The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) has arrested Levi Chidiebele Ubodoeze, an automobile spare parts dealer, who had been on the run after attempting to export 2kg of cocaine concealed in vehicle propellers to Angola.
Upon his arrest, NDLEA operatives also recovered 75.5kg of phenacetin, a chemical used as a cocaine-cutting agent, which had been disguised as semolina.
In a statement issued on Sunday, March 9, 2025, in Abuja, NDLEA Director of Media and Advocacy, Femi Babafemi, confirmed that Ubodoeze was apprehended just three weeks after a manhunt was launched.
“Following the seizure of the cocaine consignment at a logistics company in Aspanda, Trade Fair Complex, Ojo, Lagos, on February 21, 2025, swift contacts were made with Angolan authorities,” Babafemi said. “They arrested the supposed recipient of the illicit drug in Angola, which led to the identification of the sender.”
Ubodoeze was tracked to his residence on Ago Palace Way, Isolo, Lagos, on Thursday, March 6, where he was caught trying to flee in a KIA SUV.
A search of the vehicle led to the discovery of 75.5 kg of phenacetin, while a digital scale used for weighing illicit drugs was also seized from his house.
During interrogation, Ubodoeze admitted to dealing in cocaine while operating a spare parts business at Ladipo Market, Mushin.
He revealed that his Angolan contact alerted him of his arrest, prompting his attempt to escape before NDLEA officers closed in on him.
In another major operation, NDLEA operatives at the Murtala Muhammed International Airport (MMIA), Ikeja, Lagos, intercepted a cargo of cannabis-laced candies imported from the United Kingdom.
The consignment, intended for sale at a kids’ market on Ogunlana Drive, Surulere, Lagos, was seized on February 27, upon arrival.
The recipient, Adedamola Taylor, was arrested on March 4, following the detention of a freight agent.
In his statement, Taylor claimed that the package was sent by his UK-based brother, Babatunde Alabi, and was meant for Musurat Lawal, the operator of the Surulere store. A follow-up operation at the shop led to Musurat’s arrest.
The NDLEA also carried out multiple arrests across different states.
In Lagos, two suspects, China Michael and Igbo Ekene, were arrested in Shibiri, Ojo, on March 7, after their truck was found carrying 248 compressed blocks of Ghanaian Loud cannabis, weighing 128 kg.
In Mushin, three men—Osinachi Nwachukwu, Tochukwu Okafor Christian, and John Ugochukwu Mbakwe—were arrested at Mosalasi Junction with 301,600 tramadol pills and other opioids.
In Kano, 65-year-old Yahaya Haruna was arrested with 19.2 kg of skunk along Gadar Tamburawa Road on March 6, while 60-year-old Musa Bello, known as Jajere, was caught with 212 bottles of codeine syrup in Kumbotso LGA.
Meanwhile, in Abia, a warehouse raid at 19 Ubani Street, Aba, resulted in the seizure of 442,594 tramadol pills and 1,274 bottles of codeine syrup.
The agency arrested Nwaeze Onyeabor (47) and Tombo Thomas (23) at Ugbema Junction, Katsina-Ala, Benue, with 50,000 tramadol and exol-5 pills.
Asimiyu Muibi (50) was caught with 162 kg of skunk in Modakeke, Ife East, Osun, on March 4, while another 95 kg was recovered from an abandoned Toyota Camry in Ede.
In Edo, a raid in Amahor Community Forest, Igueben LGA, led to the arrest of Etim Esien Stephen (55) and the destruction of 9,514.625 kg of skunk cultivated on 3.8 hectares of farmland.
The NDLEA reiterated its commitment to eradicating drug trafficking and called on the public to report suspicious activities.
