Operatives of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency have rearrested a convicted drug trafficker, Nwobodo Chidiebere Basil, alongside three others over an attempt to smuggle cocaine to the United Kingdom.
The agency said the suspect, who was convicted in 2023 for trafficking 30.10 kilograms of methamphetamine, was identified as the mastermind behind the latest operation.
In a statement on Sunday, the NDLEA’s Director of Media and Advocacy, Femi Babafemi, said 75 parcels of cocaine weighing 1.50 kilograms were intercepted at the export shed of the Murtala Muhammed International Airport, Ikeja, Lagos.
According to the statement, the illicit drugs were concealed in factory-sealed sachets of cold-water starch and were discovered during routine checks.
Babafemi said three cargo agents — Jubrin Firdausi Hassana, Kuku Daniel Oluwasegun and Igwe Chioma Jane — were arrested on Saturday, December 20, 2025, in connection with the attempted export of the cocaine consignment to the UK.
Further investigations by the agency later led to the identification of Nwobodo, 37, as the coordinator of the shipment.
He was subsequently arrested during a follow-up operation on Sunday, December 21, at a relaxation spot in Ikeja, where he was said to be on a date with his girlfriend.
Checks of the NDLEA’s records revealed that Nwobodo was earlier arrested in May 2023 after 30.10 kilograms of methamphetamine concealed in powdered custard containers were seized as part of a consolidated cargo bound for London.
The agency said he was arraigned before the Federal High Court in Lagos, charged under suit number FHC/L/337C/2023, convicted and sentenced to five years’ imprisonment with an option of a ₦7m fine, as well as one month of community service, effective December 4, 2023.
“He paid the fine and soon returned to the same criminal activity,” the NDLEA added.
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