By Esther Ososanya
In a sweeping nationwide anti-drug operation, the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) has secured a series of high-profile convictions, including a Lagos-based couple sentenced to a combined 22.5 years in prison and the final forfeiture of an 80-room, multi-billion-naira hotel in Victoria Island used as a drug distribution hub.
Ajah Johnson Uchenna and his wife, Rosemary Uchenna, were sentenced on Monday, August 4, 2025, by Justice Deinde Dipeolu of the Federal High Court in Lagos for trafficking over 414 kg of cannabis sativa, locally known as skunk.
The couple was initially arrested by operatives of the Department of State Services (DSS) in the Ojo area of Lagos on June 13 with 277.5 kg of skunk.
Ongoing investigations led NDLEA operatives to conduct a follow-up raid on July 1 at the couple’s residence and packing store, where they recovered another 231 kg of the same substance.
They were subsequently arraigned on a four-count charge bordering on conspiracy, dealing, and unlawful possession of narcotics.
Delivering judgement, Justice Dipeolu sentenced Mrs Rosemary Uchenna to 17 years imprisonment without an option of a fine, while Mr Johnson Ajah Uchenna received a five-year jail term on one count and six months with an option of ₦1 million fine on another.
The court also ordered the forfeiture of ₦3,407,000, identified as proceeds of their criminal enterprise, to the Federal Government.
PAN-AFRICAN DRUG TRAFFICKING CRACKDOWN
In related developments across the country, NDLEA also secured convictions of foreign and local traffickers in Kano and Enugu States.
- In Kano, Neetu Neetu, a 42-year-old Indian woman, was sentenced to 10 years imprisonment for attempting to smuggle 11 kg of heroin disguised as chocolate wafers through the Mallam Aminu Kano International Airport. She arrived via Qatar Airways from Bangkok, Thailand, on March 14 and was arrested based on credible intelligence.
- Also in Kano, Mbala Dajou Abuba, a 42-year-old Angolan national, was convicted for ingesting 120 pellets of cocaine weighing 1.8 kg in an attempt to board an Egypt Air flight to Turkey. He was sentenced to five years imprisonment.
- In Enugu, Eze Christian Ikenna, who arrived from Brazil via Addis Ababa on January 20, 2023, was caught with 11.2 kg of cocaine concealed in herbal tea sachets. He was sentenced to six years imprisonment, running concurrently from May 2023.
MASSIVE ASSET FORFEITURE IN LAGOS
In a landmark judgement delivered on July 18, 2025, NDLEA secured the final forfeiture of an 80-room hotel and lounge in Victoria Island, Lagos, linked to a drug cartel.
The property at No. 16 Waziri Ibrahim Street, previously raided between April 25 and 26, housed 589 bags of Canadian Loud (a potent cannabis strain) weighing 417.3 kg, with a street value of ₦1.04 billion.
Assets forfeited include:
- Multiple vehicles (Toyota Sienna, VW Van, Land Cruiser Prado, Mazda Bus, etc.)
- 84 television sets
- 70 air conditioners
- 13 refrigerators
The judgement was issued by Justice Ibrahim Ahmad Kala of the Federal High Court, Lagos, in motion number FHC/L/MISC/447/2025.
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Reacting to the spate of convictions and asset forfeiture, NDLEA Chairman/CEO Brig. Gen. Mohamed Buba Marwa (Rtd) commended the agency’s officers and the judiciary for delivering justice swiftly and decisively.
“Nothing serves the cause of justice more than when traffickers are jailed and their drug-funded assets confiscated,” Marwa said. “These judgements are a morale boost for our operatives and a strong deterrent to drug crime.
High-Profile Convictions – August 2025
| Name | Origin | Drug Type / Weight | Sentence |
|---|---|---|---|
| Ajah & Rosemary Uchenna | Nigeria | 414.2 kg of cannabis | 22.5 years combined |
| Neetu Neetu | India | 11 kg of heroin (chocolate wrap) | 10 years |
| Mbala Dajou Abuba | Angola | 1.8 kg cocaine (ingested) | 5 years |
| Eze Christian Ikenna | Nigeria (from Brazil) | 11.2 kg of cocaine (tea sachets) | 6 years (concurrent) |
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.
