Two Nigerian passengers, a widower, Ariyibi Ahmed Olaseinde, and a divorcee, Akanbi Silifat Tunrayo, have been arrested at the Murtala Muhammed International Airport (MMIA) in Lagos, Nigeria, by the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA). The passengers were allegedly carrying 14.4 kilograms of cocaine hidden in lace and ankara fabrics as they attempted to fly to Saudi Arabia for the lesser Hajj.
The male suspect, Ariyibi, was intercepted on April 20 at the MMIA Terminal 2 during outward clearance of Qatar Airways passengers. He had four sets of white lace material in his carry-on bag, which contained a lining of substance that tested positive for cocaine, weighing 11.50kg. Ariyibi, an advertising practitioner and widower, reportedly planned to ingest the drugs, but he failed to swallow bitter cola, which he was using to practice the process.
According to Femi Babafemi, NDLEA spokesperson, the agency also arrested Mrs. Silifat Tunrayo Akanbi on April 19, with 2.90kg of cocaine during outward clearance of Qatar Airways passengers. Preliminary investigations revealed that the suspect is a divorcee and a trader who used to hawk cloths around Awoyaya area of Ajah, Lagos. During a follow-up operation, the person who recruited her, Alhaji Adebayo Adeola Wasiu, was arrested at No 28, Olateju Street, Mushin, Lagos. Adebayo is the managing director of B&T Travel Agency.
In addition, NDLEA officers attached to courier companies have intercepted two drug consignments consisting of ecstasy and skunk, which were going to the United Arab Emirates, concealed in a gold colour wedding gown and a micro controller. Meanwhile, a 400-level Marine Engineering student at the Niger Delta University, Amassoma, Bayelsa state, Kelvin Ogenedoro, was arrested for dealing in 600grams of skunk. He was nabbed at the university’s gate in a follow-up operation following the interception of the consignment in a commercial bus along Tombia-Amassoma road in Bayelsa State.
Moreover, the NDLEA arrested a notorious drug dealer, Sunday Ishaku Emzor (aka Lalas), who was convicted and sentenced to 15 years imprisonment in 2010 for drug offences, for drug dealing again. He was arrested at Hayin Gada, Imburu Numan LGA, where he went to supply 1.650kg cannabis to an undercover operative. His Yellow Press Cub motorcycle used for supplying illicit drugs and a cash of N78,120 suspected to be proceeds of the illegal business were recovered from him at the point of arrest.
The NDLEA continues to take stringent measures to combat drug trafficking in Nigeria, and these recent arrests show their commitment to the cause. The agency has reiterated its determination to rid the country of drug traffickers and warned that it will continue to be on the lookout for criminal elements involved in drug trafficking