Kano, Nigeria — The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) arrested 62-year-old Lagos businessman Nwabueze Nicholas Izueke at Mallam Aminu Kano International Airport (MAKIA). He tried to smuggle 95 wraps of cocaine hidden inside his body while traveling to China.
The arrest occurred on Saturday, January 31, 2026, during passenger screening for an Ethiopian Airlines flight (ET940) to China via Addis Ababa. NDLEA officials noticed suspicious behavior and immediately conducted a body scan. The scan revealed concealed drugs.
Officials placed Izueke under close observation. Consequently, he expelled a total of 95 cocaine pellets, weighing about 1.589 kilograms, over seven separate excretions.
According to NDLEA, Izueke runs a clothing and auto spare parts business in Lagos. He admitted that he swallowed the drugs to raise money to finish a house he is building in Iwollo, Enugu State. In other words, he tried to turn cocaine into cash for personal projects.
“He swallowed the wraps to avoid detection. He hoped to earn money to complete his project,” an NDLEA spokesperson explained.
NDLEA Strengthens Anti-Drug Operations Nationwide
Meanwhile, NDLEA reported several drug seizures across Nigeria. For instance:
- In Abuja, officers recovered 627.7 kg of skunk cannabis from a warehouse in Kubwa.
- In Abuja and Kaduna, NDLEA intercepted methamphetamine shipments hidden in MP3 speakers, arresting multiple suspects.
- In Taraba State, a trafficker transported 1.8 kg of methamphetamine concealed in yogurt packs.
- Across Oyo, Kwara, Imo, Ondo, and Lagos, NDLEA seized large amounts of cannabis, tramadol, pentazocine, and cocaine from other suspects.
These operations show that NDLEA actively targets traffickers nationwide. Furthermore, the agency demonstrates its commitment to stopping drug smuggling and reducing substance abuse.
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NDLEA’s Director of Media and Advocacy, Femi Babafemi, emphasized: “We remain vigilant in our War Against Drug Abuse. We apply intelligence and modern screening technology to protect Nigeria’s borders.”
Currently, Izueke remains in NDLEA custody. If convicted, he faces severe penalties under Nigerian law, including long prison sentences. Therefore, this case highlights both the creative methods traffickers use and the ongoing challenges authorities face in curbing international drug trafficking.
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