Operatives of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) have arrested 74-year-old Ikwuakalom Emeka at Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport, Abuja, for allegedly attempting to smuggle 11 kilograms of cocaine concealed in food items while travelling to the United Kingdom.
The suspect was apprehended at the departure hall while trying to board British Airways flight BA082 to Heathrow, London, on Saturday, March 14, 2026.
According to a statement issued by the agency’s spokesman, Femi Babafemi, a search of Emeka’s luggage uncovered blocks of cocaine wrapped in foil and balloons, hidden inside food items including ground dry pepper.
“A 74-year-old grandpa, Ikwuakalom Nwakoro Emeka, has been arrested by NDLEA operatives at Abuja airport after 11 kilograms of cocaine were discovered in his luggage, concealed inside food items and carefully wrapped in foil and balloons,” the statement read. “Emeka claimed he was travelling to London for vacation.”
The agency also reported several arrests and seizures across other parts of the country.
In Lagos, NDLEA operatives arrested Maryam Olalowo at Ikad Hotel and Suites, Victoria Island, while allegedly attempting to sell 89 grams of cocaine and 20 grams of Canadian Loud, a strain of cannabis. She was accompanied by her three children, including an infant, at the time of arrest.
Maryam reportedly confessed that the drugs belonged to her husband, Ibrahim Olalowo Olatunji, who was later taken into custody. Ibrahim confirmed ownership and was found to have a prior conviction in 2015, when he served two and a half years’ imprisonment for a similar offence.
In another Lagos Island operation, NDLEA operatives arrested Kalilou Simpara and Saidu Ibrahim, recovering 68,000 tramadol pills loaded in a truck allegedly bound for Benin. A follow-up raid at Idumota Market led to the arrest of Nnamdi Cyprian, believed to own the consignment, along with a parcel containing 1,000 tramadol tablets prepared for shipment.
Further raids at the market led to the arrest of Nwanosike Kelvin, with 47,500 ampoules of pentazocine injection recovered.
Elsewhere, NDLEA officers arrested Magaji Dan Azumi, 42, with 386 kilograms of skunk in Bebeji, and Isah Wako, with 282.2 kilograms in Gwagwalada. In Orhionmwon Local Government Area, operatives raided the Egwa Forest Reserve, arresting Chinedo Odalonu, 33, destroying 4,218.96 kilograms of skunk on two farms, and recovering 16.5 kilograms.
At Apapa Seaport, NDLEA officers, in collaboration with customs officials, intercepted 339,800 bottles of codeine-based syrup hidden in two watch-listed containers.
The NDLEA Chairman and Chief Executive Officer, Buba Marwa, commended officers in Abuja, Lagos, Kano, and Edo for the recent arrests and seizures, urging sustained efforts to reduce both the supply and demand of illicit drugs in Nigeria.
