93-year-old man, doctor arrested in NDLEA drug-trafficking operations

The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) says it has arrested 93‑year‑old Friday Ahukanna Chigbu in Abia State on allegations of drug trafficking.

Chigbu was taken into custody at his Umuagbaigba residence in Amavo Nkwogu village, Osisioma LGA, on April 7, 2026, the agency’s spokesperson Femi Babafemi said.

A search of Chigbu’s home uncovered 7.7 kilograms of “skunk,” a high‑potency strain of cannabis.

According to the NDLEA statement, Chigbu told investigators he only entered the illicit drug trade about a year ago.

He said he had worked previously as a truck pusher and later learnt painting and tiling, and that he had been smoking skunk since 1959 before turning it into a business.

The NDLEA also announced the disruption of an international cocaine trafficking link.

Forty‑one‑year‑old Ivorian national Gohouri Michael (also known as Anunwa Onyinye Michael) was arrested at Mallam Aminu Kano International Airport on February 16, 2026, during outward passenger clearance for Ethiopian Airlines flight ET940 to Milan (via Addis Ababa).

Authorities say Gohouri had arrived in Lagos from Milan on January 17, 2026, travelled between Lagos and Enugu for several weeks, then to Kano, where he allegedly ingested a cocaine consignment in a hotel room.

He was reportedly to be paid €5,000 on delivery in Milan.

Investigations linked Gohouri to a “shadowy” handler identified as Dr. Chudi Daniel Ofomata, a 69‑year‑old medical doctor.

Ofomata was located at his home in Teachers’ Land Estate, Magboro, Obafemi Owode LGA, Ogun State, arrested on March 27, 2026, and flown to Kano on April 7.

Babafemi added that NDLEA raids across several states yielded large seizures and arrests.

In Ogun State, three suspects were held with 34 kg of skunk.

A 26‑year‑old woman was caught with 56.2 kg on the Onitsha–Owerri road.

In Niger State, a couple was found storing 118 kg in their kitchen.

In Edo, officers intercepted two trucks carrying a total of 7,245 kg of skunk hidden in beer cartons.