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NDLEA arrests businessman with cocaine, seizes N3.6bn drugs in Lagos

Published

2 months ago

August 17, 2026

NDLEA arrests businessman with cocaine, seizes N3.6bn drugs in Lagos

48-year-old marble dealer who liquidated his business to fund N23 million cocaine deal was intercepted at Murtala Muhammed International Airport, while separate operations uncovered 377,600 bottles of codeine syrup and 324kg of synthetic cannabis

The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) has arrested a 48-year-old Lagos businessman at the Murtala Muhammed International Airport (MMIA) while attempting to smuggle 1.550 kilograms of cocaine to New Delhi, India, in an operation that also yielded drug seizures valued at over N3.6 billion across multiple states. The suspect, identified as Nwankwo Innocent Onyebuchi, who operated a marble trading business in Lagos, was intercepted at the departure hall of Terminal II while preparing to board a Qatar Airways flight to India, according to a statement by the NDLEA Director of Media and Advocacy, Mr. Femi Babafemi. A search of his check-in luggage uncovered the cocaine ingeniously concealed within the factory-fitted side walls and railings of his travel bag—a sophisticated concealment method designed specifically to beat airport security screening.

In a confession described by investigators as revealing the desperation that fuels the illicit drug trade, Onyebuchi admitted that he had sold off his marble business and every asset he owned to raise the N23 million he paid for the cocaine consignment. He reportedly told NDLEA operatives that he intended to sell the narcotics in India for approximately N100 million, hoping to make a substantial fortune from the transaction. His arrest, however, abruptly ended the venture, and with his assets gone and his dream of transitioning from a legitimate marble trader to a drug kingpin effectively shattered, he remains in NDLEA custody pending prosecution and likely time in jail.

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The airport arrest came as the anti-narcotics agency intensified intelligence-driven operations across the country. In a separate operation, NDLEA operatives acting on credible intelligence raided a warehouse within a residential compound at 20 Hakeem Dosumu Street, Ago Palace area of Okota, Lagos. The raid, conducted between August 7 and 8, 2026, uncovered a massive stockpile of codeine-based syrup—a total of 3,776 cartons, comprising 377,600 bottles of the controlled substance, valued at over N2.6 billion. Codeine, a highly addictive opioid, is frequently abused in Nigeria and has been linked to widespread public health concerns, particularly among young people, and the seizure represents one of the largest single hauls of the substance in recent years.

Yet in another intelligence-led operation, NDLEA operatives on August 14 raided the residence of a 55-year-old kingpin, Shoremi Kayode, at 37 Ogundare Street, Ipaja Estate, Lagos. The raid resulted in the recovery of 324 kilograms of Colorado, a synthetic strain of cannabis, with an estimated street value of N972 million. Also recovered from the suspect were a Mercedes-Benz car and a Toyota Corolla car, believed to have been acquired through proceeds of the illicit drug trade. The arrest and seizure further demonstrate the NDLEA’s commitment to targeting high-value drug trafficking networks and their assets, sending a strong message that crime does not pay.

The NDLEA confirmed that the Lagos operations were part of coordinated enforcement actions across multiple states, including Kano, Kwara, Edo, Plateau, Oyo, and Delta states, resulting in the seizure of large quantities of cocaine, cannabis, opioids, and other controlled substances. The agency credited the successes to intelligence-driven operations and inter-agency collaboration, which have become the hallmark of the NDLEA’s approach under its current leadership. The War Against Drug Abuse (WADA) social advocacy activities by NDLEA commands also continued during the period under review, reflecting the agency’s dual approach of reducing both drug supply and drug demand.

The Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of the NDLEA, retired Brig.-Gen. Buba Marwa, commended the officers, men, and women of the MMIA and Lagos commands for the arrests and seizures made during the period under review. Marwa also praised their counterparts across all commands for pursuing a fair balance between drug supply reduction and drug demand reduction efforts. He has previously described the war against illicit drugs as a “generational responsibility” requiring sustained commitment, noting that “for every cartel we dismantle, intelligence tells us another will attempt to rise.” The agency continues to call on members of the public to provide timely and credible information to support law enforcement efforts, emphasizing that community participation is essential in the fight against drug trafficking and abuse.

NDLEA arrests businessman with cocaine, seizes N3.6bn drugs in Lagos

Related Topics:Businessman Cocaine drugs NDLEA

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Edo Police Arrest 37-Year-Old Man Over Alleged Rape of 70-Year-Old Woman

Published

2 hours ago

October 1, 2026

Trends Admin

Edo Police Arrest Cleric Accused of Making 'Protective Charms' for Kidnap Gangs

Edo State police spokesperson, ASP Eno Ikoedem

Edo Police Arrest 37-Year-Old Man Over Alleged Rape of 70-Year-Old Woman

The Edo State Police Command has arrested a 37-year-old man over the alleged rape of a 70-year-old woman in Igueben Local Government Area of the state.

The suspect was taken into custody following the allegation and is being investigated as police work to establish the circumstances surrounding the reported sexual assault.

The command’s Police Public Relations Officer, ASP Eno Ikoedem, disclosed the arrest during a briefing on the command’s recent operations and security activities across the state.

Ikoedem said the case was being handled as a serious allegation and that investigators would gather the necessary evidence to determine the next legal steps.

The police have not released the identities of the suspect or the alleged victim. Details of the alleged incident, including when it occurred and the circumstances leading to the suspect’s arrest, have also not been fully disclosed.

The suspect remains presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty by a court.

The case was among several security developments disclosed by the Edo Police Command.

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The command also reported the recovery of a six-month-old baby allegedly stolen and taken to Imo State, with the child subsequently reunited with the family. Police said suspects connected with the incident were arrested.

Seven suspected cult members were also arrested by operatives of the Otuo Division during an intelligence-led operation targeting cult-related activities.

Police further said a joint clearance operation was conducted in parts of Edo North, particularly areas identified as potential hideouts for criminal elements. According to the command, no kidnapping incident was recorded in the affected areas during the period under review.

The command also disclosed arrests linked to an allegation involving the stripping of a young girl and the circulation of material relating to the incident on social media.

The police urged residents to provide useful information that could assist security agencies in preventing crime and protecting vulnerable people.

The investigation into the alleged rape of the 70-year-old woman in Edo is ongoing, with further action expected to depend on the outcome of the police investigation.

Edo Police Arrest 37-Year-Old Man Over Alleged Rape of 70-Year-Old Woman

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FG Declares Thursday Public Holiday for Nigeria’s 66th Independence Anniversary

Published

23 hours ago

September 30, 2026

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Minister of Interior, Dr Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo

FG Declares Thursday Public Holiday for Nigeria’s 66th Independence Anniversary

The Federal Government has declared Thursday, October 1, 2026, a public holiday to mark Nigeria’s 66th Independence Anniversary.

The Minister of Interior, Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, announced the declaration on behalf of the Federal Government on Wednesday, congratulating Nigerians at home and abroad on the national celebration.

The minister urged Nigerians to use the occasion to promote national unity, patriotism, peaceful coexistence and mutual respect, while reflecting on the sacrifices of the country’s founding fathers and heroines.

Tunji-Ojo said peace and stability remained important to national development and called on citizens to remain committed to building a stronger and more prosperous Nigeria.

The minister also assured Nigerians that the Federal Government remained committed to strengthening national security, improving public safety and creating an environment where citizens could live and work with confidence.

The 2026 celebration marks 66 years of Nigeria’s independence, following the country’s attainment of independence from British colonial rule on October 1, 1960.

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The Federal Government is marking the anniversary under the theme, “From Reforms to Stability: Consolidating Nigeria’s Renewed Hope for Shared Prosperity.” The anniversary programme was earlier announced as a low-key celebration.

As part of the programme, an Independence Day Public Lecture is scheduled for Wednesday, September 30, while President Bola Ahmed Tinubu is expected to deliver a nationwide broadcast on Thursday, October 1.

The President is also expected to participate in other anniversary activities in Lagos, including the premiere of a documentary on the late businessman and politician MKO Abiola at the National Theatre.

The Federal Government has urged Nigerians to use the Independence Day celebration to reflect on the country’s journey since 1960 and renew their commitment to a united and peaceful Nigeria.

The October 1 public holiday applies nationwide, giving workers and other citizens an official day off to commemorate Nigeria’s Independence Day.

FG Declares Thursday Public Holiday for Nigeria’s 66th Independence Anniversary

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Five Remanded Over ‘Tinubu Must Go’ T-Shirts in Borno

Published

23 hours ago

September 30, 2026

Trends Admin

Five Remanded Over ‘Tinubu Must Go’ T-Shirts in Borno

Five men have been remanded in custody in Maiduguri, Borno State, after they were arraigned over the alleged printing and wearing of “Tinubu Must Go” T-shirts.

The defendants — Baba Aji Gremami, 44; Mustapha Abba Yemen, 28; Abbacha Mohammed Ali, 32; Adam Umar Gubio, 21; and Abdulhamid Mohammed, 21 — were arrested on September 25 around the West End Roundabout area of Maiduguri, according to a First Information Report issued by the State Criminal Investigation Department.

Police alleged that the five men conspired to print and wear the T-shirts bearing the inscription “Tinubu Must Go”, with the intention of causing a breach of public peace in the area.

They were subsequently charged with criminal conspiracy, inciting disturbance, disturbance of public peace and thuggery under Sections 60, 78, 79 and 392 of the Borno State Penal Code.

The defendants appeared before the Chief Magistrate Court I in Maiduguri and pleaded not guilty to the allegations. Their lawyers subsequently applied for bail.

The court remanded the five men in custody and adjourned the matter to October 6, 2026, for a ruling on the bail application. The substantive case was also listed for October 26, 2026.

The police case centres on the alleged intention behind the production and wearing of the shirts, with the authorities maintaining that the conduct was capable of causing a breach of public peace. The charges, rather than the political slogan alone, form the basis of the criminal proceedings.

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The arrests have generated controversy, particularly over the balance between freedom of expression and public-order laws.

Amnesty International condemned the detention, arguing that wearing a shirt expressing political dissent should not, by itself, constitute a criminal offence. The organisation called for the men’s release and urged the authorities to protect the rights to freedom of expression and association.

The African Democratic Congress (ADC) in Borno State also condemned the arrests. The party said the men were being detained for expressing a political opinion and called for their immediate release. The party’s position is separate from the police allegations before the court.

There have also been claims that the arrests were politically directed, including an allegation that a senior political figure in Borno ordered the action. However, such claims have not been independently established, and the police report cited in the case does not establish that a political figure ordered the arrests.

The development comes as political activity increases ahead of the 2027 general elections, with opposition parties and supporters using different platforms to express criticism of the Federal Government and promote alternative political positions.

The case has consequently drawn attention to the application of freedom of expression, political dissent and public-order laws in Nigeria.

For now, the five men remain defendants in an ongoing criminal case. They have pleaded not guilty, and the allegations against them have yet to be determined by the court.