The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) has arrested Christian Ogbuji, an ex-convict, for importing 817 wraps of cocaine worth N4.6 billion at Murtala Muhammed International Airport, Lagos. This comes barely 16 months after Ogbuji was convicted of ingesting 93 pellets of cocaine.
Ogbuji’s previous conviction was in July 2023, when he was sentenced to two years imprisonment or a fine of N3 million, which he paid and was released. However, the court also ordered the forfeiture of the seized cocaine, his international passport, and other items.
NDLEA spokesman Femi Babafemi stated that Ogbuji was re-arrested on September 18 during an inward clearance of Ethiopian Airlines passengers from Addis Ababa to Lagos.
Initially, Ogbuji’s black traveling bag was searched and cleared, but he attempted to sneak back to the carousel area to add a black backpack containing cocaine.
Vigilant NDLEA officers intercepted Ogbuji and conducted a secondary search, revealing 817 pellets of cocaine weighing 19.40kg. The cocaine belonged to various members of a drug cartel.
During interrogation, Ogbuji admitted to leaving the backpack at the carousel area to evade detection. Investigation revealed that Ogbuji is a key player in a network of drug cartels operating between Brazil, Ethiopia, Nigeria, and other West African countries.
According to Babafemi, “As he made his way out of the arrival hall, vigilant NDLEA officers intercepted him and subjected him to a secondary search.
“It was then large wraps of excreted cocaine were found concealed inside the backpack hidden in the black travelling bag that was earlier found with the suspect.
“A total of 817 pellets of cocaine excreted by many traffickers in Addis Ababa weighing 19.40kg belonging to different members of a drug cartel were recovered,”, he said.
NDLEA Chairman, retired Brig. Gen. Buba Marwa, commended the officers for their excellent work and stated that the seizure sends a strong message to international drug cartels. The agency remains committed to disrupting drug cartel activities in Nigeria.
