NDLEA Nabs Lekki, Italy-Based Businessmen Over Illicit Drug Shipments to Nigeria, Europe

…Agency Destroys 13,198kg of Cannabis in Edo Forests, Uncovers Drug Repackaging Factory in Katsina

The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) has arrested a Lekki-based businessman, Arokodare Damil Ebenezer, proprietor of Damillionz Takeout, over his involvement in the shipment of 60 parcels of Loud, a potent strain of cannabis, from the United States to Nigeria.

The 43-year-old suspect was apprehended on Monday, 24th March 2025, at Bay Lounge, Admiralty Way, Lekki, Lagos, where he was set to receive his latest drug consignment. His arrest followed the seizure of his cargo – seven large cartons – by NDLEA operatives at a logistics company in Lagos on 12th March.

A subsequent search of his residence led to the recovery of 94 grams of the same substance, along with drug paraphernalia, bringing the total seized from him to 32.24 kilograms. Ebenezer confessed to starting his illicit drug trade in 2017.

In another operation, NDLEA officers at the Murtala Muhammed International Airport, Ikeja, intercepted Omoruyi Terry, an Italy-based businessman, attempting to export 1,400 pills of Tramadol 225mg, weighing 800 grams, to Italy.

He was apprehended at the screening point of Terminal 2 while trying to board a Qatar Airways flight. Investigations revealed that Omoruyi is a frequent traveller and a logistics agent.

In Katsina State, NDLEA operatives arrested four suspects – Baraka Abubakar, 40; Haruna Alitine, 23; Muhammad Babangida, 20; and Hamisu Lawal – during a raid on Friday, 28th March, at Godai village, Daura LGA.

The operation led to the seizure of 684 blocks of compressed skunk, weighing 423kg, and 86,000 diazepam pills.

The three male suspects were caught repackaging the pills, while Baraka, the female suspect, was found with heaps of cannabis in her residence.

In Edo State, NDLEA operatives destroyed no fewer than 13,198 kilograms of cannabis sativa between 24th and 28th March.

The operations took place in Uhen Forest (Ovia North East LGA), Sobe (Owan West LGA), and Amahor Forest (Igueben LGA), where four plantations were uncovered.

Additionally, 158kg of processed cannabis was evacuated for further investigation and prosecution.

Similarly, in Niger State, operatives intercepted a black Toyota Corolla marked SLM 137 SV along the Mokwa-Jebba road on 28th March.

Two suspects, Paul Christopher, 46, and Lucky Star Anumie, were found with 179 blocks of compressed skunk, weighing 77.6kg, concealed in the vehicle’s false bottom.

Another raid in Wawa village, Borgu LGA, led to the seizure of 50kg of cannabis from the home of a suspect, Isa Iliya, who remains at large.

In Enugu State, NDLEA operatives recovered 108.5kg of cannabis from lockup shops at Aria New Market on 25th March, while in Kwara State, a suspect, Abdulrazak Saka, was arrested with 25kg of cannabis at Kilako Area, Ilorin, on 24th March.

Meanwhile, in Oyo State, Suli Saheed, 50, was apprehended at Olomi Academy, Ibadan, with 2.5kg of Ghanaian Loud and 515 grams of Colorado.

Across the nation, NDLEA also intensified its War Against Drug Abuse (WADA) sensitisation programmes in schools, religious centres, workplaces, and communities.

Beneficiaries included students and staff of Blessed Martins International School, Abakaliki (Ebonyi State); Model Ideal College, Enugu; Oto-Awori Senior Secondary School, Ijanikin (Lagos State); and Command Secondary School, Numan (Adamawa State).

Commending the agency’s personnel for their relentless efforts, NDLEA Chairman/Chief Executive, Brig. Gen. Mohamed Buba Marwa (Rtd), lauded the achievements of the MMIA, DOGI, Edo, Kwara, Niger, Enugu, Oyo, and Katsina Commands in their operations.

He further extended Eid-el-Fitr greetings to officers, their families, and Nigerians at large, urging collective action towards a drug-free society.

“May the spirit of obedience and sacrifice that defines this special day guide and strengthen us as we remain steadfast in our pursuit of a drug-free society. May Allah continue to bless and guide us, and may our collective efforts bring us closer to a safer and healthier society for all,” Marwa stated.