Drug Empire Exposed!” – NDLEA Arrests Pastor, Wife In Lagos Operation

Operatives of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) have dismantled a major drug trafficking network after a three-week intelligence-driven operation, intercepting cocaine shipments concealed in tins of palm kernel extract and arresting the syndicate’s alleged kingpin.

The agency revealed that the drugs were intended for export to the United Kingdom, with the cartel using sophisticated concealment techniques to evade detection.

The operation began on March 11, 2026, when NDLEA officers at the Murtala Muhammed International Airport Command in Ikeja, Lagos, intercepted 3.10 kilograms of cocaine hidden inside tins of palm kernel extract at the export shed.

According to NDLEA’s Director of Media and Advocacy, Femi Babafemi, two suspects linked to the consignment—Idris Olayiwola Amoo and Akinlami Akinsoji Adedoyin—were immediately arrested.

A follow-up operation on April 2 led to the arrest of the alleged sender, Ezemuwo Joel, who reportedly used a false identity. His arrest provided intelligence that helped operatives track down the syndicate leader, 52-year-old King Arinze, at a hideout in the Isolo area of Lagos.

He was subsequently taken to a warehouse in Bucknor, Isolo, where investigators uncovered extensive evidence of drug concealment activities. Recovered items included 886 tins prepared for hiding drugs, industrial sealing machines, tin openers, paint sprays, 52 grams of cannabis, and protective gloves.

The suspect reportedly admitted to draining oil from the tins to conceal cocaine consignments.

In a related operation in Borno State, NDLEA officers arrested 28-year-old Aisha Adamu along the Gamboru Ngala road with 4.3 kilograms of Colorado, a potent synthetic form of cannabis. She is suspected of supplying drugs to armed groups operating in the North-East and neighbouring Chad.

In Lagos, a pastor of the Celestial Church of Christ, Afolabi Hodonu, and his wife, Success Hodonu, were arrested at the Gbaji checkpoint. A search of their vehicle uncovered 11 kilograms of skunk hidden in concealed compartments.

Their arrest followed the earlier interception of a suspected fake security operative, Sunday Samuel, who was caught transporting 24.5 kilograms of skunk along the same route.

In Adamawa State, NDLEA operatives intercepted a truck carrying 48,000 tramadol pills along Namtari road in Yola South, leading to the arrest of the driver, Abdulaziz Ismail Korede, and the intended recipient, Idris Adamu.

In Osun State, a 60-year-old woman, Idiatu Oladejo, was arrested in Osogbo with 15 kilograms of skunk.

Similarly, operatives raided a forest in Akure, Ondo State, recovering 351 kilograms of skunk and its seeds.

In Benue State, 28,600 tramadol capsules were seized from a 66-year-old suspect, Aminu Usman Gembu, in Aliade.

Meanwhile, in Edo State, officers stormed a warehouse in Egbanke community, Orhionmwon Local Government Area, where 1,378 kilograms of skunk were recovered, leading to the arrest of one Roland Owie.

In Oyo State, a suspected drug dealer, Ayantola Omodunmomi, popularly known as “Iya Elle,” was arrested in Ibadan. The agency alleged that she used her 11-year-old daughter to distribute illicit drugs. At the time of her arrest, 45.6 kilograms of skunk were recovered from her residence.

The NDLEA also noted that its War Against Drug Abuse campaign continues nationwide, with sensitisation programmes held in schools across Oyo, Lagos, Kano, Anambra, and Zamfara states.

The Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of the agency, Mohamed Buba Marwa, commended officers involved in the operations, describing the successes as a reflection of improved intelligence capabilities and the agency’s determination to dismantle drug networks.

He emphasised that traffickers will continue to face intensified enforcement, regardless of the methods or disguises they employ.

The agency reaffirmed its commitment to reducing both the supply and demand of illicit drugs across Nigeria.