Reported by: Ijeoma G | Edited by: Carmen Diego
The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency has arrested Lagos-based real estate executive Kolapo Oladapo in what officials describe as a significant breakthrough in an ongoing nationwide crackdown on narcotics distribution networks. The suspect, widely known in social circles as a prominent “Lekki big boy,” was taken into custody on February 12, 2026, at his residence in Ikate, a high-end district of Lekki.
According to senior agency officials familiar with the operation, Oladapo had been on the NDLEA’s watchlist since 2025 following months of surveillance and intelligence gathering. His arrest reportedly occurred shortly after he returned to Nigeria from the United Kingdom. Authorities said his movements had been closely monitored due to suspicions that he was coordinating an international supply chain linked to cannabis imports into Nigeria.
A search conducted at his Ikate residence led to the discovery of four large travel bags containing 89.2 kilogrammes of what investigators identified as “Canadian Loud,” a potent strain of cannabis that has gained popularity in urban markets for its high tetrahydrocannabinol content. Officials described the seizure as one of the largest single recoveries of the strain in Lagos in recent months. A 2024 Toyota Hilux vehicle was also recovered from the property and is believed to have been used in facilitating logistics tied to the alleged operation.
The NDLEA has not publicly disclosed the estimated street value of the seized drugs, but analysts say that nearly 90 kilogrammes of high-grade cannabis could translate into hundreds of millions of naira in retail value within Nigeria’s illicit drug market. The agency emphasized that the arrest forms part of a broader strategy targeting high-profile individuals allegedly using legitimate business fronts to shield narcotics operations.
Oladapo had publicly presented himself as the chairman and chief executive officer of Trans Fortress Global, a real estate development firm with projects advertised across Lagos. His social media presence portrayed a lifestyle of affluence, featuring luxury vehicles, overseas travel, and upscale property investments. Investigators are now examining whether proceeds from drug distribution were funneled into property acquisitions or business expansions linked to the company.
During preliminary interrogation, the suspect allegedly confessed to running a structured drug distribution network. According to officials who requested anonymity because they were not authorized to speak publicly, Oladapo admitted that he initially entered the narcotics trade as a financier for shipments coordinated by an overseas associate. He reportedly stated that after earning what he described as “hundreds of millions of naira” from financing operations, he decided to establish his own distribution structure within Nigeria.
Authorities say the network under investigation may have relied on returning international travelers and concealed cargo shipments to move high-grade cannabis into the country. NDLEA operatives are now expanding their inquiry to identify collaborators, including logistics coordinators, distributors, and possible foreign suppliers. The agency indicated that further arrests are likely as forensic analysis of seized devices and financial records continues.
Nigeria remains both a transit hub and destination market for various narcotics, with cannabis ranking among the most commonly trafficked substances domestically. While the cultivation of cannabis exists in parts of the country, premium imported variants such as “Canadian Loud” command higher prices in metropolitan centers like Lagos and Abuja. Law enforcement agencies have in recent years intensified efforts to dismantle distribution chains that blend domestic cultivation with imported supply.
The arrest underscores the NDLEA’s strategy of targeting individuals perceived as operating at the managerial or financial levels of drug enterprises, rather than focusing solely on street-level dealers. Officials argue that dismantling networks requires neutralizing those who coordinate financing, procurement, and distribution channels. By apprehending suspects with significant economic profiles, the agency aims to disrupt capital flows that sustain narcotics trafficking.
Legal experts note that under Nigeria’s drug control laws, possession of nearly 90 kilogrammes of cannabis could attract severe penalties upon conviction, including lengthy prison terms. Prosecutors are expected to file formal charges after completing laboratory verification of the seized substance and consolidating documentary evidence. The suspect is likely to be arraigned before a Federal High Court in Lagos, where narcotics-related cases are typically heard.
Community reactions in Lekki have been mixed. Some residents expressed shock that an individual associated with high-end real estate development could be implicated in narcotics trafficking. Others argued that the arrest reflects the hidden intersections between legitimate enterprises and illicit economies. Security analysts observe that affluent neighborhoods are not immune to drug-related activities, particularly when individuals seek to conceal operations behind reputable business fronts.
The NDLEA has reiterated its commitment to sustained enforcement, emphasizing that social status or professional background will not shield suspects from investigation. In a brief statement, the agency called on members of the public to provide credible intelligence on suspicious activities, stressing that community cooperation remains essential in combating drug abuse and trafficking.
Oladapo’s legal representatives have yet to issue a formal public statement. It remains unclear whether he will contest the allegations or seek a plea arrangement once charges are filed. Meanwhile, the seized Toyota Hilux and other assets recovered during the raid may become subject to forfeiture proceedings if prosecutors demonstrate that they were instruments or proceeds of crime.
As investigations widen, the case is expected to test the NDLEA’s capacity to trace financial transactions and dismantle networks that extend beyond Nigeria’s borders. Authorities say collaboration with international partners may become necessary if evidence confirms cross-border supply arrangements.
For now, the arrest marks a prominent development in Nigeria’s ongoing battle against narcotics distribution, signaling that enforcement agencies are intensifying scrutiny on individuals whose public personas contrast sharply with the allegations now before them.
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