NDLEA Nabs 80-Year-Old Ex-Convict, Intercepts Tramadol Concealed in Mannequins

 

The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) has arrested an 80-year-old ex-convict, Jeremiah Isaiah Nkanta, for alleged involvement in illicit drug activities.

Nkanta, who had served a two-year jail term following his 2022 arrest in Akwa Ibom State, was reportedly tracked to his residence in Abak village, Abak Local Government Area, where operatives allegedly recovered 5.7 kilograms of skunk, a strain of cannabis.

NDLEA spokesperson Femi Babafemi said, “Barely three years after serving his sentence for drug trafficking, Nkanta has again been apprehended for returning to the illicit trade. He remains notorious for drug-related activities in the state.”

In a related operation, NDLEA arrested 37-year-old businessman Ani Onyebuchi Romans along Oron-Ibaka road in Oron LGA. Romans was allegedly transporting 5.3 kilograms of tramadol hidden inside two mannequins to Cameroon. Babafemi noted that the suspect reportedly purchased the drugs in Onitsha, Anambra State, and intended to sell them across the border.

Other arrests in recent operations include:

Remi Bamidele, 45, at Sasa, Ibadan, Oyo State, for possession of multiple strains of cannabis.

Adeola Toheeb, 27, at Adegbayi, Ibadan, with various quantities of Colorado, Ghana Loud, and skunk.

Habeeb Ali, 29, at Ring Road, Ibadan, with 1.264kg of cannabis strains and ₦1,307,100 in cash.

Osagbovo Edigin, 30, alongside Ebimi Labo, 28, and Akhimie Success, 25, at Ihama/Airport Road, GRA, Benin City, Edo State, in connection with 118 grams of Canadian Loud and a wrap of Colorado.

The NDLEA reaffirmed its commitment to cracking down on drug trafficking and curbing the circulation of illicit substances across Nigeria.