NDLEA jails four drug lords for trafficking N4.6bn narcotics

DDM News

The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) has secured 95 years of imprisonment for four convicted drug traffickers involved in smuggling illicit substances worth N4.6bn.

Diaspora digital media (DDM) gathered that the criminals—Ogbuji Christian Ifeanyi, Iloduba Augustine Chinonye, Shuaibu Nuhu Isa, and Zidon Zurga—were found guilty of trafficking cocaine and high-potency cannabis (skunk).

Federal High Courts in Lagos and Yola, Adamawa State, delivered the sentences in separate rulings, reinforcing the NDLEA’s aggressive crackdown on drug syndicates.

These convictions highlight the agency’s commitment to dismantling drug networks and ensuring that traffickers face the full weight of the law.

Cocaine worth N4.6bn seized at Lagos airport

Ogbuji Christian Ifeanyi was arrested on September 18, 2024, at Murtala Muhammed International Airport (MMIA), Lagos, while attempting to smuggle a massive cocaine shipment.

He was caught with 817 wraps of cocaine, weighing 19.40 kilograms, which had an estimated street value of N4.6bn.

His arrest came just 16 months after he had previously been convicted for a similar crime.

In May 2023, authorities apprehended him at Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport, Abuja, after he swallowed 93 pellets of cocaine.

A Federal High Court sentenced him to two years in prison or an option of a N3 million fine, which he promptly paid.

Despite his previous conviction, he resumed drug trafficking and was caught again with a much larger cocaine consignment.

This time, the Federal High Court in Lagos, presided over by Justice Yellim Bogoro, handed him a heavier sentence.

He received a total of 15 years in prison—five years on Count One, with an option of a N7 million fine.

He received ten years on Count Two, without an option of a fine, making his imprisonment more severe than his previous sentence.

Additionally, the court ordered the forfeiture of all cash and assets recovered from him at the time of his arrest.

Drug mule jailed for N4.6bn cocaine smuggling

Iloduba Augustine Chinonye was arrested on December 31, 2021, at Akanu Ibiam International Airport, Enugu, while attempting to smuggle cocaine worth N4.6bn.

He had ingested 58 wraps of the drug before boarding his flight, believing he could evade detection.

However, while in transit in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, he excreted 48 wraps before arriving in Nigeria.

The remaining 10 wraps were expelled while in NDLEA custody, confirming the extent of his drug trafficking operation.

After enduring a three-year trial, Justice Folashade Giwa Ogunbanjo of the Federal High Court, Enugu, found him guilty.

He was sentenced to 10 years in prison—five years for each count, with the sentences running concurrently.

His conviction serves as a strong warning to individuals involved in international drug smuggling operations.

Skunk worth N4.6bn smuggled in SUV with fake presidency plate

The final two convicts, Shuaibu Nuhu Isa and Zidon Zurga, were arrested on November 25, 2024, along the Numan-Yola Road, Adamawa State.

They were caught transporting 500.8 kg of skunk hidden in two SUVs, attempting to smuggle drugs worth N4.6bn.

One of the vehicles was a Toyota Hilux, while the other was a Prado SUV, both carrying fake Presidential number plates.

The criminals believed the fake number plates would help them evade detection, but NDLEA operatives intercepted them before they could complete their operation.

Justice Bala Usman of the Federal High Court, Yola, found them guilty of trafficking a significant quantity of illicit drugs.

Both men were sentenced to 35 years each, totaling 70 years behind bars for the two traffickers.

They were also given the option of paying a N25 million fine each instead of serving the full prison term.

Furthermore, the court ordered the interim forfeiture of the vehicles used to transport the illegal substances.

This judgment demonstrates the judiciary’s commitment to punishing drug traffickers and deterring future offenses.

NDLEA’s crackdown on drug syndicates worth N4.6bn

Reacting to the judgments, NDLEA Chairman/CEO, Brig. Gen. Mohamed Buba Marwa (Rtd.), commended the courts and the agency’s investigative teams.

He stated that these convictions would serve as a deterrent to others involved in drug trafficking across Nigeria.

“The convictions and the forfeiture of the convicts’ instruments of crime will further strengthen the deterrent effect of our ongoing efforts to dismantle drug networks in Nigeria,” Marwa stated.

He reaffirmed NDLEA’s commitment to eradicating drug cartels and ensuring traffickers face justice.

The NDLEA remains relentless in its mission to combat drug-related crimes and enforce Nigeria’s drug laws.

With the latest convictions involving narcotics worth N4.6bn, the agency has demonstrated its resolve to make Nigeria drug-free.

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