NDLEA arrests 93-year-old man, medical doctor for alleged drug trafficking
The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) has arrested a 93-year-old man, Friday Ahukanna Chigbu, in Abia State for alleged involvement in drug trafficking.
In a statement issued on Sunday, NDLEA spokesperson Femi Babafemi said Chigbu was apprehended on April 7, 2026, at his residence in Umuagbaigba, Amavo Nkwogu village, Osisioma LGA.
A search of his home reportedly led to the recovery of 7.7 kilograms of skunk, a strain of cannabis. According to the agency, the suspect claimed he ventured into the illicit drug trade only about a year ago.
Chigbu, who reportedly worked previously as a truck pusher before learning painting and tiling, also admitted to having smoked skunk since 1959 before turning it into a business.
-International drug ring uncovered:
In a related development, the NDLEA uncovered an international drug trafficking network involving a 41-year-old Ivorian national, Gohouri Michael.
Michael was arrested at the Mallam Aminu Kano International Airport with 1.49 kilograms of cocaine while attempting to board an Ethiopian Airlines flight to Milan via Addis Ababa.
Investigations later led to the arrest of a 69-year-old medical doctor, Chudi Daniel Ofomata, in Ogun State.
According to the NDLEA, Gohouri had arrived in Lagos from Milan on January 17, 2026, and spent several weeks moving between Lagos and Enugu before travelling to Kano. He allegedly ingested the cocaine consignment in a hotel room and was to be paid €5,000 upon delivery in Milan.
Further investigations revealed that Ofomata was the alleged mastermind behind the operation, providing instructions on how to transport the drugs through the airport. He was subsequently tracked to his residence in Teachers’ Land Estate, Magboro, Ogun State, where he was arrested on March 27, 2026, and later transferred to Kano on April 7.
Nationwide raids and seizures:
Babafemi added that NDLEA operatives carried out multiple raids across several states, leading to significant seizures and arrests.
* In Ogun State, three suspects were arrested with 34 kilograms of skunk.
* Along the Onitsha–Owerri road, a 26-year-old woman was caught with 56.2 kilograms of the substance.
* In Niger State, a couple was arrested with 118 kilograms of skunk stored in their kitchen.
* In Edo State, operatives intercepted two trucks carrying a combined 7,245 kilograms of the substance concealed in beer cartons.