The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency has started 2025 with a series of high-profile operations, arresting key drug suspects and seizing large quantities of narcotics in Lagos, Kwara, Rivers, and Kano states.
On January 1, NDLEA operatives apprehended 61-year-old Alhaja Aishat Feyisara Ajoke Elediye, popularly known as “Iya Ruka,” at her mansion in Okota, Lagos. Elediye, who has been on the agency’s wanted list, is accused of leading a major drug cartel operating in Mushin.
Her arrest came after a truck driven by her staff, Abideen Adio, was intercepted carrying 1,540 kilograms of cannabis. NDLEA spokesperson Femi Babafemi stated, “Elediye, who posed as a businesswoman importing fabrics and shoes, used her status as a socialite and leader of a Lagos women’s club to conceal her drug operations.”
In another high-profile arrest, US-trained filmmaker and motivational speaker Emeka Emmanuel Mbadiwe was taken into custody on December 27, 2024, at a hotel in Lekki, Lagos. His associate, Uzoekwe Ugochukwu James, was earlier caught with 17.30 kilograms of “Loud” cannabis concealed in wooden boxes shipped from the United States.
“Mbadiwe directed his associate to collect the shipment, which had arrived at the Murtala Muhammed International Airport,” Babafemi revealed. “This operation underscores our commitment to dismantling drug networks regardless of the profile of those involved.”
In Ilorin, Kwara State, NDLEA operatives arrested two young women on December 29, 2024, for producing and selling drug-laced cupcakes to students. Khadijat Abdulraheem, a 24-year-old recent graduate, and Ayomide Morakinyo, a 20-year-old student of the University of Ilorin, were caught with 42 drug-laced cakes.
“These young women targeted students, turning their home into a drug production hub,” Babafemi explained.
Ex-convict Sodade Sunday Eniola was rearrested at Lagos airport for smuggling 52 passports hidden in shoe soles and food items. The passports were destined for Canada, Russia, and other countries.
“Eniola was previously convicted for drug trafficking but paid a fine to avoid jail time,” Babafemi said. “This time, he was part of a larger passport racketeering network, and further investigations have led to the arrest of three other suspects.”
On December 31, 2024, NDLEA and Customs officers seized 316,800 bottles of codeine-based syrup at the Port Harcourt Ports Complex. “This significant seizure reflects the value of intelligence-sharing between agencies,” Babafemi stated.
In Kano State, NDLEA agents raided a location in the Dala Local Government Area, recovering 149,090 pills of tramadol and other narcotics from a 45-year-old dealer, Ismail Muhammad.
“This is yet another indication of the agency’s determination to combat the drug menace in every part of the country,” Babafemi said.
Babafemi concluded by reiterating the agency’s commitment to combating drug trafficking and dismantling criminal networks. “We are entering 2025 with renewed vigor and strategic operations to ensure Nigeria is safer and drug-free.”
