By Micah Jonah
March 15, 2026
Operatives of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) have arrested a 74-year-old man, Ikwuakalom Emeka, at Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport, Abuja, for allegedly attempting to smuggle 11 kilograms of cocaine concealed in food items while travelling to the United Kingdom.
Emeka was apprehended at the departure hall on Saturday, March 14, 2026, while trying to board British Airways flight BA082 to Heathrow, London. A search of his luggage revealed blocks of cocaine hidden inside ground dry pepper, wrapped in foil and balloons.
NDLEA spokesperson, Femi Babafemi reported that Emeka claimed he was travelling for vacation. “Blocks of cocaine weighing 11 kilograms were discovered concealed inside food items, including ground dry pepper, carefully wrapped in foil papers and balloons,” Babafemi stated.
The agency also reported multiple arrests and seizures across Nigeria in recent days:
Lagos: Maryam Olalowo was arrested at Ikad Hotel and Suites with 89 grams of cocaine and 20 grams of Canadian Loud cannabis. She was with her three children. Her husband, Ibrahim Olalowo Olatunji, later admitted ownership of the drugs and was taken into custody. Ibrahim had a prior conviction for a similar offence in 2015.
Lagos Island: Two suspects, Kalilou Simpara and Saidu Ibrahim, were arrested with 68,000 tramadol pills in a truck reportedly destined for Benin. Nnamdi Cyprian, believed to own the consignment, was arrested during a follow-up raid. Another operation recovered 47,500 ampoules of pentazocine injections from Nwanosike Kelvin.
Other states: Magaji Dan Azumi, 42, was arrested with 386 kilograms of skunk in Bebeji; Isah Wako with 282.2 kilograms in Gwagwalada. In Edo State’s Egwa Forest Reserve, 33-year-old Chinedo Odalonu was arrested and 4,218.96 kilograms of skunk destroyed.
At Apapa Seaport, NDLEA officers and customs officials intercepted 339,800 bottles of codeine-based syrup hidden in two containers flagged via intelligence reports.
NDLEA Chairman and CEO, Buba Marwa commended officers in Abuja, Lagos, Kano, and Edo for their efforts, urging continued vigilance to reduce the supply and demand of illicit drugs in the country.
This arrest highlights ongoing efforts by Nigerian authorities to crack down on international drug trafficking, even involving elderly couriers.
