NDLEA Nabs Nonagenarian, Doctor, Seizes Tonnes Of Illicit Substances Nationwide
By Anne Osemekeh, Abuja
Operatives of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) have arrested a 93-year-old great-grandfather and a 69-year-old medical doctor in a sweeping series of intelligence-led operations that also led to massive seizures of illicit substances across multiple states.
The anti-narcotics agency’s spokesman, Femi Babafemi, made this known on Sunday.
The nonagenarian, Pa Friday Ahukanna Chigbu, was arrested on April 7 at his residence in Osisioma LGA of Abia State, where officers recovered 7.7 kilograms of skunk. The suspect admitted to long-term cannabis use dating back to 1959 and revealed he ventured into drug trafficking just over a year ago after years of working as a labourer and artisan.
In a separate operation targeting an international drug syndicate, NDLEA operatives arrested 41-year-old Ivorian national Gohouri Michael at the Mallam Aminu Kano International Airport while attempting to smuggle 1.49 kilograms of cocaine to Italy. Investigations later exposed a Lagos-based medical doctor, Dr. Chudi Daniel Ofomata, as the alleged mastermind coordinating the operation. He was subsequently arrested in Ogun State, with psychotropic substances recovered from his residence.
The agency also recorded multiple arrests and seizures across the country. In Ogun and Imo states, suspects were apprehended with over 90 kilograms of skunk, while a couple in Niger State was caught with 118 kilograms hidden in their home. In Borno, officers intercepted a consignment of Rohypnol, codeine syrup, and pentazocine concealed in a trailer, leading to the arrest of the alleged owner.
In Lagos and Abuja, coordinated raids led to further breakthroughs, including the interception of cannabis concealed in a commercial bus, the seizure of tens of thousands of bottles of codeine syrup, and the arrest of multiple suspects at a notorious drug hub in the Federal Capital Territory.
The most significant haul came in Edo State, where operatives intercepted two trucks carrying a combined 7,245 kilograms of skunk concealed among legitimate goods. Five suspects were arrested in connection with the shipment, which was reportedly en route to Abuja.
NDLEA Chairman, Brig. Gen. Mohamed Buba Marwa (Rtd), commended officers across affected commands for the successful operations, while also highlighting ongoing drug demand reduction efforts under the War Against Drug Abuse (WADA) campaign, including nationwide sensitisation programmes targeting students, transport workers, and community groups.
