International Criminals Sentenced for Cocaine and Tramadol Smuggling
Five members of international organized criminal groups have been handed a combined 21 years in prison after being convicted for smuggling drugs into Nigeria. The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) arrested the individuals following the seizure of 68.9 kilograms of cocaine and tramadol at the Lagos International Airport.
The first group, consisting of Olasupo Michael Oladimeji, Muaezee Ademola Ogunbiyi, and Sola Adegoke, were identified as leaders of one of the cartels. They were apprehended after a significant amount of cocaine—17.9 kilograms—was found hidden in textile materials and local charms bound for Sydney, Australia. This discovery was made at the airport’s export shed on 26 August 2025.
During the investigation, the NDLEA recovered 20.5 kilograms of Canadian Loud, a type of cannabis, from Ogunbiyi’s home in Lekki. Additionally, a black Range Rover SUV with the license plate RBC 459 EJ was discovered in Adegoke’s residence in Ikeja GRA.
The three individuals were subsequently arraigned on five counts in charge number FHC/L/925C/2025 before Justice Musa Kakaki of the Federal High Court, Lagos, on 30 October 2025. They pleaded guilty to the charges against them.
On 31 October, Justice Kakaki delivered his judgment, sentencing each of them to five years’ imprisonment without the option of a fine. This brought the total sentence for the three men to 15 years. The court also ordered that the Range Rover SUV and a Toyota Venza car seized during the investigation be forfeited to the Federal Government of Nigeria.
Another pair of criminals, Obunike Joseph Obichukwu and Uzorchukwu Godspower Chukwurah, were arrested by NDLEA operatives after the seizure of 2.60 kilograms of cocaine and 27.90 kilograms of tramadol concealed in motor spare parts. These items were intended for Gabon through the Lagos airport on 19 July 2025.
Following the investigation, the two were charged and arraigned before Justice Ambrose Lewis-Allagoa of the Federal High Court, Lagos, on six counts in charge number FHC/L/980C. They pleaded guilty during their arraignment on 4 November.
After reviewing the case, the court convicted both defendants and sentenced them to three years in prison or a fine of N2 million each in lieu of jail time. Additionally, the N4 million paid by Obunike to bribe NDLEA officers was ordered to be forfeited to the Federal Government.
Key Details of the Cases
- Olasupo Michael Oladimeji, Muaezee Ademola Ogunbiyi, and Sola Adegoke:
- Arrested for smuggling 17.9 kg of cocaine.
- Found with 20.5 kg of cannabis and a Range Rover SUV.
- Sentenced to 5 years each, totaling 15 years.
-
Vehicles forfeited to the government.
-
Obunike Joseph Obichukwu and Uzorchukwu Godspower Chukwurah:
- Arrested for smuggling 2.6 kg of cocaine and 27.9 kg of tramadol.
- Charged with multiple offenses.
- Received 3 years in prison or N2 million fine each.
- Bribery amount of N4 million forfeited.