NDLEA Arrests Fugitive Drug Kingpin 12 Years After Officers’ Murder

ABUJA, Nigeria – Nigeria’s anti-narcotics agency records a major breakthrough as operatives of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) arrest long-wanted drug kingpin Lekan Jimoh, alias “Kanmo-Kanmo”, more than a decade after his alleged role in the killing of three NDLEA officers.

Jimoh was arrested on Friday, January 16, 2026, in Owode town, Ogun State, following intelligence-driven surveillance by NDLEA tactical units. A search of his hideout leads to the seizure of 69 kilograms of skunk, a potent strain of cannabis.

NDLEA spokesperson, Mr. Femi Babafemi says the suspect has been on the agency’s wanted list since June 15, 2014, when he allegedly mobilised armed thugs to resist arrest, resulting in the death of three officers during a raid on his enclave.

“The arrest sends a clear message that fugitives cannot outrun justice indefinitely,” Babafemi says, describing Jimoh as a violent trafficker with a history of evading law enforcement.

According to the agency, the slain officers include Rabiu Usman Kazaure and two others, whose deaths triggered a nationwide manhunt that spanned several states.

In August 2023, NDLEA operatives previously raided Jimoh’s residence in Ado-Odo, Ogun State, uncovering 1,922 kilograms of skunk stored in 139 sacks. The suspect escaped arrest at the time, but the property was later confiscated by the Federal Government following court proceedings.

Meanwhile, in Edo State, NDLEA officers raid Arokpa forest in Uzebba, Owan West Local Government Area, arresting a 53-year-old man, Isihor Edika, and seizing 320 kilograms of skunk and cannabis seeds.

In Abuja, operatives also arrested a 44-year-old woman, Yinka Agboola, for allegedly selling illicit drugs online. Authorities recovered 2.2 kilograms of skunk and cannabis oil from her residence, alongside another suspect found with cocaine.

The agency says nationwide operations will continue as part of its crackdown on organised drug networks.

About the Author

Mirian Gom

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Gom Mirian AHR Senior Correspondent, has over 8 years’ experience reporting on health, crime, education, investigations, and development issues across Nigeria and Africa. With dual degrees in Economics, she combines analytical skill with compelling storytelling. Widely recognised for her public health and humanitarian reporting, she earned a Nestlé Award nomination for compelling human-interest journalism. Follow her on Twitter @mirian_linus.

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