NDLEA Arrests 74-Year-Old Grandpa with 11kg Drugs at Abuja Airport
Operatives of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) have apprehended a 74-year-old grandfather, Ikwuakalom Nwakoro Emeka, at the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport in Abuja. The arrest occurred on Saturday, March 14, 2026, as the elderly man attempted to board a British Airways flight BA082 destined for Heathrow, London.
Concealed Drugs in Food Items
According to NDLEA Director of Media and Advocacy, Femi Babafemi, a thorough search of the suspect's luggage revealed 11 kilograms of illicit drugs carefully hidden within food items. The narcotics were concealed inside ground dry pepper, wrapped meticulously in foil papers and balloons. Babafemi stated that the suspect claimed he was traveling to the United Kingdom for a vacation, but the discovery of the large drug consignment contradicted his explanation.
Additional Arrest in Lagos
In a related development, NDLEA operatives arrested Mrs. Maryam Olalowo at Ikad Hotel and Suites on Etim Inyang Street in Victoria Island, Lagos. The arrest took place in the early hours of Monday, March 9, 2026, following credible intelligence. Babafemi reported that the woman was apprehended while attempting to sell illicit drugs and was found with her three children, including an infant.
During interrogation, Mrs. Olalowo confessed that the drugs belonged to her husband, Ibrahim Olalowo Olatunji. Ibrahim was subsequently taken into custody on the same day, while his wife was released. Further investigation uncovered that Ibrahim had previously been arrested, convicted, and sentenced to two and a half years' imprisonment for a similar drug offence in 2015.
Recent NDLEA Operations
This arrest is part of a broader crackdown by the NDLEA on drug trafficking across Nigeria. Recent operations include:
- The arrest of a former councillor, Sheleru Olalekan, in the Ibeju-Lekki area of Lagos State, with 40 kilograms of skunk seized from his residence.
- The apprehension of a 32-year-old businessman, Emeka Hyginus Okwor, in Abuja, who was caught with 1,000 concealed pills of tapentadol.
- The capture of notorious drug kingpin Lekan Jimoh, known as 'Kanmo-kanmo,' in Ogun State, linked to the murder of three NDLEA officers in 2014, with 69 kilograms of skunk recovered.
These incidents highlight the ongoing efforts by the NDLEA to combat drug-related crimes and enforce drug laws in Nigeria. The agency continues to conduct raids and intelligence-led operations to dismantle drug networks and apprehend suspects involved in illicit drug activities.
