NDLEA Secures 22 Years Jail Term for Drug-Trafficking Couple in Lagos

A Federal High Court in Lagos has sentenced a couple, Ajah Uchenna and his wife, Rosemary, to a combined 22 and a half years in prison for drug trafficking offences involving over 400 kilograms of cannabis sativa.

Justice Deinde Dipeolu handed down the sentence after finding the couple guilty of a four-count charge filed by the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), which included conspiracy, dealing, and storage of 414.2kg of skunk. The couple had been arrested by the Department of State Services (DSS) in the Ojo area of Lagos and later transferred to the NDLEA.

During their detention, further intelligence led NDLEA operatives to raid their residence, where an additional 231kg of cannabis was discovered. In her ruling, Justice Dipeolu sentenced Mrs. Rosemary to 17 years imprisonment on three counts, while Mr. Uchenna received five years for conspiracy and six months with a ₦1 million fine for possession. Additionally, ₦3.407 million recovered from them as proceeds of crime was ordered forfeited to the Federal Government.

Indian Woman, Angolan Businessman Jailed for Heroin and Cocaine Smuggling

In separate convictions in Kano, an Indian national and an Angolan businessman were sentenced to a total of 21 years in prison for drug trafficking offences.

Justice Simon Amobeda of the Federal High Court in Kano sentenced 42-year-old Indian citizen, Neetu Neetu, to 10 years imprisonment (five years each on two counts) with an option of ₦2 million fine after she was found guilty of importing 11kg of heroin concealed in chocolates via the Mallam Aminu Kano International Airport on March 14, 2025.

Similarly, 42-year-old Angolan businessman, Mbala Abuba, was convicted by Justice Mohammed Yunusa for attempting to smuggle 120 pellets of cocaine, weighing 1.829kg, through the same airport on February 25, 2025. He was sentenced to five years in prison after pleading guilty to the charge brought by the NDLEA.

These convictions underscore the rising use of Nigerian airports by international drug syndicates, even as the NDLEA intensifies surveillance and intelligence operations at key entry and exit points.

Enugu Court Jails Nigerian Man Over Brazil-Sourced Cocaine

The Federal High Court in Enugu has sentenced a Nigerian man, Eze Ikenna, to six years in prison for trafficking 11.2 kilograms of cocaine concealed in herbal tea sachets. The illicit drugs were discovered by NDLEA operatives at Akanu Ibiam International Airport upon his arrival from Brazil via Addis Ababa on January 20, 2023.

The presiding judge, Justice M. Umar, found Ikenna guilty on two counts of unlawful trafficking and possession. He was sentenced to three years on each count, to run concurrently from May 20, 2023. His arrest followed an intensive tracking operation targeting traffickers using disguised packaging to move narcotics across borders.

This case highlights ongoing efforts by the NDLEA to clamp down on both domestic and international drug trafficking routes through Nigeria’s southern and southeastern airports.

NDLEA Secures Forfeiture of Multi-Billion Naira Lagos Hotel and Vehicles

In one of its largest asset seizures in recent history, the NDLEA has secured a final forfeiture order for an 80-room hotel and lounge on Victoria Island, Lagos, alongside a fleet of vehicles and electronic appliances used in a drug distribution operation.

The bust took place between April 25 and 26, 2025, at the luxury facility located at No. 16 Waziri Ibrahim Street. NDLEA operatives recovered 589 bags of Canadian Loud cannabis weighing 417.3kg, with a street value of over ₦1.04 billion. Subsequent investigations tied the property and its operations to a major drug cartel.

Justice Ibrahim Kala granted the forfeiture order on July 18, 2025, following motion number FHC/L/MISC/447/2025 filed by the NDLEA. Assets seized include 10 high-end vehicles, 84 televisions, 70 air conditioners, and 13 refrigerators, further stripping the cartel of its infrastructure.

NDLEA Chairman Commends Judiciary, Officers for Successful Convictions

Reacting to the string of convictions and asset forfeitures, NDLEA Chairman/Chief Executive, Brig. Gen. Mohamed Buba Marwa (retd), praised the dedication of the agency’s officers and the swift delivery of justice by the judiciary.

He stated that the successful prosecution of these cases sends a strong signal to drug syndicates that Nigeria is no longer a safe haven for illicit drug trafficking. “We commend our operatives and the judiciary for their professionalism and speed in ensuring these cases are concluded decisively. It is a clear indication that our drug war is gaining irreversible momentum,” Marwa said.

The NDLEA’s recent string of victories marks a significant escalation in the agency’s efforts to dismantle drug networks, prosecute offenders, and seize assets used in the illegal drug trade. With more convictions and forfeitures expected, the agency is doubling down on its zero-tolerance approach to drug crimes.