Abuja, Sept. 23, 2024 (TheGavel) – The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) has apprehended Christian Ogbuji, an ex-convict, for attempting to import 817 wraps of cocaine weighing 19.40 kg, valued at approximately N4.6 billion, at Murtala Muhammed International Airport (MMIA).
This information was disclosed by NDLEA spokesman, Femi Babafemi, in a statement released on Tuesday in Abuja. Babafemi noted that this arrest occurred just 16 months after Ogbuji was previously convicted for ingesting 93 pellets of cocaine.
The 48-year-old businessman was first detained at Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport (NAIA) on May 10, 2023, upon his arrival from Uganda via Addis Ababa on Ethiopian Airlines flight ET 951. He had ingested 93 pellets of cocaine, totaling 1.986 kg.
Ogbuji was subsequently arraigned before Federal High Court 12 in Abuja, presided over by Hon. Justice Mobolaji Olajuwon. He was convicted on July 13, 2023, and sentenced to two years in prison with the option of paying a fine of N3 million, which he did, leading to his release. The court also ordered the forfeiture of the seized 1.986 kg of cocaine, his international passport, and currency including 14 US dollars and 9,000 Uganda shillings found at the time of his arrest.
Babafemi detailed Ogbuji’s latest apprehension, stating, “Not done with crime, Ogbuji was again arrested at the Lagos airport on September 18 during an inward clearance of Ethiopian Airlines flight passengers from Addis Ababa to Lagos.”
Ogbuji attempted to bypass security by placing a black backpack containing the drugs inside a cleared bag before exiting the arrival hall. However, vigilant NDLEA officers intercepted him and conducted a secondary search, during which they discovered the concealed cocaine. A total of 817 pellets of excreted cocaine were recovered, reportedly belonging to various members of a drug cartel.
During questioning, Ogbuji claimed he had left the backpack as a strategy to evade NDLEA detection, stating he was unaware that a secondary search could occur after his initial bag search revealed no incriminating evidence. He also revealed plans to procure a new international passport to facilitate his continued involvement in drug trafficking.
Investigations indicated that Ogbuji is a prominent figure within a network of drug cartels operating across Brazil, Ethiopia, Nigeria, and other West African countries, including Benin, Togo, Ghana, Liberia, and Côte d’Ivoire.
Reacting to the operation, NDLEA Chairman, retired Brig. Gen. Buba Marwa, praised the MMIA Strategic Command for their efforts. He remarked, “The seizure of such a large consignment of cocaine at the airport is a milestone that will send a strong message to international drug cartels attempting to establish a foothold in Nigeria.” Marwa affirmed the agency’s commitment to disrupting drug cartel operations within the country. (NAN)
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