A convicted Nigerian drug kingpin serving a five-year prison sentence allegedly attempted to orchestrate a fresh cocaine export to the United Kingdom—from behind bars.
The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) says it has foiled a scheme by Olashupo Michael Oladimeji, currently incarcerated at the Ikoyi Correctional Centre in Lagos, to smuggle 1.10 kilograms of cocaine to London.
According to a statement released Sunday by NDLEA spokesperson Femi Babafemi, operatives intercepted the drug consignment at the export shed of the Murtala Muhammed International Airport (MMIA) in Ikeja, Lagos.
The cocaine—compressed into blocks—was concealed inside processed cassava granules, locally known as garri, and packed into a carton for shipment on a Virgin Atlantic flight bound for the United Kingdom.
Authorities arrested Adedeji Yusuf Gbolahan, a staff member of Oladimeji’s logistics firm, Dimeji Express Logistics, after he presented the consignment for export.
Allegedly Directed From Prison
Oladimeji is currently serving a five-year sentence following his 2025 conviction by a Federal High Court in Lagos in connection with a 17.90kg cocaine export conspiracy case (Charge No. FHC/L/925C/2025).
Despite his incarceration, investigators say he initiated the latest trafficking plot from prison, directing his employee to retrieve the cocaine consignment from a location in Oshodi, Lagos.
“Not ready to give up on his criminal enterprise,” the NDLEA said, the convict allegedly used his company as a front to continue international drug trafficking operations.
The scheme was uncovered on February 12 when NDLEA officers conducting export checks at the Lagos airport flagged the suspicious shipment.
The interception raises broader questions about how convicted narcotics traffickers may continue to coordinate illicit operations while in custody.
Separate Crackdown in India: Nigerian National Arrested Again
In a separate but related development underscoring transnational narcotics concerns, authorities in India announced the arrest of a Nigerian national accused of resuming drug distribution after securing bail in an earlier case.
Police in Mangaluru City arrested 36-year-old Peter Ikedi Belonwu on allegations that he restarted MDMA supply operations in Karnataka after his release from judicial custody.
According to local media reports, Belonwu allegedly sourced MDMA from Bengaluru and supplied it to dealers and students in Mangaluru and neighboring Kasaragod.
Acting on intelligence inputs, the Central Crime Branch (CCB) conducted a targeted operation leading to his arrest on February 15, 2026.
At the time of arrest, officers reportedly seized a substantial quantity of MDMA and other materials described as incriminating.
Investigators allege that Belonwu frequently changed locations and used multiple mobile phone numbers to evade detection.
Authorities say he had previously been arrested in October 2024 when approximately 6 kilograms of MDMA—valued at roughly ₹6 crore—was seized in Bengaluru. Records also show an earlier 2023 arrest in connection with drug trafficking cases.
Indian law enforcement officials described the arrest as part of intensified enforcement efforts targeting organized narcotics networks and repeat offenders.
Growing Focus on Repeat Offenders
Both cases highlight what enforcement agencies describe as a persistent challenge: repeat offenders allegedly re-engaging in narcotics trafficking despite convictions, incarceration or bail conditions.
The NDLEA has not indicated whether additional prison officials or external collaborators are under investigation in the Lagos case.
Authorities in both Nigeria and India have reiterated commitments to dismantling organized drug networks operating across borders, particularly those targeting international markets and young consumers.
Investigations in both cases are ongoing.
