Operatives of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) have arrested Nwabueze Nicholas Izueke, a 62-year-old businessman based in Lagos, at the Mallam Aminu Kano International Airport (MAKIA) while attempting to board a flight to China with 1.589 kilograms of cocaine concealed in his body.
The suspect was apprehended on January 31, 2026, during the outward clearance of passengers on Ethiopian Airlines flight ET940 to China via Addis Ababa.
Following a body scan that confirmed the presence of illicit substances, Izueke was placed under excretion observation. Over the course of seven excretions, he expelled a total of 95 jumbo-sized pellets of cocaine.
The businessman, who claims to be involved in the clothing and auto spare parts trade in Lagos, stated that he ingested the drugs to raise funds for completing his country home in Iwollo, Enugu State.
NDLEA Chairman/CEO, Brig. Gen. Mohamed Buba Marwa (Retd), commended the officers at the Kano airport command for their vigilance and professionalism in intercepting the suspect.
"This arrest underscores our unwavering commitment to disrupting drug trafficking networks and protecting our nation's borders from the scourge of illicit substances," Marwa said. "We will continue to employ advanced detection methods and intelligence-led operations to ensure that no one escapes justice."
In related operations, NDLEA operatives also intercepted consignments of methamphetamine hidden in yogurt packs and MP3 speakers, and conducted a raid on a "Colos" factory in Ibadan, leading to additional arrests. These actions highlight the agency's ongoing efforts to combat drug production, trafficking, and abuse across Nigeria.
The suspect will be charged in accordance with the NDLEA Act, and investigations are ongoing to identify and apprehend any accomplices.