NDLEA captures ex-convict with N4.6 billion cocaine at MMA
The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency has apprehended an ex-convict, Christian Ogbuji, for importing 817 wraps of cocaine weighing 19.40kg with an estimated value of N4.6 billion at Murtala Muhammed International Airport (MMIA).
NDLEA, in a statement on Tuesday, said the arrest came barely 16 months after Ogbuji was arrested and convicted for ingesting 93 pellets of cocaine.
It said the 48-year-old businessman was first arrested at the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport, Abuja, on Wednesday, May 10, 2023. This, it said, was upon his arrival from Uganda via Addis Ababa, onboard Ethiopian Airlines flight ET 951 for ingesting 93 pellets of cocaine with a gross weight of 1.986kg.
NDLEA added that the suspect was arraigned before the Abuja Division of the Federal High Court 12, presided over by Justice Mobolaji Olajuwon in charge no: FHC/ABJ/CR/192/2023 and convicted on July 13, 2023.
The anti-narcotics agency said Mr Ogbuji was sentenced to two years imprisonment with an option of paying a fine of N3 million, which he paid and was set free.
He, however, said the court also ordered the forfeiture of the seized 1.986 kilograms of cocaine, his international passport, $14 and 9,000 Uganda shillings found on him at the time of his arrest.
“Not done with crime, Ogbuji was again arrested at the Lagos airport on Wednesday, September 18, during an inward clearance of Ethiopian Airlines flight passengers from Addis Ababa to Lagos.
“The suspect had approached the joint examination table with a black travelling bag, which was searched by an NDLEA operative who cleared the luggage,” said the statement.
It added, “In a dubious move, Ogbuji sneaked back to the carousel area to put inside the cleared bag a black backpack he left on the conveyor’s belt. As he made his way out of the arrival hall, vigilant NDLEA officers intercepted him and subjected him to a secondary search.
“It was then large wraps of excreted cocaine were found concealed inside the backpack hidden in the black travelling bag that was earlier found with the suspect.”
(NAN)
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