The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) has secured the conviction of five members of international organised criminal groups involved in high-profile drug trafficking through Nigeria’s busiest airport, the Murtala Muhammed International Airport (MMIA), Ikeja, Lagos.
The suspects, arrested for smuggling 68.9 kilograms of cocaine and tramadol, were handed a combined 21 years imprisonment by the Federal High Court in Lagos.
According to the NDLEA’s Director of Media and Advocacy, Femi Babafemi, the first cartel, led by Olasupo Michael Oladimeji, Muaezee Ademola Ogunbiyi, and Sola Adegoke, was intercepted on August 26, 2025, following the seizure of 17.9 kilograms of cocaine concealed in textile materials and traditional charms destined for Sydney, Australia.
During investigations, NDLEA operatives discovered 20.5 kilograms of Canadian Loud, a potent strain of cannabis, at Ogunbiyi’s Lekki residence and recovered a black Range Rover SUV (RBC 459 EJ) from Adegoke’s home in Ikeja GRA. The suspects were arraigned on five counts before Justice Musa Kakaki of the Federal High Court on October 30, 2025. They pleaded guilty to all charges.
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Delivering judgment on October 31, Justice Kakaki sentenced each of the three convicts to five years imprisonment, totaling 15 years without the option of a fine.
The court also ordered the forfeiture of their vehicles, the Range Rover and a Toyota Venza, to the Federal Government.
In a related case, NDLEA officers also dismantled another trafficking network led by Obunike Joseph Obichukwu and Uzorchukwu Godspower Chukwurah, who attempted to smuggle 2.6 kilograms of cocaine and 27.9 kilograms of tramadol hidden inside motor spare parts en route to Gabon on July 19, 2025.
Following their arrest, both men were arraigned before Justice Ambrose Lewis-Allagoa of the Federal High Court, Lagos, on November 4, 2025. They also pleaded guilty and were convicted on six counts. Justice Allagoa sentenced them to three years imprisonment each or a fine of ₦2 million instead of jail time. The court further ordered the forfeiture of ₦4 million offered as a bribe by Obunike to NDLEA officers.
NDLEA Chairman Brig. Gen. Mohamed Buba Marwa (Retd.) has consistently reaffirmed the agency’s commitment to dismantling both local and international drug syndicates operating within Nigeria. The agency’s recent string of arrests and convictions highlights its strengthened intelligence and cross-border coordination with international law enforcement partners.
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The convictions mark another major success in Nigeria’s war against narcotics and organised crime, as the NDLEA intensifies its zero-tolerance campaign against drug trafficking and money laundering through the country’s airports and seaports.
Esther Ososanya is an investigative journalist with Pinnacle Daily, reporting across health, business, environment, metro, Fct and crime. Known for her bold, empathetic storytelling, she uncovers hidden truths, challenges broken systems, and gives voice to overlooked Nigerians. Her work drives national conversations and demands accountability one powerful story at a time.
