NDLEA arrests ex-convict for importing cocaine worth N4.6 billion

Agents of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency have again arrested a 48-year-old businessman, Christian Ogbuji.

Ogbuji was first arrested at the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport in Abuja on May 10, 2023, upon arrival from Uganda via Addis Ababa, on board Ethiopian Airlines Flight ET 951, for allegedly seizing 93 pellets of cocaine weighing 1.986kg.

He was subsequently summoned before the Federal High Court in Abuja, presided over by Justice Mobolaji Olajuwon with case number: FHC/ABJ/CR/192/2023, and sentenced on July 13, 2023.

Ogbuji was sentenced to two years imprisonment with an option of a fine of N3,000,000.00.

According to a statement from the agency’s spokesperson, Femi Babafemi, Ogbuji has paid the fine.

Babafemi added that Ogbuji had also forfeited the seized 1,986 kilograms of cocaine. Upon his arrest, his international passport, US$14 and Ugandan shillings 9,000 were found.

Babafemi, however, stated that Ogbuji was arrested again 16 months later, on September 18, 2024, with cocaine worth N4.6 billion.

Babafemi said: “Less than 16 months after he was arrested and convicted for allegedly possessing 93 pellets of cocaine, a 48-year-old businessman, Christian Ifeanyi Ogbuji, was intercepted by operatives of the NDLEA, at the Murtala Muhammed International Airport, MMIA Ikeja Lagos, for importing 817 wraps of the same Class A drug weighing 19.40 kilograms with an estimated street value of N4,656,000,000.00.

“Ogbuji was arrested again at the Lagos Airport on Wednesday, September 18, 2024, during an internal check of Ethiopian Airlines flight passengers from Addis Ababa to Lagos. The suspect had walked to the joint screening table with a black duffel bag, which was searched by an NDLEA officer who searched the luggage.

“In a dubious move, Ogbuji sneaked back into the carousel area to stuff a black backpack he had left on the conveyor belt into the released bag. As he exited the arrivals hall, he was intercepted by vigilant NDLEA officers and subjected to a second search.

“Large coils of excreted cocaine were then found hidden in the backpack that was in the black travel bag that was previously found with the suspect. A total of 817 pellets of cocaine were found that were excreted by many traders in Addis Ababa and weighed 19.40 kg and belonged to several members of a drug cartel.”

Babafemi said during an interrogation with the suspect that he initially left the backpack containing the drugs at the carousel as a strategy to outsmart NDLEA agents. He also said that he was not aware that a second search would take place as he had previously submitted his bag for search and nothing incriminating was found.

Babafemi said the suspect claimed he had to apply for a new international passport to continue his criminal activities.

“Investigation reveals that Ogbuji is an unrepentant kingpin within the network of drug cartels operating between Brazil, Ethiopia, Nigeria and other countries in the West African sub-region, such as
Benin, Togo, Ghana, Liberia and Ivory Coast,” he added.