NDLEA Arrests Ex‑Lagos Councillor Over 40kg Cannabis

NDLEA Arrests Ex‑Lagos Councillor Over 40kg Cannabis

Operatives of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) have arrested Sheleru Sadiq Olalekan, a former councillor from Orimedu, Ibeju‑Lekki LGA, Lagos State, after seizing 40 kilograms of skunk cannabis at his residence. The arrest forms part of a series of coordinated nationwide operations targeting drug trafficking and related criminal networks.

According to NDLEA spokesperson Femi Babafemi, Olalekan, who previously served two terms as a councillor and currently works as a legislative aide, admitted ownership of the drugs and the property where they were found. The arrest occurred on March 2, 2026, at his Ilado home, marking one of the largest seizures in Lagos in recent months.

“This arrest underscores our commitment to combating the illegal drug trade and protecting Nigerian communities from narcotics proliferation,” Babafemi said.

In related operations across the country, NDLEA officers intercepted multiple illicit drug consignments and improvised explosive device (IED) components:

• In Abuja, 32‑year‑old Emeka Hyginus Okwor was arrested transporting 1,000 tapentadol pills hidden inside baby diapers en route to Guduwa village, Niger State.

READ ALSO:

• Sarah Martins Clarifies Roadside Cooking Incident, Apologises to Lagos Govt
• Showunmi Blasts Mehdi Hasan Over ‘Hostile’ Al Jazeera Interview With Bwala
• Top 10 Strongest Militaries in the World in 2026 – Full Ranking
• Along the Kabba–Obajana highway in Kogi State, a 36‑year‑old Cameroonian, Mey Ali Muhamat, was apprehended with 1.55 kilograms of Colorado cannabis.
• In Niger State, officers intercepted a commercial bus carrying 500 IED components; the recipient, Osama Abdullahi (21), was later arrested in Pelegi, Mashegu LGA.
• In Adamawa State, NDLEA seized 122,000 tramadol pills and 700 grams of methamphetamine hidden in a truck transporting 2,000 cartons of local drinks.
• Additional arrests were recorded in Kano (11,283 tramadol pills), Ogun (46 kilograms of skunk cannabis) and Delta State (18.63 kilograms of skunk, 10.8 litres of codeine syrup, and 4,268 tramadol pills).
• In Edo State, NDLEA destroyed 1,910.25 kilograms of skunk on two farms and arrested multiple suspects linked to the illicit operations.

The NDLEA Chairman, Brig. Gen. Mohamed Buba Marwa (Rtd), commended the officers for their coordinated efforts and reiterated the agency’s commitment to eradicating drug trafficking, protecting public health, and strengthening national security.

“We urge members of the public to cooperate with law enforcement and report suspicious activities to curb the spread of narcotics,” Marwa stated.

The arrest of a former public office holder underscores the agency’s determination to target individuals at all levels of society involved in illegal drug operations, sending a strong warning to criminal networks operating across Nigeria.

NDLEA Arrests Ex‑Lagos Councillor Over 40kg Cannabis