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The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) has arrested 93-year-old Friday Ahukanna Chigbu, in Abia state for alleged drug trafficking.
According to a statement on Sunday by Femi Babafemi, NDLEA spokesperson, Chigbu was apprehended at his residence in Umuagbaigba, Amavo Nkwogu village, Osisioma LGA on April 7, 2026.
Babafemi said a search of his home led to the recovery of “7.7 kilograms of skunk”, a strain of cannabis.
According to the NDLEA, the suspect claimed he had only ventured into the illicit drug trade about a year ago.
Chigbu reportedly said he previously worked as a truck pusher before learning painting and tiling.
“He claimed he had been smoking skunk since 1959 before turning it into business,” the statement reads.
In related operations, the NDLEA uncovered an international drug trafficking network involving a 41-year-old Ivorian national, Gohouri Michael, who was arrested at the Mallam Aminu Kano International Airport with 1.49 kilograms of cocaine.
Investigations later led to the arrest of Chudi Daniel Ofomata, a 69-year-old medical doctor, in Ogun state.
“Michael Gohouri (also known as Anunwa Onyinye Michael) was arrested on Monday 16th February 2026 during the outward clearance of passengers on Ethiopian Airlines flight ET940 to Milan, Malpensa via Addis Ababa,” the statement reads.
“Gohouri had arrived Lagos from Milan, Italy on 17th January, 2026 and was shuttling from Lagos to Enugu for three weeks. He later travelled to Kano where he stayed for a week before ingesting the cocaine consignment in his hotel room. He’s expected to be paid 5,000 Euros when he delivers the drugs in Milan.
“Further investigation by NDLEA revealed that Gohouri had a shadowy figure behind the scene, giving him instructions on how to move the cocaine consignment through the airport.
“The hidden figure behind Gohouri was eventually discovered to be Dr. Chudi Daniel Ofomata who was later tracked and traced to his residence at Teachers’ Land estate, Magboro, Obafemi Owode LGA, Ogun state where he was arrested on 27th March 2026 and flown to Kano on Tuesday 7th April.”
Babafemi said NDLEA operatives also carried out multiple raids across states, leading to significant seizures.
In Ogun state, three suspects were arrested with 34 kilograms of skunk, while a 26-year-old woman was caught with 56.2 kilograms along the Onitsha-Owerri road.
In Niger state, a couple was arrested with 118 kilograms of skunk stored in their kitchen, and in Edo state, operatives intercepted two trucks carrying a combined 7,245 kilograms of the substance concealed in beer cartons.
