NDLEA jails drug traffickers, seizes ₦1bn hotel in major operation
The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) has secured multiple convictions and asset forfeitures in high-profile anti-drug operations across Nigeria, leading to lengthy prison sentences and the seizure of properties worth billions of naira.
In Lagos, Justice Deinde Dipeolu of the Federal High Court sentenced businessman Ajah Johnson Uchenna and his wife, Rosemary, to a combined 22-and-a-half years in prison for trafficking 414.2 kilograms of cannabis sativa. Arrested by the Department of State Security (DSS) on June 13, 2025, with 277.5kg of the drug, a later search uncovered an additional 231kg in their home and storage facility. Rosemary received 17 years, while Johnson was sentenced to five years plus six months with a ₦1 million fine option. The court also ordered the forfeiture of ₦3.4 million in proceeds of crime.
In Kano, Justice Simon Amobeda sentenced 42-year-old Indian national, Neetu Neetu, to five years for importing 72 parcels of heroin weighing 11 kilograms disguised as chocolates through the Mallam Aminu Kano International Airport in March. She was given an option of a ₦2 million fine.
Also in Kano, Justice Mohammed Yunusa sentenced 42-year-old Angolan businessman, Mbala Dajou Abuba, to five years for ingesting 120 pellets of cocaine weighing 1.829 kilograms. He was arrested at the airport while attempting to board a flight to Istanbul, Turkey.
In Enugu, Justice M.G. Umar sentenced Eze Christian Ikenna to six years in prison for smuggling 11.20 kilograms of cocaine concealed in herbal tea sachets from Brazil. Arrested in January 2023, his sentence will run concurrently from May 20, 2023.
The NDLEA also secured the final forfeiture of an 80-room hotel and lounge in Victoria Island, Lagos, linked to a drug cartel. The property was raided in April, yielding 589 bags of Canadian Loud cannabis weighing 417.3 kilograms, valued at over ₦1 billion.
Other seized assets included multiple vehicles, 84 television sets, 70 air conditioners, and 13 refrigerators. The forfeiture order, issued on July 18, 2025, by Justice Ibrahim Ahmad Kala, followed an NDLEA application.
NDLEA Chairman, Brig. Gen. Mohamed Buba Marwa (Rtd), commended the convictions and forfeitures, saying they would deter criminal networks. “When offenders are jailed and stripped of their illicit gains, it strengthens our fight against drug trafficking and motivates our officers to do more,” he said.
