A notorious drug trafficker, Nwobodo Chidiebere Basil, previously convicted in 2023 for dealing in 30.10kg of methamphetamine, has been arrested again by operatives of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) following the seizure of 75 parcels of cocaine weighing 1.50 kilograms.
The drugs were concealed in factory-sealed sachets of cold-water starch destined for the United Kingdom at the export shed of the Murtala Muhammed International Airport (MMIA) in Ikeja, Lagos.
Three cargo agents involved in the export attempt Jubrin Firdausi Hassana, Kuku Daniel Oluwasegun, and Igwe Chioma Jane were arrested on Saturday, December 20, 2025. Further investigations led to the apprehension of 37-year-old Nwobodo Chidiebere Basil, the mastermind behind the operation, on Sunday, December 21, 2025, at a popular relaxation center in Ikeja while on a date with his girlfriend.
NDLEA's criminal database confirms that Nwobodo was previously arrested in May 2023 in connection with a 30.10kg methamphetamine shipment hidden in powdered custard containers, also bound for London via the Lagos airport.
He was convicted in Federal High Court charge number FHC/L/337C/2023 and sentenced to five years imprisonment with an option of a ₦7,000,000 fine and one-month community service, effective from December 4, 2023. After paying the fine, he resumed his criminal activities.
In related operations, NDLEA operatives destroyed tons of skunk (a strain of cannabis) and wooden warehouses in Ara forest, Ara-Ekiti, recovering an additional 638 kilograms of the substance on Monday, December 22, 2025. In Edo State, 1,205 blocks of compressed cannabis sativa weighing 883.1kg were seized from three Toyota Camry vehicles along the Igara-Auchi road on the same day.
Further arrests in Cross River State on Sunday, December 21, 2025, at Agoi-Ibami community in Yakurr LGA included Freedom Jonah Akpama (27) with 671kg of skunk, David Itam David (30) with 89kg, and Nelson Arikpo Osam (26) with 148kg.
A 42-year-old woman, Joy Oisamaye, was arrested with 38kg of skunk along the Abaji-Abuja expressway on Monday, December 22, 2025, en route from Otua in Owan East LGA, Edo State.
In Lagos, Ajoke Dauda was apprehended with 45.5kg of skunk on Christmas Day, Thursday, December 25, 2025, at Agbara along the Badagry expressway. Oluwasegun Felix was arrested the previous day with 18.5kg at Itoga, Badagry.
In Taraba State's Takum area, Emmanuel Danladi (39) and John Onoja (41) were nabbed with 48kg of skunk on Wednesday, December 24, and Tuesday, December 23, 2025, respectively.
In Gombe State, 65-year-old driver Sada’u Mohammed was arrested along the Gombe-Biu highway transporting 300 ampoules of pentazocine injection and 27,900 pills of tramadol and other opioids destined for Biu in Borno State.
Additionally, 47-year-old businessman Ignatius Egbochie (alias Brown), wanted in connection with a 26kg shipment of Loud (a cannabis strain) seized at Tincan seaport on December 10, 2025, was arrested in Apapa on December 19, 2025.
NDLEA continues its War Against Drug Abuse (WADA) sensitization activities nationwide, including lectures in schools, worship centers, workplaces, and communities during the past week.
Chairman/Chief Executive Officer of NDLEA, Brig. Gen. Mohamed Buba Marwa (Rtd), commended the officers for their efforts and urged continued vigilance and professionalism throughout the festive season and beyond.