6 along Gadar Tamburawa Road, where he was found in possession of 19.2kg of skunk. Another suspect, 60-year-old Musa Bello, also known as Jajere, was detained in Medile, Kumbotso Local Government Area, with 212 bottles of codeine syrup.
In Abia State, NDLEA agents raided the house and warehouse of 37-year-old Blessing Okoronkwo at 19 Ubani Street, Aba, on March 4. The operation resulted in the recovery of 442,594 tramadol pills, 1,274 bottles of codeine syrup, and other opioids. Meanwhile, in Benue State, NDLEA officers intercepted a vehicle at Ugbema Junction, Katsina Ala, on March 5, seizing 50,000 tramadol and Exol-5 pills and arresting two suspects, Nwaeze Onyeabor (47 years old) and Tombo Thomas (23 years old).
In Osun State, operatives apprehended Asimiyu Muibi (50 years old) in Modakeke, Ife East Local Government Area, on March 4, with 162kg of skunk. That same day, a raid in Ede led to the seizure of 95kg of skunk from a Toyota Camry (KSF 72 GW).
In Edo State, NDLEA officers raided Amahor Community Forest in Igueben Local Government Area on March 5, arresting Etim Esien Stephen (55 years old). During the operation, officers destroyed 9,514.625kg of skunk cultivated on 3.8 hectares of cannabis farmland.
Beyond enforcement, NDLEA continues to expand its War Against Drug Abuse (WADA) sensitization programs across the country. In the past week, awareness campaigns were conducted in multiple schools, including Model High School, Amaechi, Enugu; Bengy Secondary School, Agege, Lagos; Sunshine Secondary School, Nku Udo Eno, Akwa Ibom; and Government Day Secondary School, Dong, Adamawa State. The initiative aims to educate students, teachers, and community members on the dangers of drug abuse.
NDLEA Chairman and Chief Executive Officer, Brig. Gen. Mohamed Buba Marwa (Rtd), commended the MMIA, Lagos, Kano, Abia, Benue, Osun, and Edo Commands for their tireless efforts in drug interdiction. He praised their balanced approach to reducing both drug supply and demand, highlighting the agency’s commitment to dismantling drug cartels while fostering public awareness.
“Our operational successes and strategic efforts to curb drug trafficking across the country remain unwavering,” Marwa stated. “We appreciate the dedication of our officers and encourage continued collaboration with the public to ensure a safer, drug-free Nigeria.”
The NDLEA remains resolute in its mission to combat drug trafficking, dismantle illicit drug networks, and create drug-free communities across the country.
