In a major breakthrough, the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) has arrested Levi Chidiebele Ubodoeze, a prominent automobile spare parts dealer, for attempting to export two kilograms of cocaine concealed in vehicle propellers to Angola.
Ubodoeze’s arrest came after a three-week manhunt, following the interception of the illicit consignment at a logistics company in the Aspanda Trade Fair Complex, Lagos, on February 21, 2025. According to Femi Babafemi, NDLEA’s Director of Media & Advocacy, the agency worked with Angolan authorities, leading to the arrest of the intended recipient.
Acting on intelligence, NDLEA operatives stormed Ubodoeze’s residence on March 6, catching him attempting to flee in a KIA Sport Utility Vehicle in the Ago Palace Way area of Isolo, Lagos. A thorough search of the vehicle led to the discovery of 75.5 kilograms of phenacetin, a notorious cocaine-cutting agent, disguised as semolina, along with a digital scale used for weighing illicit drugs.
During interrogation, Ubodoeze confessed to being a cocaine dealer, using his automobile business at Ladipo Market, Mushin as a front. He admitted that his Angolan accomplice had alerted him to the arrest, prompting his frantic attempt to flee before NDLEA operatives swooped in.
Meanwhile, NDLEA officers at Murtala Muhammed International Airport (MMIA), Lagos, intercepted a cargo of cannabis-laced candies imported from the United Kingdom. The consignment, disguised as regular sweets, arrived on February 27 via Allied Airways. The intended recipient, Adedamola Taylor, was arrested on March 4, revealing that his UK-based brother, Babatunde Alabi, had sent the package to be delivered to a Surulere-based shop owned by Musurat Lawal. A follow-up operation at the Kiddies Mart led to Lawal’s arrest.
In a separate sting operation, NDLEA intercepted a commercial truck at Shibiri, Ojo, Lagos, on March 7, leading to the arrest of China Michael and Igbo Ekene. A search of the vehicle uncovered 248 compressed blocks of Ghanaian Loud, a potent strain of cannabis, weighing 128 kilograms—skillfully concealed in the underbelly of the truck.
The NDLEA’s recent crackdown extended beyond Lagos, with significant drug seizures and arrests across multiple states:
Lagos: Three suspects—Osinachi Nwachukwu, Tochukwu Okafor Christian, and John Ugochukwu Mbakwe—were apprehended at Mosalasi Junction, Mushin, with 301,600 tramadol pills and other opioids.
Kano: A 65-year-old suspect, Yahaya Haruna, was caught with 19.2 kilograms of skunk along Gadar Tamburawa Road on March 6, while Musa Bello (a.k.a Jajere), 60, was found with 212 bottles of codeine syrup in Kumbotso Local Government Area.
Abia: NDLEA operatives raided the warehouse of Blessing Okoronkwo, 37, at 19 Ubani Street, Aba, recovering 442,594 tramadol pills and 1,274 bottles of codeine syrup on March 4.
Benue: On March 5, Nwaeze Onyeabor (47) and Tombo Thomas (23) were arrested at Ugbema Junction, Katsina Ala, with 50,000 tramadol and Exol-5 pills.
Osun: Asimiyu Muibi (50) was caught with 162 kilograms of skunk at Modakeke, Ife East LGA, while 95 kilograms of the same substance were seized from a Toyota Camry during a raid in Ede.
Edo: In a daring raid, NDLEA officers stormed Amahor Community Forest, Igueben, on March 5, destroying 9,514.625 kilograms of skunk cultivated on 3.8 hectares of cannabis farmland. Etim Esien Stephen (55) was arrested at the scene.
With smugglers deploying more sophisticated methods, from vehicle propellers to disguised candy shipments, the NDLEA remains steadfast in its fight against drug trafficking. The latest operations highlight the agency’s unwavering commitment to dismantling criminal syndicates and ensuring Nigeria is not a hub for illicit drug trade.
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