The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) has recorded major breakthroughs in its ongoing war against drug trafficking and abuse, arresting several high-profile suspects across Nigeria in a series of operations.
On New Year’s Day, NDLEA operatives apprehended Alhaja Aishat Feyisara Ajoke Elediye, a 61-year-old Lagos socialite and wanted drug kingpin, at her mansion in Okota, Lagos. Known in the drug underworld as “Iya Ruka,” Alhaja Ajoke was arrested after a truckload of illicit drugs linked to her cartel was intercepted.
A statement by NDLEA spokesperson Femi Babafemi revealed that a white Isuzu truck carrying 1,540 kilograms of imported cannabis was intercepted on January 1. The driver, identified as 41-year-old Abideen Adio, led operatives to the suspect’s hideout at 33 Adebayo Oyewole Street, Okota.
Describing her dual life, Babafemi noted:
“On the surface, Alhaja Ajoke is a businesswoman importing fabrics and shoes from China. However, beneath the facade lies a massive illicit drug trade. She is also recognized as the Iyalaje of Blessing Sisters, an influential Lagos social club.”
In a separate operation, NDLEA officers arrested Emeka Emmanuel Mbadiwe, a U.S.-trained filmmaker and motivational speaker, at his hotel room in Lekki, Lagos, on December 27, 2024. His arrest followed the capture of his partner, Uzoekwe Ugochukwu James, at a warehouse in Ajao Estate, Ikeja, where he was collecting 33 parcels of Loud cannabis, weighing 17.3 kilograms, concealed in wooden boxes.
The shipment reportedly arrived on a Delta Airlines flight from the United States on December 24.
In Ilorin, Kwara State, NDLEA operatives arrested Khadijat Abdulraheem, a 24-year-old graduate, and Ayomide Morakinyo, a 20-year-old university student, on December 29, 2024. The duo was reportedly producing and selling drug-laced cupcakes to students in the community. A raid on their apartment uncovered 42 pieces of the illicit cupcakes.
Notorious ex-convict Sodade Sunday Eniola, previously jailed for drug trafficking in June 2024, was rearrested for his involvement in a passport racketeering syndicate. NDLEA operatives intercepted 52 international passports hidden in shoe soles and food items at the Lagos airport export shed. Investigations led to the arrest of four other syndicate members, with the suspects and exhibits handed over to the Nigerian Immigration Service for further action.
The agency also made significant seizures in other states:
Port Harcourt: 316,800 bottles of codeine-based syrup seized at Onne Port on December 31, 2024.
Kano: 149,090 pills of tramadol and exol-5 recovered during a raid in the Mafarki area of Dala Local Government.
The NDLEA Chairman/CEO, Brig. Gen. Mohamed Buba Marwa (Rtd), commended the efforts of officers nationwide, emphasizing the agency’s commitment to reducing both drug supply and demand.
“The successes of our commands across the country reflect our balanced approach to combating drug trafficking and abuse. These achievements are well appreciated,” he stated.
