*CRIME*
*Thursday, 1 May 2026*
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*NDLEA says suspects found with cannabis, tramadol; agency warns traffickers using elderly as couriers*
*By Chinyere Okoro, Judiciary Correspondent*
*UMUAHIA/ADO-EKITI:* The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency, NDLEA, has arrested two elderly men, aged 83 and 78, in separate operations in Abia and Ekiti States over alleged drug trafficking offences, the agency said on Wednesday.
In Abia, NDLEA operatives arrested 83-year-old Pa John Ofiel in Aba on Tuesday following a raid on his residence in the Ndiegoro area. Femi Babafemi, NDLEA Director of Media and Advocacy, said as at the time of his arrest, 700 grams of skunk, a strain of cannabis, packaged in retail sachets were recovered from him. The octogenarian claimed he was a professional shoemaker before delving into the illicit drug trade.
In Ekiti, 78-year-old Ogunkobi Samuel was arrested on Monday iat his H22 Owode Street, Ilupeju-Ekiti for drug peddling while 350 grams of the same psychoactive substance were seized from him at the time of his arrest.
NDLEA Chairman Brig. Gen. Mohamed Buba Marwa (Rtd) in his reaction noted that their drug supply reduction efforts balanced with WADA sensitization activities while he charged them and their compatriots across the country to continue to build on the current tempo.
The two suspects are being held at NDLEA commands in Umuahia and Ado-Ekiti. The agency said it has launched a manhunt for other members of the syndicates named during preliminary interrogation. If convicted, the men face a minimum of 15 years imprisonment under Section 11 of the NDLEA Act. The cases will be transferred to the Federal High Court for prosecution.
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