DistantNews
Support us
🇳🇬 Nigeria /Energy & Infrastructure

NDLEA uncovers cocaine hidden in shirts, towels at Lagos airport

From The Punch · () English

Summarized and contextualized by DistantNews.

At a glance

News Named sources Outcome reported
  • The NDLEA arrested a Brazil-based businessman, Abugu Ikechukwu, at Lagos airport for importing 6.10 kg of liquid cocaine hidden in shirts and towels.
  • The cocaine was soaked into the fabrics, dried, and ironed to conceal it within the suspect's luggage.
  • In separate operations, the agency also arrested two individuals with disabilities involved in drug trafficking and made significant seizures across the country.

Nigeria's National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) has apprehended a Brazil-based businessman, Abugu Oliver Ikechukwu, at the Murtala Muhammed International Airport in Lagos. The 41-year-old suspect was intercepted upon his arrival from São Paulo, Brazil, via Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, on an Ethiopian Airlines flight on June 11. His arrest followed the discovery of 6.10 kilograms of liquid cocaine concealed within shirts and towels in his luggage.

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.

— Femi BabafemiAnnouncing the arrest and seizure of cocaine.

According to NDLEA's Director of Media and Advocacy, Femi Babafemi, operatives found the 14 towels and shirts soaked in liquid cocaine, then dried and neatly ironed to evade detection. Ikechukwu, who reportedly has lived in Brazil for over 14 years and runs an African restaurant, claimed he was visiting Nigeria to see his wife and purchase bulk foodstuffs for his business.

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.

— Femi BabafemiDetailing the method of concealment and arrest.

In parallel operations, the NDLEA also reported the arrest of Chidimma Sunday, a 60-year-old woman, and Abubakar Usman, a 28-year-old man, both with disabilities, for alleged drug trafficking in Abia and Rivers States. Chidimma was apprehended with 1.8 kg of skunk in Abia, while Usman was arrested in Port Harcourt with various illicit drugs. The agency also highlighted major seizures nationwide, including 304 kg of skunk in Kwara, 1,121.5 kg of cannabis in Taraba, and 1,102 kg of 'Ghana Loud' in Lagos.

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 foodstuffs in bulk for his restaurant.

— Abugu Oliver IkechukwuExplaining his background and reason for travel.
DistantNews Editorial

Originally published by The Punch. Summarized and contextualized by our editorial team with added local perspective. Read our editorial standards.

More Stories

From Our Blog