A former international footballer, a Europe-based businessman, and several other suspects are among the latest individuals arrested by the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) in a sweeping crackdown on drug trafficking across multiple states and airports in Nigeria.
In a statement issued on Sunday, NDLEA spokesperson, Femi Babafemi, confirmed that ex-footballer Segun George Hunkarin and his associate Ntoruka Chinedu were arrested in Lagos for attempting to smuggle cocaine into the country through the Murtala Muhammed International Airport.
Chinedu, who had arrived from Turkey via an Ethiopian Airlines flight with a layover in Addis Ababa, was intercepted by NDLEA operatives on Tuesday, June 24. A thorough inspection of his luggage uncovered 37 wraps of cocaine, weighing 800 grammes, which he admitted to collecting in Ethiopia for onward delivery.
The trail led investigators to Hunkarin, a retired professional footballer who had a stint in Brazil. He was arrested at the airport car park, allegedly waiting to take delivery of the drug consignment.
“Hunkarin confessed during interrogation that he had trafficked drugs twice between Brazil and Ethiopia during his playing days,” Babafemi revealed. “However, he claimed this was his first attempt to bring narcotics into Nigeria.”
In a separate development, NDLEA officers at the Lagos Airport also arrested Amen Okoro Godstime, a Nigerian businessman based in Europe, for attempting to export 5,000 tablets of Tramadol (225mg) concealed in packs of malaria medication such as Lonart, Amatem, and Aluktem.
Godstime was intercepted at Terminal 2 while boarding a Royal Air Maroc flight en route to Spain via Casablanca. He confessed that his plan was to transit through France and deliver the illicit pills to Italy, where he resides.
More Seizures at Enugu Airport
The agency also reported major interceptions at the Akanu Ibiam International Airport, Enugu, on Friday, June 27. Two suspected traffickers were taken into custody following separate drug busts.
Ezenwaka Chibuzor Emmanuel, 38, a bar attendant based in Mozambique, was caught with a shocking 17.5kg of methamphetamine and 3.05kg of cocaine disguised inside bedsheets. He had arrived from Johannesburg, South Africa, through Addis Ababa.
Also arrested was Azu Follygan Kpodar, a 54-year-old toy merchant who flew in from São Paulo, Brazil. A bottle of liquid soap in his luggage tested positive for 1.25kg of cocaine. During questioning, he claimed he bought the substance during a shopping trip for his wedding in Nigeria.
Cross-Border and Local Operations
At the Seme border in Badagry, Lagos, NDLEA officers intercepted Vode Jean-Luck, a 26-year-old Beninese national attempting to smuggle 69 wraps of skunk, weighing 29.5kg, into Nigeria. The potent cannabis variant was concealed in his luggage.
Meanwhile, in Kwara State, NDLEA operatives raided the residence of a notorious drug dealer, Mary Bolanle Oladele, popularly known as ‘Iya Nafi’, in Omu-Aran on June 25. A variety of illegal substances, including skunk, tramadol, and flunitrazepam, were recovered from the house.
In Delta State, a 72-year-old grandmother, Christy Ejaro, was arrested on June 24 in the Niger CAT area of Warri. NDLEA agents found multiple sachets of skunk neatly packaged and ready for street distribution.
Nationwide Offensive
The arrests mark a continuation of NDLEA’s intensified nationwide offensive against drug trafficking networks. The agency reiterated its resolve to dismantle syndicates and disrupt supply routes across the country.
“These arrests reflect our ongoing commitment to rid Nigeria of illicit drugs and hold traffickers accountable, no matter their age, status, or past profession,” Babafemi said.
As investigations continue, all suspects are expected to be charged to court upon the conclusion of inquiries.
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