NDLEA nabs octogenarian, 78-year-old in Abia, Ekiti operations

In a significant sweep against illicit drug trafficking, the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) has reported a series of arrests across several states, demonstrating its unwavering commitment to combating the menace of narcotics. Notably, the agency apprehended an 83-year-old man, Pa John Ofiel, in Abia State, and a 78-year-old man, Ogunjobi Samuel, in Ekiti State, both allegedly involved in dealing and peddling illicit substances.

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Pa Ofiel was nabbed by NDLEA officers on Tuesday, April 28, 2026, during a raid operation at Samek by Powerline, Aba, Abia State, following credible intelligence that he was dealing in illicit substances.

These operations, detailed by NDLEA Director of Media and Advocacy Femi Babafemi, yielded substantial seizures, including grams of skunk (a strain of cannabis) and Colorado (a synthetic cannabis). The arrests were the result of credible intelligence and targeted raids, underscoring the NDLEA's effective intelligence-gathering capabilities. The agency’s efforts extend beyond these elderly individuals, with recent operations also leading to the apprehension of younger suspects and the seizure of significant drug consignments in Oyo, Osun, and Borno states.

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At the time of his arrest, 700 grams of skunk, a strain of cannabis, packaged in retail sachets, were recovered from him.

The NDLEA's persistent operations highlight the pervasive nature of drug trafficking in Nigeria and the agency's determination to dismantle drug networks. The recovery of various substances, from traditional cannabis to synthetic variants, indicates the evolving challenges in drug enforcement. These continuous efforts are crucial in protecting public health and security, reinforcing the NDLEA's role as a frontline agency in the war against drugs.

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350 grams of the same psychoactive substance were seized from him at the time of his arrest.