National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) has arrested a self-acclaimed Lekki-based artistes’ manager and his Ikoyi businessman accomplice, who allegedly specialise in distributing illicit drugs to fun seekers at VIP night clubs and lounges in Lekki and Island axis of Lagos State.
NDLEA spokesperson, Femi Babafemi, said in a statement that the suspect, Oseni Abdulraheem Ayodeji Babatunde (a.k.a Papalampa) was the first to be arrested in his house at No. 3 Ope Daniel Taiwo Street, off Chisco Bus-Stop, Lekki area of Lagos when the consignment arrived on Sunday, July 23, 2023.
A total of 10 parcels of Colorado weighing 2.50kg concealed inside large tins of coffee and duvets linked to Oseni were intercepted by NDLEA operatives at the Murtala Muhammed International Airport (MMIA) Ikeja.
During a preliminary interview with the suspect, he confessed he started the illicit trade three years ago and had been selling to patrons of clubs and lounges in Lekki and Lagos Island, some of which he identified as Quilox, Silver Fox, DNA and Hot box.
Also, the NDLEA revealed that an Ikoyi based businessman, Nnadi Kingsley Ikenna also linked to the shipment was away in South Africa when the consignment arrived.
“While the operatives kept surveillance around his 18, Okotie Eboh Close, Ikoyi residence, they also set their dragnet for him at the airport. He eventually arrived in the waiting arms of NDLEA officers on Thursday 27th July when he returned to the country on a Kenya Airlines flight at the Lagos airport,” Babafemi said.
Their arrest followed an intelligence about a shipment of Colorado, a synthetic strong strain of cannabis coming for them from Los Angeles, United States.
The NDLEA added that, “Kingsley, in his statement, accepted ownership of a part of the consignment.”
The statement quoted Oseni as saying beside the drug business, he also organised shows for artistes around Lagos and outside Nigeria.
Also, NDLEA operatives attached to the NAHCO export shed of the MMIA intercepted a cargo going to Nairobi, Kenya.