Nigeria – Operatives of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency, NDLEA, have successfully apprehended a fugitive automobile spare parts dealer, Levi Chidiebele Ubodoeze, following a three-week intensive manhunt.
Ubodoeze was linked to a foiled attempt to smuggle two kilograms of cocaine to Angola, a scheme uncovered on February 21, 2025. The illicit substance had been ingeniously concealed inside vehicle propellers and intercepted at a logistics company within the Aspanda Trade Fair Complex in Ojo, Lagos.
NDLEA spokesperson, Femi Babafemi, confirmed in a statement that Angolan authorities, acting on intelligence from the agency, arrested the recipient of the consignment. Further investigations unraveled the sender’s identity, prompting a relentless pursuit that ultimately led to his capture.
On the evening of Thursday, March 6, NDLEA operatives tracked Ubodoeze to his residence along Ago Palace Way, Isolo, Lagos. As he attempted a desperate escape in his KIA Sport Utility Vehicle, officers swiftly moved in, blocking his exit and taking him into custody.
A search of his vehicle led to a shocking discovery—75.50 kilograms of phenacetin, a dangerous cutting agent for cocaine, cleverly packaged and labeled as semolina. Additionally, a digital scale, used for measuring illicit substances, was recovered from his residence, further confirming his involvement in drug trafficking.
Under interrogation, Ubodoeze admitted to dealing in cocaine while managing his automobile spare parts business at Ladipo Market, Mushin. He disclosed that the recipient in Angola had urgently warned him after his arrest, prompting his frantic attempt to evade capture.
Meanwhile, in a separate operation, NDLEA operatives at the Murtala Muhammed International Airport, MMIA, Ikeja, Lagos, intercepted a shipment of cannabis-infused candies smuggled in from the United Kingdom.
The illicit consignment, intended for retail sales at a Kiddies Mart in Surulere, Lagos, was seized on February 27 after arriving as consolidated cargo via Allied Airways.
Preliminary field tests and forensic analysis confirmed the candies contained a potent strain of cannabis, triggering an immediate investigation. This led to the arrest of the intended recipient, Adedamola Taylor, on Tuesday, March 4, following the earlier detention of a freight agent linked to the cargo.
Under questioning, Adedamola admitted the shipment was sent by his UK-based brother, Babatunde Alabi, for delivery to Musurat Lawal, the operator of the Kiddies Mart owned by Alabi. A swift follow-up operation at the store resulted in Musurat’s arrest, marking a significant success in NDLEA’s ongoing crackdown on drug-related activities.
By Damilola Adeleke| March 9, 2025
Adeleke Damilola (ACTION) is a versatile content writer with expertise in news writing and a seasoned media professional and broadcast specialist. Currently serving as News Editor for DNews Info, Damilola is also the CEO of the ACTION brand, committed to shaping lives and establishing a legacy of excellence for present and future generations.
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