Convicted Baron Loses VGC Mansion, Jeep as NDLEA Arrests Grandma for Drugs in Lagos

The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) has secured the forfeiture of a multi-million-naira mansion in the prestigious Victoria Garden City (VGC) estate, Lekki, Lagos. The mansion, located at K-5A/2 Road 14, was exposed as a clandestine laboratory for methamphetamine production by convicted drug baron Okenwa Chris Nzewi.

Nzewi, apprehended alongside associate Sunny Okeh Ukah on July 30, 2022, faced charges at the Federal High Court, Lagos. Pleading guilty on July 17, 2023, they were sentenced to four and three years in prison, with fines and community service. Nzewi’s forfeited vehicle, marked EKY 496 DJ, and the VGC mansion will now benefit the Federal Government.

To further cripple criminal gains, NDLEA pursued a civil forfeiture case for the VGC property, obtaining a final forfeiture order on December 7, 2023, following an interim order that lapsed on December 6.

In another operation, NDLEA operatives apprehended a 75-year-old grandmother, Mrs. Sekinat Soremekun, on December 15, in Oshodi, Lagos, for drug-related activities. Her arrest led to the recovery of cannabis and codeine syrup. She implicated her fugitive son as her supplier.

Meanwhile, NDLEA operations in Owerri intercepted 2.287kg of cocaine hidden in a consignment on December 14. Isaac Okoh, 45, was arrested in connection with the shipment. In Nasarawa State, a raid in the Tudun Kofa area yielded 10 jumbo bags of cannabis, and Ibrahim Yahaya, 35, was arrested.

At the Murtala Muhammed International Airport, NDLEA operatives intercepted over 1.5 million pills of tramadol and rohypnol bound for South Africa. Two suspects, Bada Olanrewaju Akorede and Amusan Olufela Sharafadeen, were taken into custody.

In Abuja, NDLEA seized 1,496 bottles of codeine syrup, leading to the arrest of Ozioma Enoja, 31. Additionally, 400 bottles of codeine syrup were intercepted along Abaji-Abuja highway, resulting in the arrest of Bala Ishaq.

The agency’s nationwide efforts also include the recovery of cannabis in Edo, Ogun, and Cross River states, as well as arrests related to cannabis trafficking in Borno and Zamfara states.

NDLEA Chairman/CEO Brig. Gen. Mohamed Buba Marwa (Retd) commended the officers for their dedication, urging intensified efforts against drug cartels, especially as the yuletide season approaches. The agency’s War Against Drug Abuse (WADA) advocacy campaign continued across schools and public spaces nationwide.