In a sweeping series of convictions and asset forfeitures, the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) has secured significant victories in its ongoing war against drug trafficking across Nigeria, with multiple jail terms handed down to offenders and the final forfeiture of a multi-billion naira hotel used for illicit drug distribution in Lagos.

Couple Jailed for 22 Years in Lagos Drug Bust

A Lagos-based businessman, Ajah Johnson Uchenna, and his wife, Rosemary Uchenna, were on Monday, August 4, 2025, sentenced to a combined 22 and a half years in prison by Justice Deinde Dipeolu of the Federal High Court 8, Lagos. The couple was convicted for dealing in 414.2 kilograms of cannabis sativa.

The duo was initially arrested on June 13 by operatives of the Department of State Services (DSS) in the Ojo area of Lagos and transferred to the NDLEA with 277.5kg of skunk—a potent strain of cannabis. A follow-up raid on July 1 at their residence and storage facility uncovered an additional 231kg of the substance.

In charge number FHC/L/632C/2025, Rosemary Uchenna was convicted on counts 1, 2, and 3 and sentenced to 17 years in prison without the option of a fine. Her husband received five years on count 1 and six months on count 4, with the option of a ₦1 million fine. The court also ordered the forfeiture of ₦3.4 million recovered from the couple as proceeds of crime to the Federal Government.

Indian, Angolan Nationals Jailed in Kano

In Kano, Justice Simon Amobeda of the Federal High Court sentenced 42-year-old Indian national, Neetu Neetu, to 10 years imprisonment or an option of a ₦2 million fine for importing 11kg of heroin concealed in chocolate wrappers. The consignment was discovered on March 14, 2025, at the Mallam Aminu Kano International Airport during the inward clearance of a Qatar Airways flight from Bangkok via Vietnam and Doha.

Similarly, 42-year-old Angolan businessman, Mbala Dajou Abuba, was sentenced to five years in prison by Justice Mohammed Yunusa of the Federal High Court in Kano after being caught ingesting 120 pellets of cocaine weighing 1.829kg. He was apprehended on February 25 while attempting to board an Egypt Air flight to Istanbul.

Brazilian Returnee Gets Six Years in Enugu

In Enugu, the Federal High Court sentenced Eze Christian Ikenna to six years imprisonment for unlawful trafficking and possession of 11.2 kilograms of cocaine. Arrested on January 20, 2023, at the Akanu Ibiam International Airport, Eze had concealed the drugs in herbal tea sachets. Justice M.G. Umar ordered that his sentences run concurrently from May 20, 2023.

Multi-Billion Naira Hotel Forfeited in Lagos

In a landmark asset forfeiture ruling, the NDLEA secured the final forfeiture of an 80-room hotel and lounge in Victoria Island, Lagos—used as a base for a drug trafficking cartel. Operatives raided the hotel between April 25 and 26, 2025, seizing 589 bags of “Canadian Loud,” a high-grade strain of cannabis, weighing 417.3kg with a street value of over ₦1 billion.

Justice Ibrahim Ahmad Kala granted the final forfeiture order on July 18, 2025, under motion number FHC/L/MISC/447/2025. Assets forfeited include the hotel at No. 16 Waziri Ibrahim Street, Victoria Island, along with 10 vehicles, 84 TV sets, 70 air conditioners, and 13 new refrigerators.

NDLEA Chairman Commends Judiciary, Operatives

Reacting to the judgments, NDLEA Chairman and CEO, Brig. Gen. Mohamed Buba Marwa (Rtd), praised the agency’s officers and the judiciary for their swift and resolute actions. “Nothing serves the cause of justice more than when criminal elements are given long jail terms and made to forfeit all they have acquired through the proceeds of their illicit drug trade,” Marwa stated.

He added that the rulings would not only serve as a deterrent but also inspire the NDLEA workforce to intensify efforts in combating drug trafficking across the country.