NDLEA Arrests Businessman for Cocaine Smuggling in Lagos

The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) arrested Abugu Ikechukwu, a 41-year-old businessman based in São Paulo, Brazil, at Murtala Muhammed International Airport in Ikeja, Lagos, on June 11, 2026. He was apprehended upon arrival from São Paulo via Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, aboard Ethiopian Airlines.

A thorough search of his luggage revealed 14 towels and shirts soaked in liquid cocaine, totaling 6.10 kilograms. According to NDLEA's Director of Media and Advocacy, Femi Babafemi, the suspect claimed to have lived in Brazil for 14 years, where he operated an African restaurant.

The agency disclosed that the illicit substance was meticulously concealed in the items, which were found neatly ironed.