NDLEA secures 21-year jail term for drug cartel members in Lagos

NDLEA secures 21-year jail term for drug cartel members in Lagos

In a major crackdown on international drug trafficking, the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) has secured the conviction of five members of organized criminal groups, sentencing them to a combined 21 years imprisonment following operations at Murtala Muhammed International Airport (MMIA), Ikeja, Lagos.

Among the convicted are three cartel leaders—Olasupo Michael Oladimeji, Ogunbiyi Ademola Muaezz, and Adegoke Shola—who were apprehended on August 26, 2025, after NDLEA operatives intercepted 17.9 kilograms of cocaine concealed in textile materials and local charms en route to Sydney, Australia.

Further investigations led to the discovery of 20.5 kilograms of Canadian loud cannabis at Ogunbiyi’s Lekki residence and the seizure of a black Range Rover SUV from Adegoke’s home in Ikeja GRA.

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NDLEA spokesperson Femi Babafemi, in a statement released Friday, confirmed that the trio were arraigned on October 30, 2025, before Justice Musa Kakaki of the Federal High Court, Lagos, on five counts (FHC/L/925C/2025). All three pleaded guilty and were sentenced the following day to five years imprisonment each, without the option of a fine. The court also ordered the forfeiture of the Range Rover and a Toyota Venza to the federal government.

In a related operation, NDLEA officers arrested Obunike Joseph Obichukwu and Uzorchukwu Godspower Chukwurah on July 19, 2025, after intercepting 2.60 kilograms of cocaine and 27.9 kilograms of tramadol concealed in motor spare parts destined for Gabon.

The duo were arraigned on November 4, 2025, before Justice Ambrose Lewis-Allagoa on six counts (FHC/L/980C). Both pleaded guilty and were sentenced to three years imprisonment each, with an alternative fine of ₦2 million. Additionally, the ₦4 million allegedly paid by Obunike in an attempt to bribe NDLEA officers was ordered forfeited to the federal government.

The NDLEA reiterated its commitment to dismantling drug trafficking networks and upholding the rule of law in its ongoing fight against narcotics across Nigeria.

NDLEA secures 21-year jail term for drug cartel members in Lagos