The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) has kicked off 2025 with significant drug busts, capturing two prominent figures involved in drug trafficking — Alhaja Aishat Feyisara Ajoke Elediye, known as "Iya Ruka," and Nollywood filmmaker Emeka Emmanuel Mbadiwe. Elediye, 61, was arrested on January 1 at her mansion located in the Okota area of Lagos, following the interception of large drug shipments from her associates.
According to NDLEA spokesperson, Mr. Femi Babafemi, Elediye's arrest was the culmination of extensive intelligence operations. On New Year's Day, NDLEA operatives intercepted a truck carrying 44 jumbo sacks containing 1,540 kilograms of imported cannabis, driven by one of her staff, 41-year-old Abideen Adio. Following this interception, agents stormed her residence at 33 Adebayo Oyewole Street, thereby unmasking her notorious role as the leader of one of the drug cartels operating predominantly from the Mushin area of Lagos.
While presenting herself as a legitimate businesswoman importing fabrics and shoes from China, Elediye had long maintained her criminal activities under the veil of respectability. She is also recognized as the Iyalaje of the Blessing Sisters, a prominent club among Lagosian women. This dual identity highlights the complexity of her criminal enterprise, which has evaded the law for years.
Another high-profile arrest occurred shortly before the New Year, on December 27, 2024, concerning filmmaker Emeka Mbadiwe. He was apprehended at his hotel room in Lekki after his associate, Uzoekwe Ugochukwu James, was arrested earlier the same day. Ugochukwu had been dispatched by Mbadiwe to retrieve a shipment containing 33 parcels of "Loud," a potent strain of cannabis weighing 17.30 kilograms, which had arrived at Lagos International Airport from the United States on December 24, concealed within large wooden boxes. Babafemi noted this connection to external drug sources sheds light on the growing international dimensions of drug trafficking operations affecting Nigeria.
These arrests come amid increasing scrutiny of drug abuse across various segments of society. For example, on December 29, 2024, the NDLEA arrested Khadijat Abdulraheem, 24, and Ayomide Morakinyo, 20, at the University of Ilorin for selling drug-laced cupcakes to unsuspecting students. A search of their residence uncovered 42 pieces of these illicit treats.
The agency is not merely targeting influential figures; it has also made significant strides against small-time dealers. On the same day as the student arrests, the NDLEA detained ex-convict Sodade Sunday Eniola for passport racketeering, having previously served time for drug trafficking. His renewed activities highlight persistent challenges faced by enforcement arms in curbing recidivism among offenders.
Further investigations revealed rampant illegal activities, including the interception of 52 passports concealed within shipments aiming for Canada and Russia. These operations showcase the NDLEA’s multi-faceted approach to combat drug trafficking and related criminal activities, reflecting on the global networks at play.
Within the larger operational framework, Babafemi confirmed over 316,800 bottles of codeine-based syrup were intercepted at the Port Harcourt Ports Complex on December 31, emphasizing the agency’s vigilance amid rising healthcare concerns linked to drug misuse.
Meanwhile, over the New Year’s period, NDLEA officers raided locations across Nigeria, resulting not only in these prominent arrests but also the recovery of 149,090 pills of tramadol and exol-5 from local dealers. This expansive operation indicates the agency's commitment to tackling all levels of drug trafficking and abuse.
Brig. Gen. Mohamed Buba Marwa (Rtd), Chairman/CEO of the NDLEA, expressed gratitude toward the operatives involved, commending their balanced approach to addressing both supply and demand for drugs. His acknowledgment encapsulates the agency's vision for ensuring safer communities by effectively disrupting drug trafficking networks and launching educational outreach programs targeting drug abuse awareness.
Through these actions, the NDLEA sends a clear signal: the crackdown on drug trafficking remains relentless as they aim to restore trust and promote public safety throughout Nigeria. The agency’s sustained efforts reflect the reality facing both vulnerable populations and the growing illicit drug trade, which has roots extending well beyond national borders.