Operatives of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) have arrested a Brazil-based Nigerian businessman, Abugu Oliver Ikechukwu, for allegedly attempting to smuggle 6.1 kilograms of cocaine into the country using an unusual concealment method.
The 41-year-old suspect was apprehended at the Murtala Muhammed International Airport (MMIA), Ikeja, Lagos, upon his arrival from São Paulo, Brazil, via Addis Ababa, Ethiopia.
He was reportedly traveling aboard an Ethiopian Airlines flight when he was intercepted on June 11, 2026.
According to a statement issued by the NDLEA Director of Media and Advocacy, Femi Babafemi, a thorough search of the suspect’s luggage led to the discovery of 14 shirts and towels that had been soaked in liquid cocaine, dried, and carefully ironed to avoid detection.
Babafemi explained that the suspect claimed to have lived in Brazil for over 14 years, where he operates an African restaurant.
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He reportedly told investigators that his trip to Nigeria was to visit his wife and purchase food items for his business.
In related operations, the agency also arrested two other suspects in separate incidents. A 60-year-old woman, Chidimma Sunday, was apprehended in Abia State with 1.8 kilograms of skunk, while a 28-year-old man, Abubakar Usman, was arrested in Rivers State with various illicit substances, including methamphetamine, tramadol, and diazepam.
The NDLEA further disclosed significant drug seizures across the country, including over 300 kilograms of skunk in Kwara State, more than 1,100 kilograms of cannabis in Taraba State, and a similar quantity of Ghana Loud intercepted in Lagos.
Commending the officers involved, NDLEA Chairman and Chief Executive Officer, Brig. Gen. Mohamed Buba Marwa (retd.), praised the agency’s continued efforts in curbing drug trafficking.
He emphasized the importance of sustaining both supply reduction and public sensitisation campaigns to combat drug abuse nationwide.
The agency reiterated its commitment to intensifying its operations and ensuring that individuals involved in drug trafficking are brought to justice.
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