The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) has declared a popular prophetess, Faith Ugochi, and a celebrity couple, Igho Ubiribo and Danielle Simba Allen, wanted for their involvement in drug trafficking. These individuals are the alleged arrowheads of an international drug syndicate that operates from Los Angeles, USA, and recruits teenage girls for drug trafficking.
The NDLEA revealed that the cartel was exposed after its operatives at the NAHCO import shed of the Murtala Muhammed International Airport, Ikeja Lagos, intercepted a consignment of 32.70 kilograms of Loud, a strong variant of cannabis concealed in cartons of used clothes on November 16th, 2022. This led to the arrest of Ukoh Ifeanyi Oguguo, a freight agent, and four other suspects: Chikodi Favour, Obiyom Shalom Chiamaka, Nnochiri Chidinma Promise, and Edward Omatseye (aka Montana).
During their preliminary interviews, it was discovered that the syndicate rented a duplex accommodation around the Ikate area of Lekki, purposely for four young girls that the syndicate uses for marketing and distribution of illicit drugs. It was also learnt that the group rented another building used as a drug warehouse inside Richmond Estate, Lekki. Some illicit drugs paraphernalia, including sealing machines, bloating machines, and packaging bags, were recovered from the warehouse.
The NDLEA disclosed that the celebrity couple, Igho Ubiribo and Danielle Simba Allen, are the overall heads of the criminal group. Edward Omatseye coordinates the illicit drug trade activities for them in Nigeria, while Nnochiri Chidinma Promise represents Ben Cargo Ltd, a freight company responsible for the shipment of illicit consignments into the country.
Investigations revealed that Favour and Shalom were recruited as salesgirls in the illicit drug trade by Prophetess Faith Ugochi, using her church platform to recruit teenage girls brought to her for help, on behalf of the celebrity couple. However, efforts to get Prophetess Faith Ugochi, Igho Ubiribo, and Danielle Simba Allen to submit themselves for questioning have proved abortive.
The NDLEA has obtained an order of the Federal High Court Lagos to declare the celebrity couple and Prophetess Ugochi wanted for their involvement in drug trafficking. The agency has also blocked the sum of N80,000,000 traced to the suspects’ private account and obtained a court order to seize all properties, including a fuel station linked to the suspects in Lagos and Port Harcourt.
In conclusion, drug trafficking is a serious offense, and the NDLEA is working tirelessly to bring those involved to justice. It is important for everyone to be aware of the dangers of drug trafficking and to support efforts to curb this menace.