Police record statements from children of woman held in Nigeria for drug smuggling

Malaysian police have taken statements from the children of a 63-year-old woman arrested in Nigeria for allegedly attempting to smuggle 31 kilograms of marijuana. The woman, who holds naturalized Malaysian citizenship, was apprehended last month at Murtala Muhammed International Airport in Lagos.

According to the Director of the Narcotics Criminal Investigation Department (JSJN), Datuk Hussein Omar Khan, the suspect has three children – two sons and a daughter – all residing in Sarawak. Police successfully located the suspect's daughter, and her statement was recorded last week to aid the investigation. "All of them had their statements recorded last week. Further actions and investigations are ongoing," Hussein stated.

Previously, police had announced they were searching for the woman's children due to claims that the suspect was allegedly deceived by her daughter into carrying the drugs to Nigeria. The JSJN received information from the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) of Nigeria on May 17 regarding the arrest.

Initial investigations suggest the woman traveled from Malaysia to Thailand, staying for approximately two weeks before receiving a package to deliver to a specific individual in Nigeria. Her journey continued from Thailand to Nigeria via Dubai, United Arab Emirates. During questioning, the suspect claimed her trip was sponsored by her daughter and that she was instructed to deliver the package containing the illicit substance.

Authorities are continuing their investigation into the full extent of the woman's involvement and the roles of her children in the alleged smuggling operation. The case highlights the complex international networks involved in drug trafficking.