Nigerian-British Grandma Arrested for Cocaine Smuggling

Mari Yetunde Barek, a 67-year-old Nigerian-British grandmother, was arrested by the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) at Murtala Muhammed International Airport in Lagos on June 28, 2026. She allegedly attempted to smuggle 13 kilograms of cocaine concealed within fake plantain peels while preparing to board a Virgin Atlantic flight to London.

The NDLEA's Director of Media and Advocacy, Femi Babafemi, confirmed the arrest in a statement issued on Sunday. During a search of her luggage, officials discovered 31 large wraps of cocaine carefully packaged to resemble hand plantains.

Barek reportedly admitted ownership of the drugs during interrogation. Additionally, the NDLEA arrested Nwabuez Felix Onyeka, a 45-year-old PhD student from the University Putra Malaysia, for attempting to export 5.8 kilograms of cocaine concealed in cartons.

Other arrests included Daniel Harrison Ugwuok and several suspects involved in various drug trafficking operations across Nigeria.