The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) has foiled an audacious attempt by a serving convict to smuggle cocaine out of Lagos, recovering the drugs before they could reach London. The interception occurred at Murtala Muhammed International Airport, Ikeja, during routine export inspections.
In a statement released on Sunday, Femi Babafemi, NDLEA’s Director of Media and Advocacy, confirmed that the shipment was linked to convicted drug kingpin Olashupo Michael Oladimeji.
The suspect, currently serving a five-year jail term at the Ikoyi Correctional Centre following a 2025 conviction for attempting to export 17.90 kilograms of cocaine, allegedly orchestrated the latest smuggling attempt from behind bars.
The scheme involved 1.10 kilograms of cocaine cleverly concealed in processed cassava granules, popularly known as Garri, which were packed inside a carton for export on a Virgin Atlantic flight.
NDLEA officers arrested Adedeji Yusuf Gbolahan, a staff member of Oladimeji’s company, Dimeji Express Logistics, who presented the consignment for shipment. Investigations revealed that Oladimeji directed Yusuf to collect and ship the consignment from a location in Oshodi.
“Attempt by a convicted drug kingpin, Olashupo Michael Oladimeji, to export 1.10 kilograms of cocaine concealed in processed cassava granules to London has been successfully thwarted by NDLEA operatives at MMIA, Ikeja, Lagos,” the statement read. “Oladimeji is currently serving a five-year sentence after being convicted for a 17.90kg cocaine export attempt by a Federal High Court in Lagos under charge number FHC/L/925C/2025.”
In a related operation, NDLEA also disrupted the attempted export of 1.70 kilograms of skunk concealed in five jerry cans by 44-year-old estate surveyor Adelaja Taiwo Adetayo.
The shipment, presented for export by cargo agent Mustapha Quddus Opeyemi, was intercepted at the Lagos airport export shed on February 9, leading to Adetayo’s subsequent arrest in Ahmadiyya, Lagos.
Brig. Gen. Mohamed Buba Marwa (Rtd), NDLEA Chairman, commended officers from MAKIA, MMIA, NAIA, and the Lagos, Edo, Kwara, FCT, and Oyo Commands for their professionalism and dedication.
He urged all operatives nationwide to maintain the agency’s balanced approach to both drug supply reduction and demand reduction efforts.
The successful interception highlights NDLEA’s ongoing commitment to disrupting drug trafficking networks, including those orchestrated even from within correctional facilities, and safeguarding Nigeria’s borders from illicit substances.
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