NDLEA Arrests Elderly Drug Traffickers Amid Ongoing Crackdown
The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) has apprehended two elderly suspects, 83-year-old Pa John Ofiel and 78-year-old Ogunjobi Samuel, on charges of drug trafficking. This operation is part of the agency’s nationwide initiative aimed at combating illegal drug activities across the country. The information was released by Femi Babafemi, the NDLEA’s Media and Advocacy Director, in a statement on Sunday.
Pa John Ofiel’s Arrest in Aba
Ofiel was taken into custody during a raid in the Samekh area by Powerline in Aba, Abia State, following credible intelligence regarding his participation in the illegal drug trade. Authorities recovered 700 grams of Skunk, a potent form of marijuana, packaged in retail sachets. Ofiel, who previously worked as a professional shoemaker, reportedly turned to drug trafficking later in life.
Elderly Suspects Intercepted in Ekiti
In a separate operation in Ekiti State, NDLEA agents arrested Ogunjobi Samuel at his residence on Owode Street, Ilupeju Ekiti. During the raid, officers seized 350 grams of marijuana from Samuel, further highlighting the agency’s efforts to address drug abuse in the region.
Significant Drug Seizures in Oyo State
Oyo State witnessed the arrest of two women, Rebecca King, 24, and Olaniyan Opeyemi, 31, who were associated with the seizure of 1.925 kilograms of synthetic cannabis. King was apprehended on Wednesday, April 29, on the Lagos-Ibadan Expressway while carrying luggage, and Opeyemi was arrested during a pursuit operation on Iwo Road in Ibadan.
Drug Trafficking Operations in Ibadan and Osun
In Ibadan, a well-known drug dealer, 49-year-old Taofik Adeyemi, was arrested alongside salesman Mustapha Oyelinde, 28, on Saturday, May 2. Adeyemi had evaded arrest for several months, while two of his associates had previously been detained. During the operation, officers confiscated 3.085 kilograms of skunk as well as a Toyota Camry vehicle linked to his operations.
Large-Scale Drug Seizures Across Nigeria
A series of large drug seizures took place in Borno State, where 27-year-old Yahaya Shehu was caught on the Damaturu-Maiduguri road with 76,440 tablets of Tramadol. In a concurrent incident, truck driver Magaji Isa, 30, was apprehended with 14,000 Tramadol capsules, and Abdulhamid Mahmud, 28, was arrested in Biu. Additionally, on the Abuja-Jos Expressway, authorities recovered 290 kilograms of compressed skunk from Major Ojo Ebose, 36, and Chika Obichehula, 32.
Raids Conclude with Significant Drug Recoveries in Lagos and Edo
On Saturday, a substantial seizure of 740 kilograms of skunk occurred during a raid at Awolowo Market in Lagos. Meanwhile, in Edo State, 25-year-old Godtime Godspower was arrested during an operation led by intelligence agencies, which also resulted in the recovery of various drugs, including Loud, Colorado, Tramadol, Swinol, and methamphetamine. The NDLEA continues to emphasize its War on Drug Abuse (WADA) initiative, hosting educational sessions and awareness campaigns for various community groups across Niger, Kano, Anambra states, and Lagos.
