The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) has arrested a notorious ex-convict and three accomplices following the interception of a cocaine shipment disguised in factory-sealed sachets of liquid starch at the Murtala Muhammed International Airport (MMIA) in Ikeja, Lagos.
In a statement issued by NDLEA Director of Media and Advocacy, Femi Babafemi, the agency said operatives recovered 75 parcels of cocaine weighing 1.50 kilograms, which were concealed in cold-water starch sachets and destined for the United Kingdom. The seizure took place at the export shed of MMIA, where officials became suspicious during inspections of outbound cargo.
Three cargo agents — Jubrin Firdausi Hassana, Kuku Daniel Oluwasegun, and Igwe Chioma Jane — were arrested on Saturday, December 20, 2025, after attempts to ship the illicit consignment were uncovered. “Operatives swiftly arrested the three cargo agents involved in the attempted export of the consignment,” Babafemi said.
Following further investigation, the NDLEA identified 37-year-old Nwobodo Chidiebere Basil, a convicted drug trafficker, as the mastermind behind the scheme. Nwobodo was apprehended on Sunday, December 21, 2025, at a popular relaxation centre in Ikeja, where he had gone on a date with his girlfriend, according to the agency’s statement.
“Nwobodo had been previously arrested in May 2023 in connection with the seizure of 30.10 kilograms of methamphetamine hidden in powdered custard containers and bound for London,” Babafemi said. He added that Nwobodo was arraigned before the Federal High Court under charge number FHC/L/337C/2023, convicted and sentenced to five years’ imprisonment with an option of a ₦7 million fine and one month of community service, effective from 4th December 2023. After paying the fine, the suspect returned to drug trafficking — prompting his re-arrest.
Babafemi emphasised the significance of the MMIA interception, saying the arrest underscores the agency’s continued vigilance against sophisticated smuggling attempts. “The agency’s criminal database was instrumental in detecting this recidivist trafficker and preventing the illicit consignment from reaching its destination,” he said.
The NDLEA also disclosed that its officers have been actively engaged in a broad “War Against Drug Abuse” campaign nationwide, including raids and seizures in multiple states. Recent operations included the destruction of large quantities of skunk (a strain of cannabis) in Ara-Ekiti Forest, and the interception of significant drug consignments along major highways and at ports, with several suspects arrested during coordinated raids.
As investigations continue, the NDLEA said it will pursue all leads to dismantle associated networks and bring all perpetrators to justice under Nigerian law.
