NDLEA nabs ex-convict, 3 others over UK-bound cocaine consignment
A notorious drug trafficker, Nwobodo Chidiebere Basil, previously convicted in 2023 for dealing in 30.10kg of methamphetamine, has been rearrested by operatives of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) over a fresh attempt to smuggle cocaine to the United Kingdom.
The agency said 75 parcels of cocaine weighing 1.50 kilograms, concealed in factory-sealed sachets of cold-water starch, were intercepted at the export shed of the Murtala Muhammed International Airport (MMIA), Ikeja, Lagos.
The NDLEA disclosed this on Sunday in a statement issued by its Director of Media and Advocacy, Mr. Femi Babafemi.
According to the statement, three cargo agents — Jubrin Firdausi Hassana, Kuku Daniel Oluwasegun and Igwe Chioma Jane — were arrested on Saturday, December 20, 2025, in connection with the attempted export of the illicit consignment to the UK.
Further investigations by the agency later identified Nwobodo, 37, as the mastermind behind the shipment.
The NDLEA said he was subsequently arrested in a follow-up operation on Sunday, December 21, at a popular relaxation spot in Ikeja, where he had gone on a date with his girlfriend.
Checks of the agency’s criminal database revealed that Nwobodo was earlier arrested in May 2023 following the seizure of 30.10kg of methamphetamine concealed in powdered custard containers as part of a consolidated cargo bound for London.
He was later arraigned before the Federal High Court, charged under FHC/L/337C/2023, convicted and sentenced to five years’ imprisonment with an option of a ₦7 million fine, alongside one month of community service, effective December 4, 2023.
“He paid the fine and soon returned to the same criminal activity,” the NDLEA said.
