Odita Sunday 
93-Year-Old Great Grandpa, Medical Doctor Nabbed as NDLEA Uncovers Massive Drug Network Nationwide
A shocking twist in Nigeria’s war on drugs has seen a 93-year-old great grandfather and a 69-year-old medical doctor arrested, as operatives of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) smashed multiple trafficking rings in sweeping nationwide raids.
The dramatic arrests headline a week-long crackdown that exposed an extensive web of illicit drug operations spanning several states, including Lagos, Ogun, Abia, Niger, Edo, Borno, Imo and the Federal Capital Territory.
The nonagenarian suspect, identified as Pa Friday Ahukanna Chigbu, was arrested at his residence in Osisioma Local Government Area of Abia State, where operatives recovered 7.7 kilograms of skunk, a potent strain of cannabis. The suspect reportedly admitted to decades of drug use dating back to 1959 before venturing into trafficking barely a year ago.
In a related operation that underscores the sophistication of emerging drug syndicates, NDLEA operatives arrested an Ivorian national, Gohouri Michael, at the Mallam Aminu Kano International Airport while attempting to traffic 1.49 kilograms of cocaine to Milan, Italy. Investigations later unraveled a deeper network, leading to the arrest of a 69-year-old medical doctor, Dr. Chudi Daniel Ofomata, in Ogun State, alleged to be the mastermind coordinating the illicit movement.
Across the country, NDLEA’s intensified operations yielded significant seizures and arrests. In Ogun State, three suspects were apprehended with 34 kilograms of skunk at Sango-Ota, while in Imo State, a 26-year-old woman was caught with 56.2 kilograms of the same substance along the Onitsha–Owerri road.
In Niger State, a husband and wife were arrested after operatives discovered 118 kilograms of skunk hidden in their kitchen, highlighting the alarming spread of drug trafficking into households.
A major interception in Borno State led to the recovery of 42,290 tablets of Rohypnol, 82,700 millilitres of codeine syrup and 10,000 millilitres of pentazocine injection concealed in a trailer transporting spare parts. The owner of the consignment was subsequently arrested.
In Lagos, NDLEA officers intercepted 15 kilograms of “Scottish Loud” concealed in a commercial bus heading to Port Harcourt, while a separate operation in Mushin led to the seizure of 26,800 bottles of codeine syrup and the arrest of two suspects.
The Federal Capital Territory was not spared, as operatives raided the notorious Tora Bora drug hub in Abuja, arresting eight suspects and recovering over 11 kilograms of skunk.
Perhaps the most staggering seizure occurred in Edo State, where operatives intercepted two trucks conveying a combined 7,245 kilograms of processed cannabis concealed in beer cartons, with five suspects arrested in connection to the haul.
Beyond enforcement, the agency sustained its War Against Drug Abuse (WADA) campaign through sensitisation programmes in schools and communities nationwide, targeting youths and transport workers.
Chairman/Chief Executive Officer of NDLEA, Mohamed Buba Marwa, commended officers across affected commands for the successful operations, urging sustained momentum in balancing drug supply reduction with preventive advocacy.
The latest crackdown underscores both the scale and evolving nature of Nigeria’s drug trade, with authorities warning that no demographic not even the elderly or professionals is beyond scrutiny.
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