NDLEA arrests 93-year-old great grandpa, medical doctor arrested over cocaine, skunk trafficking

A 93-year-old great grandfather and a 69-year-old medical doctor are among suspects arrested by the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) as it intensifies nationwide operations against drug trafficking networks.

The arrests were disclosed in a statement on Sunday by NDLEA’s Director of Media and Advocacy, Femi Babafemi.

According to the agency, the nonagenarian, Pa Friday Ahukanna Chigbu, was arrested at his residence in Umuagbaigba, Amavo Nkwogu village, Osisioma Local Government Area of Abia State on April 7, 2026.

A search of his home led to the recovery of 7.7 kilograms of skunk, a strain of cannabis. The suspect reportedly said he had been using the substance since 1959 and went into the drug trade over a year ago.

In a separate operation, NDLEA operatives uncovered an international drug trafficking link following the arrest of an Ivorian national, Gohouri Michael, at the Mallam Aminu Kano International Airport, Kano.

He was found with 82 wraps of cocaine weighing 1.49 kilograms while attempting to board an Ethiopian Airlines flight to Milan via Addis Ababa.

Further investigation led to the arrest of a 69-year-old medical doctor, Dr Chudi Daniel Ofomata, in Ogun State. NDLEA said he was identified as the alleged coordinator of the drug movement. Substances including promazepam and promethazine injections were recovered from him.

The agency also reported multiple arrests and seizures across several states. In Ogun State, three suspects were apprehended with 34 kilograms of skunk at Sango Ota, while a 26-year-old woman was arrested in Imo State with 56.2 kilograms of the same substance.

In Niger State, a couple was arrested after 118 kilograms of skunk were discovered in their home. In Borno State, NDLEA operatives intercepted a trailer conveying pharmaceutical opioids, including Rohypnol, codeine syrup, and pentazocine injections, concealed among spare parts.

In Lagos, a commercial bus heading to Port Harcourt was intercepted along the Lagos-Ibadan Expressway, leading to the seizure of 15 kilograms of “Scottish Loud,” a potent cannabis strain, and the arrest of two suspects. In a separate operation in the state, officers recovered 26,800 bottles of codeine-based syrup from a truck in Mushin.

NDLEA also raided a drug joint in Abuja, arresting eight suspects and recovering over 11 kilograms of skunk.

In Edo State, operatives intercepted two trucks carrying a total of 7,245 kilograms of skunk concealed among cartons of beer. Five suspects were arrested in connection with the seizure.

Commending officers involved in the operations, NDLEA Chairman and Chief Executive Officer, Mohamed Buba Marwa, praised the agency’s commands for maintaining efforts in both drug supply reduction and demand control nationwide.