Nigerian law enforcement agencies have apprehended a suspected drug lord in a significant drug trafficking operation aimed at Kenya and South Africa.
The arrest, carried out by officials of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), sheds light on a complex narcotics network spanning multiple countries.
Suleiman Babatunde Obe, the alleged drug kingpin, was apprehended while attempting to board a Rwandair flight bound for South Africa.
Officials discovered two boxes containing ephedrine, a precursor chemical used in the production of methamphetamine, concealed within Semovita packs.
Femi Babafemi, the NDLEA Director of Media and Advocacy, confirmed the arrest, stating, “He was arrested while attempting to board a Rwandair flight to South Africa with two boxes loaded with ephedrine sealed in Semovita packs. The recovered substance is a precursor chemical and active ingredient in the production of methamphetamine.”
Authorities further revealed that Babatunde Obe was involved in distributing various narcotics, including cocaine, heroin, methamphetamine, and ephedrine.
His illicit network spanned multiple countries, connecting Nigeria, Brazil, Ghana, South Africa, Mozambique, Kenya, and Europe.
The arrest of Babatunde Obe unveiled a complex web of illegal activities involving the trafficking of ephedrine, skunk (a potent form of cannabis), and nitrous oxide, commonly known as “laughing gas.”
These prohibited substances were concealed within Semovita packs and dried pepper.
The smuggling route extended from Nigeria to South Africa and Kenya, with the Murtala Muhammed International Airport (MMIA) in Ikeja, Lagos, serving as a critical transit point for the illicit trade, according to NDLEA officials.
Following the drug lord’s arrest, law enforcement officers instructed him to lead them to his residence at 75 Wosilatu Dawodu Street, Ijesha, Aguda area of Surulere, Lagos.
While searching his residence, authorities discovered a white Toyota Venza car with registration number LSR 410 HT, a Mercedes Benz SUV marked LSD 998HP, mobile phones, and crucial documents that will aid ongoing investigations.
The operation also resulted in the arrest of two additional suspects, Ekechukwu Sixtus Ndubisi and Ngene Emmanuel Onyedikachi.
