By Gabriel Ameh, The Sight News
In a series of coordinated legal victories, the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) has secured multiple convictions of both Nigerian and foreign drug traffickers, as well as the final forfeiture of a multi-billion-naira hotel and fleet of luxury vehicles used in drug distribution operations in Lagos.
Among the convicts are a Nigerian couple, an Indian woman, an Angolan businessman, and a returning Nigerian trafficker, each handed significant prison sentences by various Federal High Courts across Lagos, Kano, and Enugu.
Lagos Couple Sentenced to 22 Years for Cannabis Trafficking
In Lagos, Ajah Johnson Uchenna and his wife Rosemary Uchenna were sentenced to a combined 22.5 years in prison by Justice Deinde Dipeolu of the Federal High Court 8. The couple was initially arrested on June 13, 2025, in the Ojo area with 277.5kg of cannabis (skunk). A subsequent raid at their home on July 1 uncovered an additional 231kg, bringing the total to 414.2kg.
Mrs. Rosemary Uchenna was convicted on three counts and sentenced to 17 years imprisonment without the option of a fine. Mr. Ajah Johnson Uchenna received five years on one count and six months on another, with an option of a ₦1 million fine. The judge also ordered the forfeiture of ₦3,407,000 recovered from the couple as proceeds of crime.
Foreign Nationals Convicted in Kano and Enugu
In Kano, Justice Simon Amobeda sentenced Neetu Neetu, a 42-year-old Indian national, to 10 years imprisonment (or a ₦2 million fine) for importing 11kg of heroin disguised as chocolates. The drugs were intercepted at Mallam Aminu Kano International Airport on March 14, 2025, aboard a Qatar Airways flight from Bangkok via Vietnam and Doha.
Also in Kano, Justice Mohammed Yunusa convicted Mbala Dajou Abuba, a 42-year-old Angolan businessman, for ingesting 120 pellets of cocaine weighing 1.829kg. He was arrested at Kano Airport on February 25, 2025, while attempting to board a flight to Istanbul. He received a five-year prison sentence.
In Enugu, Eze Christian Ikenna was sentenced by Justice M. G. Umar to six years imprisonment (three years on each of two counts, to run concurrently) for trafficking 11.2kg of cocaine concealed in herbal tea sachets. He was arrested on January 20, 2023, at Akanu Ibiam International Airport upon arrival from Brazil.
NDLEA Secures Final Forfeiture of ₦1 Billion Lagos Drug Hotel
In a major breakthrough, NDLEA also secured the final forfeiture of an 80-room hotel and lounge on Waziri Ibrahim Street, Victoria Island, Lagos, linked to a drug cartel. The hotel was raided in April 2025, leading to the recovery of 589 bags of Canadian Loud (a high-grade cannabis strain) weighing 417.3kg and valued at ₦1.042 billion.
Justice Ibrahim Ahmad Kala, sitting at the Federal High Court in Lagos, issued the final forfeiture order on July 18, 2025, under motion number FHC/L/MISC/447/2025. Also forfeited were 10 luxury vehicles, including a Toyota Land Cruiser Prado, Dodge Grand Caravan, Mercedes Benz truck, and dozens of household electronics including 84 television sets, 70 air conditioners, and 13 refrigerators.
NDLEA Chairman Commends Judiciary and Officers
Reacting to the convictions and forfeitures, NDLEA Chairman/CEO Brig. Gen. Mohamed Buba Marwa (Rtd.) praised the judiciary and NDLEA operatives for their diligence.
“Nothing serves the cause of justice more than when criminal elements are given long jail terms and made to forfeit all they have acquired through the proceeds of their illicit drug trade,” Marwa stated. “These judgements not only strengthen deterrence but also reinforce confidence in our justice system and law enforcement.”
The NDLEA affirmed its continued commitment to dismantling drug trafficking networks and bringing offenders to justice.
