NDLEA arrests Brazil-based businessman with 6.1kg cocaine hidden in shirts, towels

Operatives of Nigeria's National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) apprehended a Brazil-based businessman, Abugu Oliver Ikechukwu, at the Murtala Muhammed International Airport in Lagos. The 41-year-old was caught with 6.1 kilograms of liquid cocaine concealed within shirts and towels he was importing from Brazil.

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A 41-year-old São Paulo, Brazil-based businessman, Abugu Oliver Ikechukwu, has been arrested by operatives of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency for importing shirts and towels impregnated with 6.10 kilograms of liquid cocaine from the South American country into Nigeria.

The cocaine was reportedly soaked into the fabric of 14 towels and shirts, then dried and ironed to disguise the illicit substance. Ikechukwu was arrested upon arrival from São Paulo, Brazil, via Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, on an Ethiopian Airlines flight.

Investigators learned that Ikechukwu has lived in Brazil for over 14 years, where he operates an African restaurant. He stated his purpose for visiting Nigeria was to see his wife and purchase bulk foodstuff for his business.

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Abugu was arrested at the Murtala Muhammed International Airport, Ikeja, Lagos, upon arrival from Brazil via Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, aboard an Ethiopian Airlines flight on Thursday, June 11, 2026. A thorough search of his luggage led to the recovery of 14 towels and shirts, all soaked in liquid cocaine, dried and well ironed.

In separate incidents, the NDLEA also reported the arrests of a 60-year-old woman and a 28-year-old man, both with disabilities, for alleged drug trafficking in Abia and Rivers States. The agency further detailed major seizures across the country, including hundreds of kilograms of cannabis and "Ghana Loud" in Kwara, Taraba, and Lagos states.

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The suspect claims he has lived for over 14 years in Brazil, where he runs an African restaurant. He added that he was in Nigeria to see his wife and buy foodstuff in bulk for his restaurant.