The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) has recorded a string of legal victories in its ongoing war against drug trafficking, with the sentencing of several offenders, including a Lagos-based couple, an Indian national, an Angolan businessman, and a Nigerian returning from Brazil.
In a major bust, businessman Johnson Uchenna and his wife, Rosemary Uchenna, were sentenced to a combined 22.5 years imprisonment for dealing in over 400kg of cannabis sativa.
Couple Convicted for Massive Drug Haul in Lagos
According to NDLEA spokesperson Femi Babafemi, the couple was initially arrested by the Department of State Services (DSS) on June 13 in Ojo, Lagos, and later handed over to the NDLEA along with 277.5kg of skunk a highly potent strain of cannabis.
A follow-up raid on July 1 uncovered an additional 231kg of the same substance at their residence and a nearby storage location, bringing the total weight seized to 414.2kg.
They were charged on four counts of conspiracy, dealing, and unlawful storage at the Federal High Court in Lagos (Case No. FHC/L/632C/2025).
Delivering judgment, Justice Deinde Dipeolu sentenced:
- Rosemary Uchenna to 17 years in prison on three counts, without an option of fine.
- Johnson Uchenna to five years without an option of fine on one count and six months on another, with an option of ₦1 million fine.
Additionally, ₦3.4 million found on the couple believed to be proceeds of drug sales was ordered forfeited to the Federal Government.
Indian Woman Caught With Heroin Disguised as Chocolates
In Kano, 42-year-old Indian national, Neetu Neetu, was sentenced to 10 years imprisonment or ₦2 million fine, after being caught smuggling 11kg of heroin disguised as chocolates.
Neetu was arrested on March 14 at Mallam Aminu Kano International Airport (MAKIA) upon arrival from Thailand via Vietnam and Doha on a Qatar Airways flight.
The court, presided over by Justice Simon Amobeda, found her guilty on two counts and ordered the jail term to run concurrently.
Angolan National Swallowed 120 Pellets of Cocaine
Also in Kano, 42-year-old Angolan businessman, Mbala Abuba, was sentenced to five years for ingesting 120 pellets of 1.829kg of cocaine. He was arrested on February 25 at the airport while trying to board a flight to Istanbul via Cairo.
He was convicted by Justice Mohammed Yunusa after a swift trial.
Nigerian Returning From Brazil Caught With Cocaine in Enugu
In Enugu, another drug trafficker, Eze Ikenna, was convicted after he was caught with 11.2kg of cocaine hidden in herbal tea sachets. He had arrived from Brazil via Addis Ababa on January 20, 2023, and was arrested at the Akanu Ibiam International Airport.
Ikenna was convicted on two counts of unlawful trafficking and possession by Justice M. G. Umar and sentenced to six years (three years per count) to run concurrently from May 20, 2023.
NDLEA Chairman Reacts
Reacting to the convictions, NDLEA Chairman, Brig. Gen. Buba Marwa (Rtd) praised the efforts of the agency’s operatives across various states.
“These successful prosecutions demonstrate our resolve to cleanse Nigeria of drug-related crime and dismantle the networks responsible for drug trafficking,” Marwa said.
The NDLEA has intensified its crackdown in recent months with increased cooperation from domestic and international intelligence agencies, leading to notable arrests and convictions across the country.
