High-Profile Arrest in Lagos
The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) has announced the arrest of a prominent Lagos socialite and drug kingpin, 61-year-old Alhaja Aishat Feyisara Ajoke Elediye, on January 1, 2025. Known in social circles as Alhaja Ajoke, her alias in the drug world, “Iya Ruka,” had kept her criminal activities hidden for years. Her arrest came after NDLEA operatives intercepted a truck loaded with illicit drugs from her staff on the same day.
Details of the Operation
The operation began when intelligence led NDLEA officers to a white Isuzu truck transporting 44 sacks of cannabis, totaling 1,540 kilograms, driven by 41-year-old Abideen Adio, an employee of Elediye. Following this, the team raided her hideout at 33 Adebayo Oyewole Street in Okota, where she was apprehended. Despite her public persona as a fabric and shoe importer from China, she was deeply involved in drug trafficking and was also recognized as the Iyalaje of Blessing Sisters, a notable society club in Lagos.
Simultaneous Drug Busts Across Nigeria
In other news, NDLEA also arrested Emeka Emmanuel Mbadiwe, a US-trained filmmaker involved in both Hollywood and Nollywood, on December 27, 2024, at his Lekki hotel room. Mbadiwe was implicated in the trafficking of “Loud,” a potent strain of cannabis, after his partner Uzoekwe Ugochukwu James was caught with a shipment at a warehouse in Ajao Estate, Ikeja.
Arrests in Kwara State
In Kwara, NDLEA arrested two young individuals, Khadijat Abdulraheem and Ayomide Morakinyo, for producing and selling drug-laced cupcakes to students. This operation led to the seizure of 42 drugged cakes from their residence.
Repeat Offender Caught Again
An ex-convict, Sodade Sunday Eniola, previously sentenced for drug trafficking, was arrested once more for passport racketeering. His initial arrest in June 2024 led to a four-year sentence, but he managed to pay a fine to avoid imprisonment. His recent activities involved smuggling passports hidden in shoe soles and food items, leading to the arrest of four syndicate members.
Massive Drug and Passport Seizures
NDLEA operatives also intercepted 52 passports at Lagos airport, uncovering a network sending passports to Canada, Russia, and other nations. Furthermore, at the Port Harcourt Ports Complex, two containers yielded 316,800 bottles of codeine-based syrup. In Kano, a raid resulted in the seizure of 149,090 tramadol and exol-5 pills.
READ ALSO: NDLEA Arrests Businessman for Drug Smuggling at Abuja Airport
Ongoing Efforts Against Drug Abuse
Throughout December, NDLEA continued its War Against Drug Abuse (WADA) campaign, conducting educational programs in various settings across Nigeria, from markets to mosques, emphasizing the agency’s commitment to both drug supply reduction and demand reduction.
NDLEA Leadership’s Acknowledgement
NDLEA Chairman/CEO, Brig. Gen. Mohamed Buba Marwa (Rtd), praised the involved commands for their operational success, highlighting the importance of their balanced approach in tackling drug issues nationwide.
