NDLEA arrests ex-convict Christian Ogbuji with cocaine worth N4.6 billion at Lagos airport

The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) has arrested an ex-convict, Christian Ogbuji, for importing 817 wraps of cocaine weighing 19.40kg and worth an estimated N4.6 billion into the Murtala Muhammed International Airport (MMIA).

This was contained in a statement issued by NDLEA spokesperson Femi Babafemi on Tuesday in Abuja.

Babafemi said the arrest came barely 16 months after Ogbuji was arrested and convicted for taking 93 grains of cocaine.

He said the 48-year-old businessman was first arrested at the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport (NAIA) in Abuja, on Wednesday, May 10, 2023.

He said he did this upon arrival from Uganda via Addis Ababa, on board Ethiopian Airlines flight ET 951, because he had taken 93 pellets of cocaine with a gross weight of 1.986 kg.

Babafemi said the suspect was summoned before the Federal High Court in Abuja, presided over by Justice Mobolaji Olajuwon, in charge number: FHC/ABJ/CR/192/2023, and was convicted on July 13, 2023.

He said Ogbuji was sentenced to two years imprisonment with the possibility of paying a fine of 3 million naira. He paid the fine and was subsequently released.

However, he said the court also ordered the forfeiture of the seized 1.986 kilograms of cocaine, his international passport, US$14 and Ugandan shillings 9,000 found on him upon his arrest.

“Ogbuji was not done with the crime and was arrested again on Wednesday, September 18, at the Lagos airport during an internal check of passengers of Ethiopian Airlines flights from Addis Ababa to Lagos.

“A total of 817 cocaine pellets were recovered, which were excreted by many traders in Addis Ababa, weighing 19.40 kg and belonging to various members of a drug cartel,”he said..

According to Babafemi, during interrogation, the suspect stated that he initially left the backpack containing the drugs at the carousel as a strategy to defeat NDLEA operatives.

He added that the suspect had stated that he was not aware that a second search would take place as he had previously offered his bag for search and nothing incriminating was found.

“The suspect claimed that he had to apply for a new international passport in order to continue his criminal activities.

“Investigations have shown that Ogbuji is an incorrigible kingpin within the network of drug cartels that operates between Brazil, Ethiopia, Nigeria and other West African subregions such as Benin, Togo, Ghana, Liberia and Ivory Coast,” he said.

The Chairman of the NDLEA, retired Brigadier General Buba Marwa, responded by commending the officers and men of the MMIA Strategic Command for the excellent work they have done.

Marwa added that the seizure of such a large consignment of cocaine at the airport was a milestone and would send a strong message to international drug cartels trying to gain a foothold in Nigeria.

He said the Agency would remain committed to disrupting the activities of drug cartels in the country.