The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency has successfully arrested Levi Chidiebele Ubodoeze, a fugitive automobile spare parts dealer, three weeks after launching a manhunt for him.
Ubodoeze was wanted in connection with an attempt to smuggle two kilograms of cocaine hidden inside vehicle propellers to Angola.
According to NDLEA spokesperson Femi Babafemi, the arrest was the result of a collaborative intelligence-sharing effort between Nigerian and Angolan authorities.
“Following the seizure of the cocaine consignment at a logistics company in Aspanda, Trade Fair Complex, Ojo area of Lagos on 21st February 2025, swift contacts were made with Angolan authorities who in turn arrested the supposed recipient of the illicit drug in Angola, after which the identity of the sender was unraveled,” Babafemi stated.
NDLEA operatives tracked Ubodoeze to his residence in the Ago Palace Way area of Isolo, Lagos, on March 6. He was apprehended while attempting to flee in a KIA SUV.
A subsequent search of his vehicle uncovered 75.50 kilograms of phenacetin, a substance used to cut cocaine, falsely packaged as semolina. A digital scale used for weighing illicit substances was also found in his home.
Ubodoeze later confessed to being involved in drug trafficking while running a motor spare parts business at Ladipo Market, Mushin.
He revealed that his associate in Angola had warned him about his arrest, prompting his hasty escape attempt before NDLEA operatives closed in.
NDLEA Uncovers Drug-Laced Candies in Lagos Kiddies’ Store
Meanwhile, at the Murtala Muhammed International Airport in Lagos, NDLEA officers intercepted a cargo of cannabis-infused candies from the UK, intended for a children’s store in Surulere.
The consignment, which arrived on February 27 via Allied Airways as part of a consolidated cargo, tested positive for a potent strain of cannabis.
Following investigations, Adedamola Taylor, the intended recipient, was arrested on March 4. He claimed the package was sent by his UK-based brother, Babatunde Alabi, for delivery to one Musurat Lawal, who manages the store. A follow-up operation at the store led to Musurat’s arrest.
Major Drug Seizures Across Nigeria
In a series of coordinated operations, NDLEA operatives made several arrests and drug recoveries across different states:
Lagos: On March 7, operatives intercepted a commercial truck in the Shibiri area of Ojo, concealing 248 compressed blocks of Ghanaian Loud cannabis weighing 128kg.
The truck’s occupants, China Michael and Igbo Ekene, were arrested. The same day, another operation at Mosalasi Junction, Mushin, led to the seizure of 301,600 pills of tramadol and other opioids, with three suspects, Osinachi Nwachukwu, Tochukwu Okafor Christian, and John Ugochukwu Mbakwe, taken into custody.
Kano: A 65-year-old suspect, Yahaya Haruna, was arrested on March 6 with 19.2kg of skunk along Gadar Tamburawa road. Additionally, 60-year-old Musa Bello, also known as Jajere, was apprehended with 212 bottles of codeine-based syrup in Kumbotso Local Government Area.
Abia: NDLEA operatives raided a warehouse in Aba on March 4, recovering 442,594 pills of tramadol, other opioids, and 1,274 bottles of codeine syrup from the home of a 37-year-old suspect, Blessing Okoronkwo.
Benue: On March 5, officers intercepted a vehicle at Ugbema Junction in Katsina Ala, discovering 50,000 pills of tramadol and exol-5. Two suspects, Nwaeze Onyeabor, 47, and Tombo Thomas, 23, were arrested.
Osun: In separate operations on March 4, NDLEA seized 162kg of skunk in Modakeke, Ife East Local Government Area and 95kg from a Toyota Camry in Ede. A suspect, Asimiyu Muibi, 50, was arrested.
Edo: On March 5, NDLEA operatives stormed Amahor Community Forest in Igueben, uncovering 3.8 hectares of cannabis farmland, with 9,514.625kg of skunk destroyed. A suspect, Etim Esien Stephen, 55, was taken into custody.
NDLEA Strengthens Drug Awareness Campaigns
Beyond enforcement, NDLEA continued its War Against Drug Abuse initiative with sensitization programs across the country. Educational outreach programs were conducted at Model High School, Amaechi (Enugu); Bengy Secondary School, Agege (Lagos); Sunshine Secondary School, Nku Udo Eno (Akwa Ibom); and Government Day Secondary School, Dong (Adamawa), among others.
Commending the dedication of the agency’s officers, NDLEA Chairman and CEO, Brig. Gen. Mohamed Buba Marwa (Rtd), praised their balanced approach to tackling drug supply and demand.
“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,” he stated.
