The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) has apprehended two grandfathers, aged 83 and 78, along with several other suspects in a fresh nationwide operation targeting illicit drug trafficking.
Arrest of Pa John Ofiel
Pa John Ofiel, 83, was arrested on Tuesday, 28 April, during a raid in the Aba region of Abia State. According to the NDLEA, operatives acting on credible intelligence recovered 700 grams of skunk, a potent strain of cannabis already packaged into retail sachets. The octogenarian, who claimed to be a professional shoemaker, allegedly confessed to engaging in the illicit trade.
Arrest of Ogunjobi Samuel
In Ekiti State on Thursday, 30 April, 78-year-old Ogunjobi Samuel was detained at his residence in Ilupeju-Ekiti. Officers seized 350 grams of cannabis from him, identifying him as a local peddler.
NDLEA Chairman Commends Efforts
The Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of the NDLEA, Brig. Gen. Mohamed Marwa (Rtd), commended the various state commands for their drug supply reduction efforts. He urged officers to maintain the current momentum, balancing enforcement with the agency’s War Against Drug Abuse (WADA) sensitisation activities.
Notorious Dealer Arrested in Oyo State
The enforcement drive also led to the arrest of a notorious drug dealer in Oyo State, Taofik Adeyemi, 49. He was apprehended on Saturday, 2 May, at his residence in Ibadan after months of evading authorities. He was caught alongside his salesman, Mustapha Oyerinde, with 3.085 kg of cannabis and a getaway vehicle.
Significant Seizures Across States
Across other states, the NDLEA recorded significant seizures, including over 140,000 pills and capsules of Tramadol intercepted in separate operations targeting transit routes from Damaturu to Hadejia. A raid on Awolowo Market in the Mushin area of Lagos State resulted in the recovery of 740 kg of cannabis. In Kaduna, two suspects were caught on the Abuja-Jos highway with 290 kg of compressed cannabis concealed in a Honda Ridgeline.
A 65-year-old driver was intercepted at the Ile-Ife toll gate in Osun State, conveying skunk and methamphetamine, leading to a follow-up arrest of the consignment’s owner in Ilesha.
WADA Advocacy Continues
In line with its mandate, the NDLEA continued its War Against Drug Abuse (WADA) advocacy, holding enlightenment lectures for students, Islamic schools, and commercial motorcyclists in Niger, Kano, Anambra, and Lagos States.
The NDLEA’s Director of Media and Advocacy, Femi Babafemi, noted that the agency remains committed to “cleansing the streets” of both notorious distributors and those who use age as a shield for criminal activity.
