By Aaior K. Comfort

Christian Ifeanyi Ogbuji, a 48-year-old businessman, has been arrested by the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) for importing a significant quantity of cocaine into Nigeria. This arrest, which occurred at the Murtala Muhammed International Airport (MMIA) in Lagos on September 22, 2024, marks Ogbuji’s second encounter with the law within a short span of 16 months.

Ogbuji was found in possession of 817 wraps of cocaine, weighing 19.40 kilograms, with an estimated street value of N4,656,000,000. His previous conviction dates back to May 10, 2023, when he was apprehended at the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport in Abuja for smuggling 93 pellets of cocaine weighing 1.986 kilograms. Despite being convicted on July 13, 2023, Ogbuji opted to pay a fine of N3,000,000 for his release.

During his recent arrest at MMIA, Ogbuji attempted to evade detection by initially clearing one bag through security and later returning to add another containing cocaine to his belongings. NDLEA officers, however, intercepted him during a secondary search.

Investigations have revealed Ogbuji’s involvement in a drug cartel spanning Brazil, Ethiopia, Nigeria, and several other West African countries, including Benin, Togo, Ghana, Liberia, and Cote d’Ivoire.

Brig. Gen. Buba Marwa (Rtd), Chairman/CEO of NDLEA, commended the MMIA Strategic Command for their vigilance and successful interception of Ogbuji and the large quantity of drugs. This seizure underscores NDLEA’s dedication to dismantling international drug networks operating in Nigeria.

Christian Ifeanyi Ogbuji’s arrest underscores the persistent challenges posed by international drug trafficking networks and highlights NDLEA’s ongoing efforts to combat drug smuggling within Nigeria. His case serves as a stark reminder of the evolving nature of drug-related crimes, despite previous convictions.