metro

NDLEA smashes cocaine cartel behind six UK-bound shipments

Published

12 months ago

October 5, 2025

NDLEA smashes cocaine cartel behind six UK-bound shipments

Operatives of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) have successfully dismantled two major drug cartels behind six different consignments of cocaine in a series of intelligence-led operations that lasted over three weeks across Lagos.

The drugs were concealed in walls of stainless cups, body cream and hair gel containers, leading to the arrest of five suspects and ultimately the arrowhead of the syndicate, Alhaji Hammed Taofeek Ode, who parades as a businessman and real estate developer.

Director, Media and Advocacy, NDLEA Headquarters, Abuja, Femi Babafemi, made this known in a statement on Sunday.

According to the statement, the beginning of the end of the criminal syndicate’s operations began on 16th September 2025, when NDLEA operatives at the export shed of the Murtala Muhammed International Airport (MMIA), Ikeja, Lagos, intercepted 174 parcels of cocaine weighing 13.40 kilograms. They were concealed in the walls of cocoa butter body cream containers. A cargo agent was promptly arrested.

The statement reads, “Further investigations revealed Alhaji Hammed Taofeek Ode as the mastermind of the shipment, and after weeks of intelligence, it was established that the drug baron had reported a dispute at the Zone 2 headquarters of the Police in Lagos, after which the Agency sought the cooperation of the police to get the suspect into custody.

“During his preliminary interview, Alhaji Hammed Ode admitted ownership of the consignment, which he claimed he bought at over N150 million. He claimed to be a businessman and estate developer following his return from the United Kingdom in 2024. He had lived for over 27 years in many European countries, including Austria, the Netherlands, France, Germany, and Saudi Arabia, before settling in the UK.

According to the statement, the apprehension of a cargo agent led to the arrest of the consignor, Smith David Korede, a furniture maker, on Tuesday, 30th September, at his 3 Arowojobe Street, Mafoluku, Oshodi, Lagos base, where another consignment of 1.40kg cocaine meant for export to the UK was recovered from him.

READ ALSO:

It reads, “Same day, another consignment of 1.00kg cocaine with a similar mode of concealment going to the UK was also intercepted at the export shed of the airport. The cargo agent arrested in connection with the 1.00kg cocaine also identified Smith David Korede as the consignor, bringing to three the number of seized cocaine consignments linked to the suspect.

“Two other cocaine laden consignments going to the UK were also intercepted by NDLEA operatives at the export shed of the MMIA on Thursday, 2nd October. Two suspects, Ogunbiyi Oluseye Taiwo and Popoola Francis Olumuyiwa, linked to the seizures, were promptly arrested. One of the consignments contains crayfish, and 12 pieces of stainless cups used to conceal 1.00kg of cocaine, while the second consignment also contains crayfish, and 36 containers of hair cream used to conceal 1.60kg of cocaine.”

Babafemi said the bid by another criminal gang to smuggle into Lagos 6.3 kilograms of Loud, a strong strain of cannabis concealed in a bed sheet and hibiscus flower from Thailand, was equally thwarted by NDLEA operatives attached to some courier companies.

He added that while a joint operation between NDLEA officers and Customs Service personnel at a checkpoint along Danbatta-Daura road, Kano, on Thursday, 2nd October, led to the arrest of 38-year-old Sa’adu Ali and seizure of 290,450 pills of tramadol 250mg and pregabalin capsules.

“In Ogun state, NDLEA operatives on Monday, 29th September, raided Isheri, Obafemi Owode LGA, where a suspect, Abubakar Audu, was arrested with 112kg skunk and 16grams of tramadol. Three suspects: Chuimieze Shedrack, 28; Sunday John, 25, and Solomon Okopko, 27, were nabbed by NDLEA officers on Thursday, 2nd October at Owena/Ijesha forest reserve, Osun state, where they destroyed 14,000kg skunk on 5.6 hectares of cannabis plantation and recovered 142kg of the same psychoactive substance.

“In Edo, NDLEA operatives on Wednesday, 1st October, intercepted a Toyota Sienna vehicle marked KUJ 47 NW loaded with 22 bags of skunk weighing 244.5kg at Igbanke, Orhionwon LGA, and a suspect, Ineh Excellent Obindi, 28, was arrested. A total of 10,897.35kg skunk was destroyed on four farms measuring 4.358938 hectares at Ugbodo forest, Ovia North East LGA, on Friday, 3rd October, with two suspects: Michael Ayang, 40, and Bernard New Year (a.k.a Don), 47, arrested. Not less than 223.5kg of processed cannabis and seeds were recovered from the farms.

“Operatives on patrol along the Okene/Lokoja highway intercepted a waybill parcel coming from Lagos to Abuja containing 3.272kg Loud and a sachet of Colorado. A follow-up operation at Gwagwalada park in Abuja led to the arrest of the owner, Tobi Odubote, 34, while another suspect, Ismail Abdurrahim, 32, was arrested in possession of 25.5kg skunk along Abaji- Abuja expressway on Thursday, 2nd October.

“In like manner, Commands and formations of the Agency across the country continued their War Against Drug Abuse (WADA) sensitization activities to schools, worship centres, workplaces, and communities, among others, in the past week. These include: WADA sensitization lecture to students and staff of Government Day Secondary School, Hammawa Toungo, Adamawa; Government Day Secondary School, Kankara, Katsina; Day Secondary School, Unguwan Nasarawa, Kontogora, Niger; and traders at Ladega market, Ikorodu, Lagos, while the Imo state command of NDLEA paid a WADA advocacy visit to the State First Lady, Barr. Chioma Uzodinma at Government House, Owerri, among others.”

“We’ll continue to target and dismantle every identified drug cartel at every level of their operations, from the mules to the dealers in between and up to their leadership.

“These successful operations should serve as a warning that NDLEA will not relent until the threat posed by the menace of substance abuse and illicit drug trafficking is eliminated because every arrest, seizure and assets forfeited by the criminal syndicates signifies innocent lives saved and communities protected either here in Nigeria or in other jurisdictions”, Chairman/Chief Executive Officer of NDLEA, Brig Gen Mohamed Buba Marwa (Rtd) stated.

He commended the officers and men of MMIA, DOGI, Kano, Edo, Kwara, Kaduna, Ogun, Osun, Kogi, and FCT Commands, as well as their compatriots across the country, for their tenacity, professionalism, and balanced approach to the drug control efforts of the Agency.

NDLEA smashes cocaine cartel behind six UK-bound shipments

Related Topics:cartel Cocaine Featured NDLEA UK-bound

Up Next

FG to stem ‘japa’ with N110bn investment fund

Don't Miss

2 killed as family feud over traditional title turns deadly

metro

Enugu Man Recounts How HIV Argument Allegedly Led to Girlfriend’s Death

Published

14 hours ago

October 2, 2026

Trends Admin

Okpara Chibuike Emmanuel

Enugu Man Recounts How HIV Argument Allegedly Led to Girlfriend’s Death

A 30-year-old man, Okpara Chibuike Emmanuel, has told the Enugu State Police Command how he allegedly killed his 27-year-old girlfriend, Chinyere Rosemary Ugwu, after an argument involving allegations over HIV infection.

Emmanuel gave the account during an interview with the Enugu State Police Public Relations Officer, SP Daniel Ndukwe, in a video released by the command on Friday.

The police identified Ugwu as a Medical Laboratory Science graduate of the Institute of Management and Technology (IMT), Enugu, who had recently completed her National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) programme.

According to Emmanuel, the incident occurred around midnight on September 19, 2026, at his residence in Olympic Layout, One-Day area of Enugu.

He said the argument started after he told Ugwu that he could treat people living with hepatitis C, HIV and syphilis. Emmanuel alleged that Ugwu then accused him of infecting her with HIV, leading to a heated argument that escalated into a physical confrontation.

The suspect claimed Ugwu picked up a pestle and began hitting him, after which he said he took the object from her and struck her, causing her to collapse.

READ ALSO:

Emmanuel further told the police that he subsequently used a machete to inflict injuries on her wrist, head and neck.

The police said the latest investigation revealed that the suspect’s account went beyond the initial allegation that he had used a pestle. According to the command, he also allegedly used a machete during the incident.

After the alleged killing, Emmanuel said he wrapped Ugwu’s body in a black nylon bag and moved it into the toilet of the apartment. He said he then locked the toilet and the master bedroom before leaving.

The remains were later discovered after neighbours reportedly noticed an offensive odour coming from the apartment. The neighbours forced their way inside and found the decomposing body.

Police had earlier said Emmanuel was apprehended by residents and was subsequently rescued from an angry mob before being re-arrested by officers attached to the Awkunanaw Division.

The remains were evacuated to a mortuary for preservation and autopsy, while the investigation continued. (Premium Times Nigeria)

During the police interview, Emmanuel also admitted damaging Ugwu’s Samsung phone, saying he feared that it could be used to trace him. He said her iPhone had already been switched off after she complained that it was faulty.

The suspect said he first met Ugwu through Facebook in 2023 and that they resumed their relationship after she returned to Enugu in 2026. He claimed that he intended to marry her and had discussed the relationship with her mother.

Emmanuel also suggested that he was not fully aware of his actions at the time of the incident and appealed for forgiveness and mercy.

However, Ugwu’s family has disputed reports that she was killed simply because of an HIV-related disagreement, insisting that the circumstances surrounding her death require a thorough and independent investigation.

READ ALSO:

Her immediate elder sister, Kenechi Maryam, said members of the family were present during an interview involving Emmanuel and the Commissioner of Police. She said the suspect’s accounts about the injuries and weapons allegedly used raised questions that the family wanted investigators to resolve.

According to the family, Emmanuel initially spoke about using a pestle but later mentioned a machete when questioned about injuries to Ugwu’s head and neck.

The family has called on the police, medical personnel and other relevant authorities to establish the actual cause of death, the nature of the injuries and what weapon or object caused them.

The family has also urged journalists and members of the public not to treat the alleged HIV dispute as an established motive until investigators have completed their work. (ThisDay.com.ng)

The Commissioner of Police in Enugu State, Mamman Bitrus Giwa, has assured Ugwu’s parents and siblings that justice would be served. The command said the victim’s family had been identified and interviewed as part of the ongoing investigation.

The commissioner has directed investigators to conclude the case and ensure that the suspect is charged to court after the investigation.

The police have also urged members of the public, particularly young women, to inform trusted relatives or friends of their whereabouts when visiting or spending time with people they know.

The allegations against Emmanuel remain subject to investigation and possible court proceedings, while the circumstances surrounding Ugwu’s death have yet to be fully established.

Enugu Man Recounts How HIV Argument Allegedly Led to Girlfriend’s Death

metro

Court Remands Man Accused of Impersonating JAMB Registrar in Kuje Prison

Published

15 hours ago

October 2, 2026

Trends Admin

Arinze Nwogba

Court Remands Man Accused of Impersonating JAMB Registrar in Kuje Prison

The Federal High Court in Abuja has ordered the remand of Arinze Nwogba in the Kuje Correctional Centre over allegations that he impersonated the Registrar of the Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB), Prof. Segun Aina.

Justice Salim Ibrahim ordered that Nwogba remain in custody pending a ruling on his bail application. The court fixed October 7, 2026, for ruling on the bail request and October 19 for the commencement of trial. (Vanguard News)

The case was brought by the Inspector-General of Police in a six-count charge marked FHC/ABJ/CR/612/2026. The charge was dated September 18 and filed on September 21, 2026.

Nwogba, who was arraigned before the court, pleaded not guilty to all six counts.

The police alleged that Nwogba and other suspects still at large fraudulently impersonated the JAMB Registrar in 2026 by using Prof. Aina’s name and photograph on platforms including WhatsApp, Truecaller and LinkedIn.

According to the prosecution, the alleged syndicate used the identity to approach unsuspecting members of the public with purported offers of government and JAMB-related contracts.

READ ALSO:

Investigators alleged that the suspects directed prospective victims to communicate through a WhatsApp number and claimed that the Federal Ministry of Education had approved the supply of 200 HP laptops as part of a digitisation programme.

The prosecution further alleged that victims were asked to pay N900,000 as an initial processing or “handshake” fee, with another N3 million allegedly demanded for payments purportedly meant for senior officials in the Ministry of Education.

Police investigations reportedly led to Nwogba’s arrest in Abakaliki, Ebonyi State, in August.

The prosecution told the court that Nwogba allegedly operated under the name Dr Stephen Igwe and provided bank details to facilitate the alleged transactions.

Investigators also alleged that an Access Bank account linked to a deceased person was provided for the payment of the requested money. Police said Nwogba told investigators that the account belonged to his late nephew, who died in April 2026 and was buried in July.

The police further alleged that Nwogba admitted forwarding the account details to a cousin identified as Nnabuife Nwekpa, whom investigators described as the alleged principal suspect in the operation.

Nwekpa remains at large, according to the prosecution, while efforts are reportedly ongoing to arrest him.

The case followed a petition by the JAMB Registrar concerning the alleged unauthorised use of his identity and photograph to deceive members of the public.

At Friday’s proceedings, Nwogba’s lawyer, Christian Ejike, urged the court to grant his client bail on liberal terms. The prosecution opposed the application, arguing that there was a risk that the defendant could evade trial if released.

The prosecution also told the court that its witnesses and exhibits were ready and that it was prepared to proceed with the case.

Justice Ibrahim, after hearing arguments from both sides, adjourned the bail ruling to October 7 and fixed October 19 for trial.

The allegations against Nwogba remain before the court, and his plea of not guilty means that the prosecution must prove the charges beyond reasonable doubt.

Court Remands Man Accused of Impersonating JAMB Registrar in Kuje Prison

metro

Police Identify 27-Year-Old NYSC Graduate Allegedly Killed by Boyfriend

Published

16 hours ago

October 2, 2026

Trends Admin

Enugu State Commissioner of Police, CP Mamman Bitrus Giwa

Police Identify 27-Year-Old NYSC Graduate Allegedly Killed by Boyfriend

The Enugu State Police Command has identified a 27-year-old woman allegedly killed by her boyfriend as Chinyere Rosemary Ugwu, a graduate of Medical Laboratory Science from the Institute of Management and Technology (IMT), Enugu.

Ugwu, who recently completed her National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) programme, was allegedly killed by her boyfriend, 30-year-old Okpara Chibuike Emmanuel, in Enugu.

The suspect was arrested after the discovery of Ugwu’s remains at his residence in the Olympic Layout, One-Day area of Enugu.

According to the police, the incident allegedly occurred on September 19, 2026. Ugwu’s remains were reportedly discovered after neighbours became suspicious of an offensive odour coming from the suspect’s apartment.

The police said neighbours forced the door open and found the deceased’s remains concealed in the toilet. Emmanuel was reportedly apprehended by residents before police officers arrived and took him into custody.

The command had earlier alleged that an argument between the couple over claims relating to HIV infection preceded the incident. Police said the suspect told investigators that he struck Ugwu on the head with a pestle during the confrontation.

However, the circumstances surrounding the death remain under investigation, and the suspect’s account has not been established as fact by a court.

READ ALSO:

Ugwu’s remains were reportedly taken to a mortuary for preservation and autopsy as investigators work to establish the circumstances and cause of her death. The police have not announced the outcome of the autopsy.

In a fresh update, the Enugu police command said investigators had established the identity of the deceased and identified her parents and siblings, who were subsequently interviewed as part of the investigation.

The Commissioner of Police, Mamman Giwa, also met with members of Ugwu’s family and the suspect. The commissioner assured the family that the command would conduct a thorough investigation and pursue justice in accordance with the law.

The family has also reportedly called for a comprehensive investigation, questioning the suggestion that the alleged killing should be attributed solely to an HIV-related disagreement.

The police said Emmanuel has been interviewed by investigators as efforts continue to establish the full circumstances surrounding Ugwu’s death.

The command urged members of the public, particularly women, to remain vigilant in their relationships and when meeting people they know. It advised people to keep trusted relatives or friends informed about their whereabouts and to take warning signs in potentially dangerous situations seriously.

The police said further information would be released as the investigation progresses.