NDLEA Secures Convictions of Five Members from International Drug Syndicates
The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) has successfully secured the conviction of five individuals involved in two international organized criminal groups (IOCGs). These individuals were arrested for their roles in the seizure of 68.9 kilograms of cocaine and tramadol at the Murtala Muhammed International Airport (MMIA), Ikeja, Lagos. The convicted individuals received a combined sentence of 21 years in prison.
According to a statement released on Thursday by Femi Babafemi, Director of Media and Advocacy at NDLEA Headquarters in Abuja, the convicts were sentenced by separate judges of the Federal High Court in Lagos after they pleaded guilty to multiple drug trafficking charges.
First Syndicate: Cocaine Smuggling to Australia
The first group consisted of Olasupo Michael Oladimeji, Muaezee Ademola Ogunbiyi, and Sola Adegoke. They were arrested after NDLEA operatives intercepted 17.9 kilograms of cocaine concealed in textile materials and local charms bound for Sydney, Australia, at the airport’s export shed on 26 August 2025.
Further investigations led to the recovery of 20.5 kilograms of Canadian Loud (a strain of cannabis) from Ogunbiyi’s residence in Lekki and the seizure of a black Range Rover SUV (RBC 459 EJ) from Adegoke’s home in Ikeja GRA.
The trio was arraigned on five counts (FHC/L/925C/2025) before Justice Musa Kakaki on 30 October 2025 and subsequently pleaded guilty. On 31 October, Justice Kakaki sentenced each defendant to five years’ imprisonment without the option of a fine, totaling 15 years for the group. The court also ordered the forfeiture of the Range Rover SUV and a Toyota Venza recovered during the investigation to the Federal Government.
Second Syndicate: Cocaine and Tramadol to Gabon
In a related case, Obunike Joseph Obichukwu and Uzorchukwu Godspower Chukwurah, both leaders of another syndicate, were arrested after NDLEA officers intercepted 2.6 kilograms of cocaine and 27.9 kilograms of tramadol concealed in motor spare parts bound for Gabon through the Lagos airport on 19 July 2025.
They were arraigned before Justice Ambrose Lewis-Allagoa on six counts (FHC/L/980C/2025) on Tuesday, 4 November, and pleaded guilty. The court sentenced them to three years’ imprisonment each, with an option of ₦2 million fine.
Additionally, ₦4 million offered by Obunike as a bribe to NDLEA officers was ordered forfeited to the Federal Government.
NDLEA’s Commitment to Combating Drug Trafficking
The NDLEA commended its officers for their diligence and reaffirmed its commitment to dismantling international drug trafficking networks across Nigeria. The agency continues to work closely with local and international partners to ensure that those involved in drug-related crimes face the full force of the law.
The successful convictions of these individuals highlight the effectiveness of the NDLEA’s operations and its determination to protect the nation from the growing threat of drug trafficking. With continued efforts and collaboration, the agency aims to create a safer environment for all citizens.