NDLEA Smashes Drug Networks, Arrests Nonagenarian, Doctor in Nationwide Raids

The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) has arrested a 93-year-old man, a 69-year-old medical doctor, and several other suspects in a series of coordinated nationwide operations targeting drug trafficking networks across Nigeria.

The agency said the arrests were made during intelligence-led operations aimed at dismantling both local and international narcotics syndicates involved in the movement and distribution of cocaine, cannabis, and controlled pharmaceutical substances through land, air, and road routes.

In Abia State, NDLEA operatives arrested a 93-year-old suspect, identified as Pa Friday Chigbu, at his residence in Osisioma Local Government Area on April 7, 2026. A search of the premises reportedly led to the recovery of 7.7 kilograms of skunk, a strong strain of cannabis. The agency said the suspect allegedly admitted involvement in the illicit drug trade, claiming he had transitioned into drug dealing after years of menial work.

In another major breakthrough, NDLEA uncovered an international cocaine trafficking network involving an Ivorian national, Gohouri Michael, who was arrested at Mallam Aminu Kano International Airport with 1.49 kilograms of cocaine. Investigators said he had moved through Lagos and Enugu before arriving in Kano, where he was preparing to travel to Milan, Italy, for drug delivery in exchange for payment.

READ ALSO:

• 17-Year-Old Student Allegedly Hacks Celebrity WhatsApp Accounts, Sells Explicit Content in School
• VIDEO: Men in Uniform Storm Ughelli Church, Assault Pastor, Wife, Use Tear Gas
• MURIC Calls for Respect for Chief Imams, Urges Improved Government–Religious Relations in Oyo

Further investigations led to the arrest of a 69-year-old medical doctor, identified as Dr. C. Ofomata, in Ogun State, who is alleged to have played a coordinating role in the trafficking operation. NDLEA said the suspect was later transferred for further interrogation and was found with controlled pharmaceutical substances at the point of arrest.

In Lagos, operatives intercepted a luxury bus along the Lagos–Ibadan Expressway carrying 15 kilograms of Canadian Loud cannabis, concealed in compartments of the vehicle. Two suspects were arrested in connection with the seizure.

In a separate operation in Mushin, NDLEA officers intercepted a truck bound for Onitsha, Anambra State, and discovered 26,800 bottles of codeine-based syrup, leading to additional arrests.

The agency said these operations form part of its ongoing nationwide effort to combat drug trafficking, cannabis distribution, cocaine smuggling, and codeine abuse networks across Nigeria.

NDLEA reiterated its commitment to targeting offenders regardless of age, profession, or social status, stressing that both street-level dealers and high-level collaborators in drug cartels will be prosecuted under Nigeria’s anti-narcotics laws.

Officials added that intelligence-led enforcement remains central to disrupting trafficking routes and reducing the spread of illicit drugs across communities nationwide.

NDLEA Smashes Drug Networks, Arrests Nonagenarian, Doctor in Nationwide Raids

17-Year-Old Student Allegedly Hacks Celebrity WhatsApp Accounts, Sells Explicit Content in School

The Delta State Police Command has given a detailed account of how a 17-year-old secondary school student allegedly hacked into WhatsApp accounts belonging to celebrities and used them to circulate explicit content and defraud unsuspecting victims.

The Divisional Police Officer of Ugborikoko Division in Uvwie Local Government Area, CSP Temi Agbede-Zuokumor, disclosed the incident during a security awareness programme held alongside Nigerian comedian Otaghware Onodjayeke, where she raised concerns about rising cybercrime among teenagers.

According to the police officer, the case was uncovered after a routine search of a student’s mobile phone during a school-related security check raised suspicion.

She explained that initial attempts by the student’s mother to deny ownership of the device were contradicted after forensic examination of the phone’s contents allegedly linked the device directly to the boy.

Investigators reportedly discovered over 80 foreign contacts, including multiple Australian numbers, alongside large volumes of explicit digital content stored on the phone.

READ ALSO:

• VIDEO: Men in Uniform Storm Ughelli Church, Assault Pastor, Wife, Use Tear Gas
• MURIC Calls for Respect for Chief Imams, Urges Improved Government–Religious Relations in Oyo
• Elon Musk Slams South Africa Over Starlink Ban, Calls Policy ‘Racist’

The DPO further alleged that the teenager not only stored and circulated explicit materials but also sold them to fellow students within the school environment, where he was reportedly referred to as “boss” by peers involved in the activity.

Police also claimed that the suspect had gained unauthorized access to several WhatsApp accounts of celebrities and high-profile individuals, which he allegedly used to send messages and solicit money from unsuspecting contacts.

The development has sparked renewed concern over the growing trend of cybercrime among Nigerian teenagers, particularly involving WhatsApp hacking, online fraud, and the distribution of restricted content within schools.

During the awareness session, comedian Otaghware Onodjayeke also shared a personal experience of being targeted by online impersonators, noting how he once received a fraudulent message from someone posing as billionaire Elon Musk, who requested airtime under false pretences.

Police authorities used the occasion to urge parents, guardians, and school administrators to intensify monitoring of students’ digital activities, warning that cyber-related crimes are becoming increasingly sophisticated and difficult to detect without proper oversight.

They stressed the need for cybersecurity awareness in schools, adding that early intervention is critical to preventing minors from becoming involved in criminal online activities.

The suspect is expected to face further interrogation as investigations continue into the extent of the alleged hacking and possible accomplices.

17-Year-Old Student Allegedly Hacks Celebrity WhatsApp Accounts, Sells Explicit Content in School

VIDEO: Men in Uniform Storm Ughelli Church, Assault Pastor, Wife, Use Tear Gas

A disturbing incident has emerged from Ughelli where men in uniform reportedly stormed an Assemblies of God Church during a service, assaulted the pastor and his wife, and allegedly sprayed tear gas on them.

Eyewitness accounts say the incident occurred while activities were ongoing in the church, throwing worshippers into panic as the armed operatives disrupted proceedings.

According to sources, the men—whose specific agency has not yet been officially confirmed—forcefully entered the church premises and began attacking the pastor and his wife, leaving them injured. Witnesses also claimed that tear gas was discharged at close range, affecting not just the couple but other congregants present.

READ ALSO:

• MURIC Calls for Respect for Chief Imams, Urges Improved Government–Religious Relations in Oyo
• Elon Musk Slams South Africa Over Starlink Ban, Calls Policy ‘Racist’
• Court Orders Forfeiture of Pastor Ebonyi’s Hotel, School, Factory Over Alleged N1.39bn Fraud

The motive behind the invasion remains unclear, though some reports suggest it may be linked to an ongoing dispute or enforcement action. However, authorities have yet to issue a detailed explanation regarding the operation.

The incident has sparked outrage within the community, with residents and religious groups condemning the use of force in a place of worship and calling for a thorough investigation.

As of now, there has been no official statement confirming arrests or disciplinary action against the officers involved, but pressure is mounting on security agencies to clarify the circumstances surrounding the incident.

Men in uniform reportedly stormed an Assemblies of God Church during a service, assaulted the pastor and his wife, and allegedly sprayed tear gas on them

Gumbody | Abazz | Northerners | Sowore | Moniepoint | Senesi | #OBOCHELLA | Edo State pic.twitter.com/8g4zyB11YN

— Newstrends.Ng (@Newstrends_ng) April 12, 2026

VIDEO: Men in Uniform Storm Ughelli Church, Assault Pastor, Wife, Use Tear Gas