The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) has apprehended 61-year-old drug kingpin Alhaja Aishat Feyisara Ajoke Elediye, also known as “Iya Ruka,” in a raid on her mansion in Lagos. Alhaja Ajoke, who has been a key figure in one of Lagos’ most notorious drug cartels, was arrested following the interception of a large shipment of illicit drugs by her staff.
On January 1, 2025, NDLEA operatives acted on intelligence and intercepted an Isuzu truck driven by one of her employees, 41-year-old Abideen Adio. The truck was carrying 1,540 kilograms of imported cannabis hidden in 44 jumbo sacks. This led to a follow-up operation at her residence in Okota, where she was arrested. Alhaja Ajoke is a prominent businesswoman known for importing fabrics and shoes from China, but she secretly ran a massive drug operation.
In a separate operation, NDLEA agents arrested filmmaker Emeka Emmanuel Mbadiwe and his partner, Uzoekwe Ugochukwu James, in connection with a large cannabis shipment. The drugs arrived at Murtala Muhammed International Airport in December 2024 and were concealed in wooden boxes.
Meanwhile, two young women, Khadijat Abdulraheem, 24, and Ayomide Morakinyo, 20, were arrested in Kwara State for producing and selling drug-laced cupcakes to students. A search of their apartment uncovered 42 drugged cakes.
The NDLEA also arrested former convict Sodade Sunday Eniola for passport racketeering, while officers intercepted 52 passports being smuggled through Lagos airport. The agency’s efforts led to more arrests related to the international trafficking of drugs and documents.
The NDLEA continues to clamp down on drug trade operations with significant seizures and arrests across Nigeria, highlighting its commitment to the War Against Drug Abuse (WADA).
