NDLEA Arrests Ex Convict, Cargo Agents Over Cocaine Hidden In Starch Sachets

NDLEA Arrests Ex Convict, Cargo Agents Over Cocaine Hidden In Starch Sachets.
Ex convict rearrested after paying fine for previous drug conviction.
Nationwide raids led to arrests and massive drug seizures.

The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency has arrested a previously convicted drug trafficker, Nwobodo Chidiebere Basil, alongside three cargo agents, following the interception of cocaine concealed in liquid starch sachets at the Murtala Muhammed International Airport, Ikeja, Lagos.

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EKO HOT BLOG reports that the agency confirmed that 75 parcels of cocaine weighing 1.50 kilogrammes were discovered inside factory sealed cold water starch sachets at the airport’s export shed. The illicit consignment was reportedly destined for the United Kingdom.

In a statement released on Sunday, NDLEA spokesperson, Femi Babafemi, disclosed that three cargo agents, Jubrin Firdausi Hassana, Kuku Daniel Oluwasegun and Igwe Chioma Jane, were arrested on Saturday, December 20, 2025, in connection with the shipment.

Further investigations, according to the agency, led to the arrest of 37 year old Nwobodo Chidiebere Basil the following day at a relaxation centre in Ikeja.

Babafemi stated that Nwobodo was previously convicted in 2023 over the trafficking of 30.10 kilogrammes of methamphetamine concealed in powdered custard containers and bound for London.

He said the suspect was arraigned before the Federal High Court in Lagos, convicted and sentenced to five years imprisonment with an option of a ₦7 million fine and one month community service, which he paid before returning to drug trafficking.

In related operations, NDLEA operatives arrested a 65 year old driver, Sada’u Mohammed, in Gombe State with 300 ampoules of pentazocine injections and 27,900 tramadol pills while travelling to Borno State.

In Lagos, a 47 year old businessman, Ignatius Egbochie, also known as Brown, was arrested in connection with the seizure of 26 kilogrammes of loud cannabis at the Tincan seaport.

The agency also confirmed the destruction of cannabis warehouses and large drug seizures across Ekiti, Edo, Cross River, Abuja, Lagos and Taraba states between December 21 and 25, 2025.