Lesser Hajj: Saudi-bound Widower, Divorcee Arrested With 14.4kg Cocaine

The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) has arrested a widower, Ariyibi Ahmed Olaseinde, and a divorcee, Akanbi Silifat Tunrayo, who were going for lesser Hajj in Saudi Arabia at the Murtala Muhammed International Airport (MMIA) Ikeja, Lagos, for attempting to export 14.4 kilograms of cocaine concealed in lace and ankara fabrics.

The male suspect, Ariyibi was intercepted on Thursday, April 20 at the screening point of MMIA Terminal 2 during outward clearance of Qatar Airways passengers travelling from Lagos via Doha to Medina, Saudi Arabia.

Findings by the NDLEA showed that he had four sets of white lace material with linings of substance that tested positive to Cocaine weighing 11.50kg in his carry-on bag.

NDLEA spokesperson, Femi Babafemi, said the suspect who claimed to be a widower and an advertising practitioner, said his original plan was to ingest the drugs but had to change his mind after failed attempts to swallow bitter cola, which he was using to practice the process.

He is expected to be paid N1,800,000 upon successful delivery of the consignment in Medina, Saudi Arabia.

The NDLEA also said the previous day, Wednesday, April 19, NDLEA officers at the Terminal 2 of the airport also arrested Mrs. Silifat Tunrayo Akanbi with 2.90kg cocaine during outward clearance of Qatar Airways passengers from Lagos via Doha to Jedda, Saudi Arabia.

“A search of her hand luggage led to the discovery of six sheets of cocaine weighing 2.90kg concealed in ankara fabrics.

“Preliminary investigation revealed that the suspect is a divorcee and a trader who used to hawk cloths around Awoyaya area of Ajah, Lagos. Based on information in her statement, a follow-up operation that lasted throughout the night into the early hours of Thursday 20th April was carried out, during which the person who recruited her, Alhaji Adebayo Adeola Wasiu was arrested at No 28, Olateju Street, Mushin, Lagos. Adebayo is the managing director of B&T Travel Agency,” the NDLEA spokesperson said.

In the same vein, NDLEA officers attached to courier companies have intercepted two drug consignments consisting of ecstasy and skunk going to United Arab Emirates concealed in a gold colour wedding gown and a micro controller.

This is even as a 400-level Marine Engineering student at the Niger Delta University, Amassoma, Bayelsa state, Kelvin Ogenedoro, was arrested for dealing in 600grams of skunk.

He was nabbed at the university’s gate in a follow-up operation following the interception of the consignment in a commercial bus along Tombia-Amassoma road in Bayelsa State.

In Adamawa State, the NDLEA arrested a notorious drug dealer, Sunday Ishaku Emzor (aka Lalas) who was convicted and sentenced to 15 years imprisonment in 2010 for drug offences, for drug dealing again.

He was arrested at Hayin Gada, Imburu Numan LGA where he went to supply 1.650kg cannabis to an undercover operative.

His Yellow Press Cub motorcycle used for supplying illicit drugs and a cash of N78,120 suspected to be proceed of the illegal business were recovered from him at the point of arrest.