Operatives of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) have arrested Levi Ubodoeze, a Lagos-based automobile spare parts dealer, for attempting to export two kilograms of cocaine hidden inside vehicle propellers to Angola.
NDLEA spokesperson Femi Babafemi confirmed the arrest in a statement released on Sunday, explaining that it was the result of effective intelligence sharing and collaboration between the NDLEA and Angolan authorities.
“Just three weeks after launching a manhunt for him, NDLEA operatives apprehended Levi Chidiebele Ubodoeze, who had attempted to export two kilograms of cocaine concealed in vehicle propellers to Angola,” the statement read.
The arrest follows the seizure of the cocaine shipment at a logistics company located in the Aspamda Trade Fair Complex, Ojo, Lagos, on February 21, 2025. After the consignment was intercepted, the NDLEA swiftly coordinated with Angolan authorities, who arrested the intended recipient of the drugs. This led to the identification of Ubodoeze as the sender.
On Thursday, March 6, 2025, NDLEA operatives tracked Ubodoeze to his home in the Ago Palace Way area of Isolo, Lagos. He was arrested while attempting to flee in a KIA SUV.
In addition to the cocaine, agents also recovered 75.5 kilograms of phenacetin, a cutting agent for cocaine, which had been packaged and branded as semolina. A digital scale used for weighing illicit drugs was also found in his residence.
Ubodoeze reportedly confessed to his involvement in the cocaine trade while selling auto parts at Ladipo Market in Mushin, Lagos. According to the statement, he attempted to flee after being alerted that the Angolan authorities had arrested the recipient of the cocaine.
Further operations conducted by the NDLEA led to additional arrests. On March 7, 2025, operatives intercepted a commercial truck in Ojo, Lagos, arresting two suspects—China Michael and Igbo Ekene—who were transporting 248 blocks of Ghanaian Loud, a potent strain of cannabis, weighing 128 kilograms. The drug was concealed in the truck’s undercarriage.
In another operation on the same day, three suspects—Osinachi Nwachukwu, Tochukwu Okafor Christian, and John Ugochukwu Mbakwe—were arrested at Mosalasi Junction in Mushin, Lagos, with 301,600 pills of tramadol and other opioids.
In Kano State, NDLEA operatives also arrested 65-year-old Yahaya Haruna on March 6, 2025, with 19.2 kilograms of skunk. Additionally, Musa Bello, 60, was apprehended with 212 bottles of codeine-based syrup.
