The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) has secured significant convictions and asset forfeitures in recent high-profile anti-drug operations across Nigeria, resulting in long prison sentences and the seizure of properties valued at billions of naira.
In Lagos, businessman Ajah Johnson Uchenna and his wife Rosemary were sentenced to a combined 22.5 years in prison for trafficking over 414 kilograms of cannabis sativa. Arrested by the Department of State Security (DSS) in June 2025 with 277.5kg of cannabis, further searches uncovered an additional 231kg at their residence and storage sites. Rosemary received 17 years, while Johnson was sentenced to five years and six months plus a ₦1 million fine option. The court also ordered the forfeiture of ₦3.4 million in proceeds of crime.
In Kano, 42-year-old Indian national Neetu Neetu was sentenced to five years for importing 11 kilograms of heroin disguised as chocolates through Mallam Aminu Kano International Airport. She was given an option to pay a ₦2 million fine. Also in Kano, Angolan businessman Mbala Dajou Abuba received five years for attempting to smuggle 1.829 kilograms of cocaine, concealed in 120 pellets, while trying to board a flight to Istanbul.
In Enugu, Eze Christian Ikenna was sentenced to six years for smuggling 11.2 kilograms of cocaine hidden in herbal tea sachets from Brazil. His sentence runs concurrently from May 2023, following his arrest earlier that year.
Additionally, the NDLEA finalized the forfeiture of an 80-room hotel and lounge in Victoria Island, Lagos, linked to a drug cartel. The property, raided in April 2025, yielded over 417 kilograms of Canadian Loud cannabis valued at more than ₦1 billion. Other confiscated assets include multiple vehicles, 84 television sets, 70 air conditioners, and 13 refrigerators.
NDLEA Chairman Brig. Gen. Mohamed Buba Marwa (Rtd) praised the successful convictions and forfeitures, emphasizing their role in deterring criminal networks. “When offenders are jailed and stripped of their illicit gains, it strengthens our fight against drug trafficking and motivates our officers to do more,” he said.
