Operatives of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) have arrested a Brazil-based Nigerian businessman, Uche Franklin Onyekwere, at the arrival hall of the Murtala Muhammed International Airport (MMIA), Ikeja, Lagos, for allegedly concealing parcels of cocaine in his private parts and the soles of his footwear.
The arrest took place on Thursday, January 29, 2026, during the inward clearance of South African Airways passengers arriving from Brazil via Johannesburg, following processed intelligence. A full body scan reportedly confirmed illicit concealment, leading to a thorough search. Officers allegedly discovered one parcel strapped to his right thigh and two others hidden inside his shoes. In total, 1.60kg of cocaine was recovered.
During preliminary questioning, the suspect reportedly admitted purchasing the drugs in Brazil with the intention of reselling them in Nigeria to raise funds for his business and to finance the naming ceremony of his newborn child. He stated that he had lived in São Paulo since 2008, where he operated a toy business.
In related operations nationwide, the NDLEA also reported multiple major seizures. At Tincan Seaport in Lagos, 1,183kg of high-grade cannabis hidden in imported vehicles from Canada was intercepted. In Niger State, a truck carrying over 2,700kg of drugs was seized, while further arrests and farm destructions were recorded in Edo, Anambra, Ondo, Kano, and at the Seme border.
NDLEA Chairman, Brig. Gen. Mohamed Buba Marwa (Rtd), commended the various commands for their efforts and urged sustained action in tackling both drug supply and demand through ongoing nationwide sensitisation campaigns.
