Crime
NDLEA arrests another drug baron in Lagos, recovers N8.8b worth of tramadol
By Paul Eso
The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency, NDLEA, has arrested one Ugochukwu Nsofor Chukwukadibia, an alleged billionaire drug baron in Victoria Garden City, VGC, Lagos.
The agency also recovered N8.8 billion worth of tramadol from mansion in residential estate.
A statement from Femi Babafemi, NDLEA’s Director, Media & Advocacy, on Monday, said no less than 13,451,466 pills of Tramadol 225mg worth N8,860,000,000 in street value were recovered by the operatives of the enforcement agency.
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The arrest of Ugochukwu who is the Chairman of Autonation Motors Ltd is coming barely two months after NDLEA uncovered a methamphetamine clandestine laboratory in the residence of another drug kingpin in the estate, Chris Emeka Nzewi, who was arrested on Saturday 30th July along with a chemist, Sunday Ukah, who cooked the illicit drug for him.
At least, 258.74 kilograms of crystal methamphetamine and various precursor chemicals used for the production of the toxic drug were recovered from Nzewi’s home during his arrest.
The statement read: “Following credible intelligence, NDLEA operatives on Friday 30th September stormed the Plot A45 Road 2 home of the 52-year old billionaire drug kingpin. A search of the expansive mansion led to the discovery of 443 cartons of Tramadol Hydrochloride 225mg, which contains 13, 451, 466 pills of the drug while some cartons were already burnt in a fire incident in the house same day.
Mr. Nwachukwu
“Before his arrest, Ugochukwu who hails from Ihiala Local Government Area of Anambra State has been on the agency’s watch list as one of those behind the tramadol drug cartel in Nigeria.
“Preliminary investigation shows that he has about six mansions within the VGC, one of which he uses to warehouse the tramadol consignment, while he lives in the one at Plot Z 130 Road 67 and another as his office. Five exotic vehicles have also been located in two of his mansions, out of which two SUVs including a bullet jeep have been successfully removed to the agency’s facility.”
Reacting to the latest drug haul, Chairman/Chief Executive of NDLEA, Brig. Gen. Mohamed Buba Marwa (Retd), commended the officers and men involved in the operation for their diligence while also appreciating Nigerians for supporting the Agency in its arduous task of ridding the country of the menace of drug abuse and illicit drug trafficking.
In Abuja, a man named Alex, suspected of being involved in ritualistic practices and internet fraud, was arrested for allegedly attempting to murder a hook-up girl named Olivia for ritual purposes.
The incident unfolded at a hotel in Wuse Zone 5, where hotel staff intervened after hearing Olivia’s screams.
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They discovered her in a disturbing state—completely naked and bound with tape, her mouth sealed and her limbs tied.
SP Josephine Adeh, the Public Relations Officer for the FCT Police, addressed the situation, stating, “The FCT police command is aware of the video circulating regarding a lady who was criminally confined at Top View Hotel on September 17, 2024, by an alleged internet fraudster for a money ritual.”
Akeh further noted that the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) has taken Alex into custody but has not yet transferred him to the police for further investigation.
“The FCT police command is awaiting the handover of all parties involved to initiate a thorough and discreet investigation. We will provide further updates as the situation develops.”
In a dramatic turn of events, officials from the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) attempted to arrest former Kogi State Governor Yahaya Bello on Wednesday night at the Kogi State Governor’s lodge located in Asokoro, Federal Capital Territory.
The operation was met with resistance from security personnel at the lodge, resulting in gunfire during the altercation.
Authorities quickly cordoned off the area, limiting access to EFCC agents and other security forces.
Related News: Yahaya Bello Finally Faces EFCC, Says He Has Nothing To Hide
Unconfirmed reports suggest that Bello has since left the lodge, accompanied by the current Kogi State Governor, Ahmed Ododo. Following the incident, normalcy appears to have returned to the vicinity.
This latest attempt to apprehend Bello follows his long-standing status on the EFCC’s wanted list for allegedly laundering N80.2 billion. After months of evading capture, a statement from the Director of Yahaya Bello Media Office, Ohiare Michael, indicated that the former governor had agreed to attend an EFCC invitation after consulting with his family, legal advisors, and political allies.
However, the EFCC responded by clarifying that Bello is not in their custody and remains a wanted individual due to the serious money laundering charges against him, as reiterated by spokesman Dele Oyewale.
The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), has debunked reports of wanted former Governor of Kogi State, Yahaya Bello surrendering himself to the Commission.
This was disclosed in a statement on its verified handle on micro-blogging site, X, on Wednesday by its Head, Media & Publicity, Dele Oyewale.
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It wrote, “Media reports today that a former Governor of Kogi State, Mr. Yahaya Bello is in the holding facility of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, is incorrect. The Commission wishes to state that Bello is not in its custody.
“Bello, already declared wanted by the Commission for alleged N80.2billion money laundering charges, remains wanted with a subsisting warrant for his arrest.”
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