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)
We have recently deactivated our website's comment provider in favour of other channels of distribution and commentary. We encourage you to join the conversation on our stories via our Facebook, Twitter and other social media pages.
More from Peoples Gazette
Agriculture
FG tasks ECOWAS on leveraging financing strategies for agroecology
The federal government has urged stakeholders in the agriculture and finance sectors in the West Africa region to leverage financing strategies to enhance agroecology practices
Politics
Katsina youths pledge to deliver over 2 million votes to Atiku
“Katsina State is Atiku’s political base because it is his second home.”
NationWide
Senate rejects information ministry’s N8.9 billion budget; Akpoti recommends review to N1.5 trillion
Mr Eze also said the committee would summon the Minister of Budget and National Planning to discuss how the ministry’s budget can be improved.
NationWide
Marwa defends NDLEA’s N67.5 billion budget, seeks more NASS support
House Committee on Narcotic Drugs chairman Abass Adigun assured of their commitment to adequate funding to enhance NDLEA’s operational successes.
NationWide
NASS gives NAFDAC, NPA, NRC48-hour ultimatum to appear for budget defence
The committee issued a 48-hour ultimatum to the agencies to appear or risk withdrawal of funding for 2025 operations.
States
Bauchi police detain four suspects over child abuse, robbery
The spokesman said the police also detained two suspects (names withheld) on January 8, 2025, over alleged possession of locally made firearms.
Health
500 workers drag OAUTHC management to court over unlawful disengagement
The workers said they were employed between October and December 2022 and allegedly disengaged unlawfully on January 31, 2024.
States
Yobe to host 5th Lake Chad Basin Governors’ Forum
It would bring together leaders from Nigeria, Niger, Chad and Cameroon to discuss strategies for promoting peace and development in the Lake Chad basin.
