Published by Stone Reporters News | www.stonereportersnews.com | August 6, 2025
The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) has recorded major victories in its ongoing nationwide crackdown on illicit drug trafficking, with multiple convictions and the final forfeiture of multi-billion Naira assets linked to narcotics cartels across Lagos, Kano, and Enugu States.
In Lagos, a couple — Ajah Johnson Uchenna and his wife Rosemary Uchenna — were sentenced to a combined 22.5 years imprisonment by Justice Deinde Dipeolu of the Federal High Court 8 for drug trafficking. The Uchenna couple was arrested with 277.5kg of skunk in June 2025, with an additional 231kg seized during a follow-up raid. Both were found guilty on various counts including conspiracy and possession of a total of 414.2kg of cannabis sativa.
Justice Dipeolu sentenced Rosemary Uchenna to 17 years in prison without the option of a fine, while her husband, Johnson Ajah Uchenna, was handed 5 years on one count and 6 months (with a ₦1 million fine option) on another. Additionally, the court ordered the forfeiture of ₦3.4 million, being proceeds of crime, to the Federal Government.
International Drug Traffickers Jailed in Kano, Enugu
In Kano, Justice Simon Amobeda of the Federal High Court convicted Neetu Neetu, a 42-year-old Indian national, for importing 11kg of heroin disguised as chocolate into Nigeria via Qatar Airways. Arrested in March 2025, Neetu was sentenced to 10 years imprisonment (with a ₦2 million fine option).
Similarly, Mbala Dajou Abuba, a 42-year-old Angolan businessman, was sentenced to 5 years imprisonment for attempting to traffic 1.8kg of cocaine, which he ingested before his arrest at Kano airport in February.
In Enugu, Justice M.G. Umar sentenced Eze Christian Ikenna to a concurrent 6-year jail term for trafficking 11.2kg of cocaine concealed in herbal tea sachets. Ikenna was arrested in January 2023 at Akanu Ibiam International Airport upon arrival from Brazil.
NDLEA Secures Final Forfeiture of Multi-Billion Naira Lagos Hotel, Vehicles
In a related development, the NDLEA has successfully secured the final forfeiture of a multi-billion Naira hotel in Victoria Island, Lagos, used by a drug cartel for trafficking operations. The 80-room facility, located at 16 Waziri Ibrahim Street, was raided in April 2025, where operatives recovered 589 bags (417.3kg) of Canadian Loud cannabis, with a street value of ₦1.04 billion.
Justice Ibrahim Ahmad Kala of the Federal High Court Lagos granted the final forfeiture orders on July 18, 2025 under motion number FHC/L/MISC/447/2025. In addition to the property, the court also ordered the forfeiture of high-end vehicles and luxury appliances including:
10 vehicles (Toyota, Volkswagen, KIA, Land Cruiser, Mercedes, Dodge)
84 television sets
70 air conditioners
13 refrigerators
NDLEA Chairman Reacts
Reacting to these convictions and forfeitures, NDLEA Chairman/CEO, Brig Gen Mohamed Buba Marwa (Rtd), praised the agency’s officers and the judiciary for swift and effective action.
> “Nothing serves the cause of justice more than when criminal elements are given long jail terms and made to forfeit all they’ve acquired through illicit drug trade,” said Marwa. “These judgments will not only boost our morale but also serve as a strong deterrent to others.”
---
📌 Stay updated on major legal and crime stories at www.stonereportersnews.com
📱 Follow us on Facebook: Stone Reports
Reported by Stone Reporters News Desk
Add comment
Comments