Ex-Convict, 3 Others Caught with UK-Bound Cocaine in Liquid Starch Sachets at Lagos Airport

A convicted drug trafficker, Nwobodo Chidiebere Basil, is back in NDLEA custody after a failed attempt to export 1.50 kg of cocaine to the UK.

The drug, hidden inside starch sachets, was intercepted at the MMIA export shed in Lagos.

The investigation, detailed in a statement by NDLEA spokesperson Femi Babafemi, initially led to the arrest of three cargo agents on December 20.

Further inquiries revealed the 37-year-old Nwobodo—who served time for a 2023 methamphetamine conviction—as the primary suspect.

He was ultimately arrested the following day at an Ikeja hangout during a date with his girlfriend.

The statement reads: “The agency’s criminal database revealed that Nwobodo had been arrested in May 2023 in connection with the seizure of 30.10kg methamphetamine concealed in powdered custard containers as part of a consolidated cargo going to London, United Kingdom at the export shed of the Lagos airport.

“He was subsequently arraigned at a Federal High Court in charge number: FHC/L/337C/2023, convicted and sentenced to five years imprisonment with an option of a fine of N7 million, along with one-month community service, with effect from December 4, 2023. He paid the fine and soon after returned to the same crime.

‎”In another successful operation, NDLEA operatives on Monday, December 22 set ablaze tons of skunk, a strain of cannabis and wooden warehouses in Ara forest, Ara-Ekiti where 638 kilograms of same psychoactive substance were also recovered.

“No fewer than 1,205 blocks of compressed cannabis sativa, weighing 883.1kg were recovered from three Toyota Camry vehicles intercepted by NDLEA operatives on patrol along Igara-Auchi road, Edo state on Monday, December 22.

“In Cross River state, raid operations conducted on Sunday, December 21 at Agoi-Ibami community, Yakurr LGA, led to the arrest of three suspects and seizure of various quantities of skunk.”

It further stated: “They include: Freedom Jonah Akpama, 27, with 671kg; David Itam David, 30, with 89kg; and Nelson Arikpo Osam, 26, with 148kg.

“In another operation, a 42-year-old lady Joy Oisamaye was arrested with 38kg skunk by NDLEA operatives on patrol along Abaji- Abuja expressway on Monday, December 22 on her way from Otua in Owan East LGA, Edo state.

“NDLEA operatives in Lagos arrested a female suspect Ajoke Dauda with 45.5kg skunk on Christmas day Thursday, December 25 at Agbara, along Badagry expressway, while another suspect Oluwasegun Felix was nabbed with 18.5kg of same substance at Itoga, Badagry, the previous day Wednesday, December 24.

“In Takum area of Taraba state, two other suspects: Emmanuel Danladi, 39, and John Onoja, 41, were nabbed with 48kg of same substance on Wednesday 24 and Tuesday December 23 respectively.

“In Gombe state, a 65-year-old driver Sada’u Mohammed was arrested while conveying 300 ampoules of pentazocine injection, and 27,900 pills of tramadol, and other opioids, along Gombe-Biu highway, heading to Biu in Borno state.

“Meanwhile, a 47-year-old businessman Ignatius Egbochie (alias Brown) wanted in connection with the seizure of 56 parcels of Loud, a strain of cannabis, weighing 26kg at the Tincan seaport in Lagos, has been arrested by NDLEA operatives.

“The illicit drug consignment was seized on December 10 during a joint examination of a container by NDLEA, Customs and other security agencies. A follow up operation by NDLEA operatives on December 19 led to the arrest of Ignatius in Apapa.”

Across all Commands and formations of the Agency nationwide, NDLEA officers continued their War Against Drug Abuse (WADA) sensitisation activities in schools, worship centres, work places and communities among others in the past week.

These include: WADA enlightenment lecture to students and staff of Destiny Child Academy, Nkpor, Anambra during their holiday skills acquisition training; women and teachers at Makaratar Mata Tatunawa da Marigayi Mustapha Nuhu, Kuki Gawo, Dutsinma LGA, Katsina and youths of Odokoro-Gbede, Ijumu LGA, Kogi state, among others.

The NDLEA Chairman/CEO, retired Brig.-Gen. Mohammed Buba Marwa, commended the officers and men of the MMIA, Lagos, Tincan, Seme, Ekiti, Edo, Cross River, FCT, Gombe and Taraba Commands for the arrests and seizures.

He acknowledged their commitment and enjoined them as well as their colleagues nationwide to remain extra vigilant throughout the festive season and beyond.

Marwa urged them to maintain highest standard of professionalism in all their drug control efforts.