Lekki Restaurant Owner Arrested in Major Drug Trafficking Bust

Lekki restaurant owner Arokodare Damil Ebenezer was arrested for drug trafficking, allegedly importing 60 parcels of Loud cannabis from the U.S. The NDLEA intercepted a cargo and discovered significant drug quantities at his home. Multiple other suspects were also apprehended, highlighting ongoing efforts against drug trafficking in Nigeria.

On March 24, 2025, Arokodare Damil Ebenezer, a 43-year-old restaurateur from Lekki, Nigeria, was apprehended by the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) at Bay Lounge while awaiting a narcotics shipment. His arrest followed allegations of importing 60 parcels of Loud, a potent cannabis strain, from the United States to Nigeria, marking a significant operation in combating drug trafficking.

The NDLEA’s investigation revealed that on March 12, a cargo containing seven cartons had arrived in Lagos, which was subsequently intercepted by their operatives at a logistics company. Following his arrest, a search of Ebenezer’s residence yielded 94 grams of cannabis and other drug paraphernalia, bringing the total amount of drugs seized to 32.24 kilograms. Ebenezer admitted to initiating his illicit drug business in 2017.

Additionally, the agency thwarted an attempt by another suspect, Omoruyi Terry, who sought to export 1,400 tramadol pills to Italy via Murtala Muhammed International Airport. Investigators noted Omoruyi was a frequent traveler with logistics ties to Italy. Meanwhile, in Katsina state, four suspects were arrested in an operation that uncovered 684 blocks of compressed cannabis and a substantial quantity of diazepam pills.

The NDLEA also reported the destruction of over 13,198 kilograms of cannabis in various forests of Edo State and seized an additional 158 kilograms for prosecution. In Niger State, two suspects were detained with 179 blocks of cannabis concealed within their vehicle, and further operations in Wawa and Enugu states resulted in significant drug recoveries.

The recent actions taken by the NDLEA underline the commitment to combat drug trafficking in Nigeria, emphasizing the arrests of key suspects and the extensive drug seizures. The crackdown on narcotic activities illustrates an ongoing effort to dismantle complex drug networks and prevent the importation and distribution of illegal substances across borders.

Original Source: saharareporters.com