The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) has taken significant steps in combating drug trafficking, with several high-profile cases leading to the arrest and subsequent sentencing of drug kingpins. Among these cases, the arrest and sentencing of Uwaezuoke Ikenna Christian and Agbo Chidike Prince for cocaine trafficking highlight the agency’s commitment to maintaining a drug-free environment in Nigeria.
Uwaezuoke Ikenna Christian, a 42-year-old from Ojoto, Idemili South Local Government Area of Anambra state, was arrested at the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport (NAIA), Abuja, for ingesting 100 pellets of cocaine weighing 2.243kg. Christian, who claimed to be a businessman dealing in babywear before venturing into drug trafficking, was arrested on an Ethiopian Airlines flight from Addis-Ababa.
During his preliminary interview, Christian revealed that he traveled to Addis Ababa on March 17, 2022, to purchase the drug for $10,000, intending to return on March 19, 2022, when he was arrested. He explained that he had to resort to drug trafficking due to financial difficulties, having been duped out of $15,000 by a friend in China.
Agbo Chidike Prince, another businessman from Lagos, was arrested at Lagos Airport for concealing cocaine in his body. Prince was attempting to board an Ethiopian Airlines flight to Hong Kong via Addis Ababa when he was apprehended. After days in custody and a number of excretions, Prince discharged 49 pellets of cocaine with a total weight of 998.53 grams.
He claimed to be a businessman dealing in spare parts at the Alaba International market in the Ojo area of Lagos, stating that he was to be paid N3.5 million, which he intended to use to import goods from Hong Kong.
The NDLEA’s efforts in combating drug trafficking are not limited to these cases. The agency has also successfully intercepted substantial quantities of Methamphetamine, Cocaine, and Cannabis sativa packaged for export to various countries through courier companies in Lagos. Additionally, the agency has recovered a significant amount of assorted illicit drugs and cash in major raids across Ogun, Rivers, and Enugu State.
The sentencing of Uwaezuoke Ikenna Christian and Agbo Chidike Prince to life imprisonment for their involvement in cocaine trafficking underscores the severity of drug trafficking offenses in Nigeria. These cases serve as a deterrent to potential drug traffickers, emphasizing the NDLEA’s commitment to maintaining a drug-free environment in the country.
