The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) says its operatives have arrested a Lagos socialite, 61-year-old Alhaja Aishat Feyisara Ajoke Elediye on New Year Day in her mansion at Okota area of Lagos following the interception of a truckload alleged illicit drug consignment from her staff same day.
The statement from Femi Babafemi, spokesperson for the NDLEA (National Drug Law Enforcement Agency), highlights a series of significant drug-related arrests and seizures in recent weeks. Among the most notable incidents:
- Alhaja Ajoke (aka "Iya Ruka"): A prominent businesswoman who also operates an illicit drug trafficking network. She was arrested on January 1, 2025, following the interception of a truck containing 1,540 kilograms of imported cannabis. She had been on the wanted list for years, operating a drug cartel in the Mushin area of Lagos. In addition to her business ventures, she holds the title of Iyalaje of Blessing Sisters, a notable club of women in Lagos.
- Emeka Emmanuel Mbadiwe and Uzoekwe Ugochukwu James: Mbadiwe, a US-trained filmmaker and motivational speaker, was arrested on December 27, 2024, in connection with a shipment of 33 parcels of cannabis (17.30 kilograms) arriving from the United States. His associate, Uzoekwe Ugochukwu James, had already been apprehended at a warehouse in Ikeja earlier that day.
- Khadijat Abdulraheem and Ayomide Morakinyo: The two young individuals were arrested on December 29, 2024, for allegedly producing and selling drug-laced cupcakes to students in Ilorin. A search of their apartment uncovered 42 pieces of the drugged cakes.
- Sodade Sunday Eniola: An ex-convict previously arrested for drug trafficking, Eniola was apprehended again in December 2024, this time for involvement in passport racketeering. NDLEA officers intercepted shipments of passports hidden in food items and shoe soles destined for countries like Canada and Russia.
- Seizures: NDLEA officers made a series of large seizures, including 316,800 bottles of codeine-based syrup at the Port Harcourt Ports Complex on December 31, 2024, and 149,090 pills of tramadol and exol-5 in Kano.
The NDLEA also continued its public sensitization efforts as part of its "War Against Drug Abuse" initiative, educating various communities, including traders and worshippers, about the dangers of drug abuse.
Brigadier General Mohamed Buba Marwa, Chairman/CEO of the NDLEA, commended the agency’s officers for their successful operations, acknowledging their efforts in reducing drug supply and demand across the country.