NDLEA Arrests Ayuba Ashiru, Uloma Sunday, and Daughter in Major Drug Bust
The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) has made significant strides in its efforts to combat drug trafficking in Nigeria, making a series of notable arrests across the country, including Ayuba Ashiru, an 80-year-old repeat drug offender, and 82-year-old Uloma Uchechi Sunday alongside her 32-year-old daughter, Chisom Uchechi. These arrests come as part of a coordinated operation that also saw the interception of opioids worth over N3.2 billion at major ports.
Repeat Offender Re-Arrested
Ayuba Ashiru, previously convicted and imprisoned for drug-related offenses, was arrested once again on May 14, 2025, at Barazana Street, Dogarawa, in Kaduna State. The NDLEA found 2.3 kilograms of skunk in his possession, packaged for retail. Ashiru admitted to being involved in the drug trade for an astounding 46 years. His re-arrest highlights the ongoing challenge of addressing repeat offenders within the illicit drug trade.
Mother and Daughter in the Drug Business
In Abia State, NDLEA operatives raided the home of Mrs. Uloma Uchechi Sunday, an 82-year-old grandmother, on May 17, 2025. Along with her daughter Chisom Uchechi, they were found in possession of various drugs including methamphetamine, tramadol, and skunk. Authorities also recovered N130,600 in cash. During questioning, Mrs. Sunday confessed that she and her daughter took over the family business following the death of her son two years ago, who initially ran the operation.
Seizures at Nigerian Ports
In a separate operation at the Port Harcourt Port in Rivers State, the NDLEA seized 3 million pills of tapentadol and carisoprodol royal, valued at N2.1 billion in street value. This seizure was made on May 14, 2025, following a thorough examination of a watch-listed container.
Similarly, NDLEA operatives at the Apapa Seaport in Lagos intercepted a container on May 13, 2025, that was declared to contain new car parts and accessories from India. Inside, authorities found 169,800 bottles of codeine syrup, with a street value of over N1.1 billion.
Ongoing Operations
These latest arrests and seizures form part of the NDLEA’s ongoing crackdown on illegal drug trafficking networks across Nigeria. The agency is determined to continue its efforts to halt the illegal movement of narcotics through the country’s ports and ensure that offenders are brought to justice.
As investigations continue, the NDLEA is working closely with Customs Service and other security agencies to dismantle drug trafficking syndicates operating on an industrial scale.
