Africa
NDLEA Arrests Lagos Prophet for Cross-Border Drug Trafficking

The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) has arrested a Lagos-based prophet over alleged involvement in large-scale drug trafficking between Ghana and Nigeria.
According to NDLEA spokesperson Femi Babafemi, the suspect, identified as Prophet Moses Olagoke, is the founder of a church located in the Oko-Oba area of Agege, Lagos.
He was taken into custody after weeks of surveillance and intelligence gathering by the agency.
Babafemi revealed that the arrest followed months of investigation into a drug syndicate moving cannabis sativa from Ghana into Nigeria through the Lagos–Badagry route.
Intelligence reports linked the prophet to multiple consignments transported into the country.
NDLEA operatives intercepted 900 kilograms of cannabis in a major bust in June.
At the time, Olagoke reportedly evaded arrest and went into hiding. The agency intensified its search, tracking his movements until he was eventually cornered in Lagos.
“His arrest confirms our commitment to dismantling drug trafficking networks, no matter how highly placed the suspects are,” Babafemi said.
He added that the NDLEA will charge the cleric in court once investigations are concluded.
Sources within the agency disclosed that the prophet allegedly used his church premises as a cover for his illicit dealings.
Meetings with members of the drug network reportedly took place under the guise of prayer sessions and church activities.
Residents in Oko-Oba expressed shock over the arrest. Some described Olagoke as a respected religious leader who was deeply involved in community programmes.
Others, however, admitted that rumours had been circulating for months about his sudden wealth and frequent foreign trips.
The NDLEA reiterated its warning that drug trafficking remains a serious crime under Nigerian law, with stiff penalties, including life imprisonment.
The agency also urged religious leaders to serve as positive examples for their congregations and avoid any form of criminal involvement.
This arrest comes amid a series of NDLEA crackdowns on high-profile suspects in 2025.
In recent months, the agency has dismantled several trafficking rings operating across West Africa.
Many of these networks have been found to use unconventional fronts including churches, schools, and small businesses to conceal their illegal trade.
Prophet Olagoke is currently in NDLEA custody in Lagos and is expected to appear before a federal high court soon.
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