Operatives of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) have apprehended a Brazil-based businessman, Abugu Oliver Ikechukwu, for allegedly attempting to smuggle 6.1 kilograms of liquid cocaine into Nigeria.
The illicit substance was concealed in shirts and towels.According to the agency, the 41-year-old suspect was intercepted at Murtala Muhammed International Airport, Ikeja, Lagos, on June 11, following his arrival from São Paulo, Brazil, via Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, aboard an Ethiopian Airlines flight.
A statement issued on Sunday by NDLEA’s Director of Media and Advocacy, Femi Babafemi, revealed that a thorough search of Ikechukwu’s luggage uncovered 14 towels and shirts impregnated with liquid cocaine, which had been dried and neatly ironed to disguise the contraband.
Babafemi said, “A 41-year-old São Paulo, Brazil-based businessman, Abugu Oliver Ikechukwu, has been arrested by operatives of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency for importing shirts and towels impregnated with 6.10 kilograms of liquid cocaine from the South American country into Nigeria.
“Abugu was arrested at the Murtala Muhammed International Airport, Ikeja, Lagos, upon arrival from Brazil via Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, aboard an Ethiopian Airlines flight on Thursday, June 11, 2026. A thorough search of his luggage led to the recovery of 14 towels and shirts, all soaked in liquid cocaine, dried and well ironed.”
He said the suspect reportedly told investigators that he had lived in Brazil for over 14 years, where he runs an African restaurant.
“The suspect claims he has lived for over 14 years in Brazil, where he runs an African restaurant. He added that he was in Nigeria to see his wife and buy foodstuff in bulk for his restaurant,” the statement read.
In a related development, the anti-narcotics agency arrested a 60-year-old woman, Chidimma Sunday, and a 28-year-old man, Abubakar Usman, both persons living with disabilities, over alleged involvement in drug trafficking in Abia and Rivers States.
Babafemi said Chidimma was apprehended with 1.8kg of skunk by members of the Umuosu Vigilante Group in Umuna Autonomous Community, Isialangwa North Local Government Area of Abia State, and subsequently handed over to NDLEA operatives on June 10.
He added that Usman was arrested in the Rumuokoro area of Port Harcourt, Rivers State, with assorted illicit drugs, including skunk, methamphetamine, tramadol, swinol and diazepam.
The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) has announced significant seizures across the country, including 304 kilograms of skunk intercepted in Kwara State, 1,121.5 kilograms of cannabis recovered from a warehouse in Taraba State, and 1,102 kilograms of Ghana Loud confiscated near Alaba International Market in Lagos.
Commending the officers involved, NDLEA Chairman and Chief Executive Officer, Mohamed Buba Marwa, lauded personnel from the MMIA, Abia, Rivers, Kano, Kwara, Delta, Gombe, Lagos, and FCT commands for their dedication and success in recent operations.
Marwa emphasized that these achievements in curbing drug supply are complemented by ongoing demand reduction and sensitisation initiatives. He urged the officers to build on their progress and strive to surpass previous milestones.
