Crime
NDLEA Arrests Lagos Socialite, Filmmaker, Others In Nationwide Drug Operations
The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) has launched a series of successful operations across Nigeria, resulting in the arrest of prominent individuals and the seizure of significant quantities of illicit drugs.
Among the key arrests are a Lagos socialite, a filmmaker, and university students involved in drug-related activities.
In Lagos, NDLEA operatives arrested a 61-year-old socialite, Alhaja Aishat Feyisara Ajoke Elediye, on New Year’s Day at her mansion in Okota.
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The arrest followed the interception of a truck allegedly transporting a drug consignment linked to her.
According to NDLEA spokesperson Femi Babafemi, a white Izuzu truck carrying 44 jumbo sacks containing 1,540 kilograms of imported cannabis was intercepted on January 1.
The truck was driven by Abideen Adio, a staff member of Elediye.
“On the surface, Alhaja Ajoke is a businesswoman who imports fabrics and shoes from China, but beneath is a massive illicit drug trade. She is also recognized as the Iyalaje of Blessing Sisters, an influential club of society women in Lagos,” Babafemi said.
Alhaja Ajoke, known in the drug underworld as “Iya Ruka,” has been on the NDLEA’s wanted list for years due to her alleged leadership of a drug cartel operating out of Mushin, Lagos.
In another high-profile case, NDLEA operatives arrested US-trained filmmaker and motivational speaker Emeka Emmanuel Mbadiwe at a hotel in Lekki, Lagos.
His arrest followed the apprehension of his associate, Uzoekwe Ugochukwu James, earlier on December 27, 2024, at a warehouse in Ajao Estate, Ikeja.
James was reportedly sent by Mbadiwe to collect a shipment of 33 parcels of Loud, a potent strain of cannabis weighing 17.30 kilograms.
The consignment, concealed in wooden boxes, had arrived at the Murtala Muhammed International Airport, Ikeja, from the United States on December 24, 2024, aboard a Delta Airlines flight.
In Ilorin, Kwara State, NDLEA operatives arrested two young women—24-year-old Khadijat Abdulraheem, a fresh graduate, and 20-year-old Ayomide Morakinyo, a University of Ilorin student.
The suspects were reportedly producing and selling drug-laced cupcakes to students.
During a search of their residence on December 29, 2024, operatives recovered 42 pieces of the drugged cupcakes.
Sodade Sunday Eniola, an ex-convict previously sentenced to four years in prison for drug trafficking, was arrested again for passport racketeering.
NDLEA operatives at the Lagos airport intercepted 52 passports concealed in shoe soles and food items destined for Canada, Russia, and other countries.
Further investigations led to the arrest of three other suspects—Ayinde Saheed Awwal, Salaudeen Afeez Ayode, and Sheriff Adebayo Bamigbade.
The suspects and exhibits were handed over to the Nigerian Immigration Service for further investigation.
In Port Harcourt, Rivers State, NDLEA officers seized 316,800 bottles of codeine-based syrup from two containers during a joint operation with the Nigeria Customs Service and other security agencies on December 31, 2024.
In Kano, operatives raided a drug den in Dala Local Government Area, recovering 149,090 pills of tramadol and exol-5 on the same day.
The NDLEA also intensified its War Against Drug Abuse (WADA) campaign, conducting sensitization programs in markets, worship centers, and schools across the country.
NDLEA Chairman Brig. Gen. Mohamed Buba Marwa (Rtd) commended the agency’s officers for their dedication to combating drug trafficking and abuse.
“Their operational successes and those of their compatriots across the country, especially their balanced approach to drug supply reduction and drug demand reduction efforts, are well appreciated,” Marwa stated.
The Federal High Court in Abuja has adjourned the alleged terrorism financing and illegal firearms possession case involving former Attorney-General of the Federation, Abubakar Malami, and his son, Abdulaziz Malami, until April 15 and 16.
Justice Joyce Abdulmalik granted the adjournment on Tuesday after the prosecution requested more time to prepare for the trial.
During the court session, lead prosecuting counsel, Akinlolu Kehinde (SAN), informed the court that he had only recently been assigned to handle the case and needed additional time to consult with witnesses.
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“I got the instruction to take over the prosecution of the case on Monday and so I need time to interface with the witnesses,” Kehinde told the court while asking for a new hearing date.
Counsel for the defendants, Shuaibu Arua (SAN), did not oppose the request for adjournment.
Following the application, Justice Abdulmalik granted the request and fixed April 15 and 16 for the continuation of the trial.
The Department of State Services (DSS) had earlier arraigned the former justice minister and his son on a five-count charge bordering on alleged terrorism financing and unlawful possession of firearms.
According to the charge marked FHC/ABJ/CR/63/2026, Malami was accused of allegedly aiding terrorism financing by failing to prosecute suspected financiers whose case files were reportedly forwarded to him while he served as Attorney-General of the Federation and Minister of Justice.
The defendants were also accused of illegally storing firearms and ammunition at their residence located in Gesse Phase II Area of Birnin Kebbi Local Government Area of Kebbi State without lawful authority.
Items allegedly recovered include a Sturm Magnum 17-0101 firearm, 16 Redstar AAA 5’20 live cartridges, and 27 expended Redstar AAA 5’20 cartridges.
The alleged offences are said to violate provisions of the Terrorism (Prevention and Prohibition) Act, 2022, as well as the Firearms Act, 2004.
The trial is expected to continue in April when the court begins full hearing of the case.
A routine patrol by the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) has led to the recovery of a stolen vehicle in Lagos and the exposure of a wanted driver, highlighting the importance of proper vehicle documentation and cooperation with authorities.
The incident occurred at the RS2.1114 Isolo Unit Command, where officers stopped an ash-coloured Toyota Sienna bearing registration number LSD438GK for a Vehicle Licence Violation (VLV) on Saturday, February 28, 2026, at about 5:11 p.m.
While the driver initially failed to present valid documents, further checks revealed the vehicle had been reported stolen and the driver was already declared wanted.
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The suspect was subsequently handed over in handcuffs to the Nigeria Police Force, Ajao Division, for further action.
The FRSC credited the recovery to the National Vehicle Identification Scheme (NVIS), a digital framework that strengthens vehicle verification and tracking.
The scheme has reportedly helped identify, trace, and recover numerous stolen vehicles nationwide, while curbing criminal syndicates involved in vehicle theft and identity manipulation.
In a statement, Assistant Corps Marshal Olusegun Ogungbemide stressed that enforcement is not only about traffic compliance but also crime prevention and public safety, urging motorists to always carry valid documentation and cooperate with patrol officers.
Corps Marshal Shehu Mohammed commended the Isolo team for their vigilance, affirming the FRSC’s commitment to leveraging technology, intelligence, and strategic partnerships to protect lives and property on Nigerian roads.
A major election scandal unfolded on Saturday in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) as security agents apprehended a young woman in the Kabusa area for allegedly possessing 20 voter cards during the ongoing area council elections.
The woman, dressed in a black shirt and red trousers with a white scarf, was intercepted at Polling Unit 001 in Kabusa Primary School.
She was immediately escorted into a police van by security personnel, raising concerns about the integrity of the election process.
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Meanwhile, the Minister of the FCT, Nyesom Wike, was on the ground monitoring the elections.
He visited several polling units, including the Karu Chief’s Palace, to interact with adhoc staff of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) and assess voter turnout.
Wike reportedly inquired about the progress of the voting and the challenges faced by election officials.
This incident comes amid reports of low voter turnout and other electoral irregularities in parts of Abuja, underscoring ongoing concerns about electoral security and transparency in the FCT area council elections.
Authorities have assured that investigations are ongoing, and the suspect may face legal action pending further verification of her actions.
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