Anambra Businessman Arrested Over Alleged ₦10bn Cocaine Trafficking Network
A 55 year old businessman from Anambra State, Onuigbo Ndubisi Chinedu, has been arrested by operatives of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency, NDLEA, over an alleged attempt to export cocaine worth billions of naira to the United Kingdom.
Onuigbo, who deals in clothing at the popular Balogun Market on Lagos Island, was reportedly arrested on Thursday, July 23, 2026, after NDLEA operatives intercepted a consignment containing 3.30 kilogrammes of cocaine at the export shed of the Lagos airport.
The illicit drug was allegedly concealed inside the walls of cartons used to package food items destined for the United Kingdom.
According to the NDLEA spokesperson, Femi Babafemi, three cargo agents identified as Nkwor Onyekachukwu Justina, Adeleke Abiola Taoheed and Ukanwa Grace Pilgrim were initially arrested after handling the shipment.
Their investigation reportedly led operatives to Kenneth Okakpu, who allegedly delivered the consignment to the cargo agents for shipment to the UK.
The NDLEA said Okakpu’s arrest provided further leads that eventually led to the identification of Onuigbo as the alleged kingpin behind the syndicate.
The Anambra born businessman was subsequently arrested while allegedly attempting to send another consignment of cocaine to the United Kingdom.
In a related operation, NDLEA operatives also arrested 31 year old entrepreneur, Emmanuella Chukwu Edo, at her residence in Surulere, Lagos, following the seizure of 2.80 kilogrammes of Loud, a synthetic strain of cannabis, allegedly imported from the United States.
The agency also intercepted a consignment of tramadol allegedly concealed inside containers of black soap and destined for the United Kingdom.
The shipment was intercepted at a courier company in Lagos on Wednesday, July 22, 2026.
The arrests and seizures form part of ongoing NDLEA operations against international drug trafficking networks operating through Nigeria’s airports, courier companies and export channels.
The suspects are expected to face prosecution after investigations are concluded.
