International Drug Syndicates Brought to Justice in Lagos
In a significant victory for Nigeria's fight against narcotics, five high-level members of international drug cartels have been handed a combined 21 years imprisonment for their roles in attempting to traffic substantial quantities of cocaine and tramadol out of the country. The convictions were secured by the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) following operations at the Murtala Muhammed International Airport (MMIA) in Lagos.
First Syndicate: Australia-Bound Cocaine Concealed in Charms
The first case involved a trio identified as leaders of a criminal organization: Olasupo Michael Oladimeji, Muaezee Ademola Ogunbiyi, and Sola Adegoke. Their arrest on August 26, 2025, came after NDLEA operatives intercepted 17.9 kilogrammes of cocaine cleverly hidden within textile materials and local charms at the airport's export shed. The illicit consignment was destined for Sydney, Australia.
Investigations led to further damning discoveries. A search of Ogunbiyi's residence in the Lekki area of Lagos yielded an additional 20.5kg of Canadian Loud, a potent strain of cannabis. Meanwhile, a black Range Rover SUV with registration number RBC 459 EJ was recovered from Adegoke's home in the Ikeja GRA.
Arraigned on five counts before Justice Musa Kakaki of the Federal High Court in Lagos on October 30, the defendants pleaded guilty. The following day, October 31, Justice Kakaki sentenced each of them to five years in prison without the option of a fine, resulting in a collective 15-year term. The court also ordered the forfeiture of the Range Rover and a Toyota Venza to the Federal Government.
Second Syndicate: Gabon-Bound Drugs and a Bribery Attempt
In a parallel case, two other kingpins, Obunike Joseph Obichukwu and Uzorchukwu Godspower Chukwurah, were apprehended in connection with a seizure on July 19, 2025. NDLEA operatives uncovered 2.60kg of cocaine and 27.90kg of tramadol concealed inside motor spare parts destined for Gabon via the Lagos airport.
The duo was charged with six counts and brought before Justice Ambrose Lewis-Allagoa. On Tuesday, November 4, they both entered guilty pleas. After reviewing the case facts, the court convicted and sentenced them to three years imprisonment each. The judge offered an alternative of a N2 million fine per person in lieu of jail time.
In a notable aspect of the judgment, the court ordered that the N4 million which Obunike had offered as a bribe to NDLEA officers be forfeited to the Federal Government.
A Strong Message Against Drug Trafficking
These successful prosecutions underscore the NDLEA's intensified efforts to dismantle sophisticated drug trafficking networks operating from Nigeria. The forfeiture of luxury vehicles and cash demonstrates a comprehensive approach to ensuring that crime does not pay. This landmark ruling sends a clear warning to international drug cartels about the severe consequences of using Nigeria as a transit point for illicit substances.
