NDLEA Arrests 93-Year-Old Great-Grandfather and 69-Year-Old Doctor in Major Drug Crackdown
Operatives of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) have made significant arrests in a nationwide crackdown on drug cartels, capturing a 93-year-old great-grandfather and a 69-year-old medical doctor. The arrests highlight the agency's intensified efforts to combat illicit drug trafficking across Nigeria.
Arrest of Nonagenarian in Abia State
Pa Friday Ahukanna Chigbu, aged 93, was arrested on Tuesday, 7th April 2026, at his residence in Umuagbaigba, Amavo Nkwogu village, Osisioma local government area of Abia state. A search of his home led to the recovery of 7.7 kilograms of skunk, a potent strain of cannabis.
According to NDLEA spokesperson Femi Babafemi, the suspect claimed he entered the illicit drug business over a year ago. Babafemi further stated that Chigbu admitted to smoking skunk since 1959 before transitioning it into a commercial venture. This arrest underscores the deep-rooted nature of drug abuse and trade in certain communities.
International Smuggling Operation Uncovered
In a related development, a 41-year-old Ivorian national, Gohouri Michael, was arrested at the Mallam Aminu Kano International Airport in Kano. He was found with 82 wraps of cocaine weighing 1.49 kilograms during the outward clearance of passengers on an Ethiopian Airlines flight to Milan, Italy, via Addis Ababa on Monday, 16th February 2026.
Babafemi revealed that Gohouri, also known as Anunwa Onyinye Michael, had arrived in Lagos from Milan on 17th January 2026 and shuttled between Lagos and Enugu for three weeks before traveling to Kano. There, he ingested the cocaine consignment in his hotel room, with an expected payment of 5,000 Euros upon delivery in Milan.
Medical Doctor Arrested in Ogun State
Further investigation by NDLEA operatives linked Gohouri's activities to Dr. Chudi Daniel Ofomata, a 69-year-old medical doctor. Dr. Ofomata was identified as the shadowy figure orchestrating the smuggling operation from behind the scenes.
He was tracked and arrested at his residence in Teachers' Land estate, Magboro, Obafemi Owode local government area of Ogun state on 27th March 2026. Subsequently, he was flown to Kano on Tuesday, 7th April, for further interrogation. This arrest demonstrates the agency's commitment to dismantling sophisticated drug networks involving professionals.
Additional Arrests and Nationwide Raids
The NDLEA's crackdown extended beyond these cases, with operatives in Lagos arresting a pastor and his wife after discovering 11 kilograms of skunk hidden in their vehicle. This arrest followed earlier seizures at the same checkpoint, linking the couple to broader drug trading operations.
Nationwide raids also uncovered various illicit substances, including cocaine, tramadol, and cannabis, emphasizing the scale of the drug problem in Nigeria. In a separate incident, 74-year-old Ikwuakalom Nwakoro Emeka was arrested at Abuja airport with 11 kilograms of illicit drugs en route to London, United Kingdom.
Furthermore, Maryam Olalowo was arrested for drug dealing, with links to her husband, Ibrahim Olalowo Olatunji, who previously served two and a half years for similar offences in 2015. These arrests reflect the NDLEA's comprehensive approach to targeting both new and repeat offenders in the drug trade.
The NDLEA continues to urge public cooperation in reporting drug-related activities, as it intensifies efforts to curb the spread of illicit substances across the country.
