Ojukwu’s Niece Busted In Drug Deal
SAN FRANCISCO, January 13, (THEWILL) – Operatives of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) have arrested Ijeoma Ojukwu, a niece to late politician, Chief Odumegwu Ojukwu and three others over the importation of 2.24 kilogrammes of cocaine from Brazil.
In a statement issued in Lagos, spokesman for NDLEA, Mr. Ofoyeju Mitchell that one of its staff was also being investigated in its first cocaine seizure in the New Year.
“The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) is currently interrogating one of its operatives over alleged conspiracy to import cocaine from Brazil,” he said.
“The investigation, which commenced after an abandoned luggage from Brazil was found to contain 2.24kg of cocaine at the Murtala Mohammed International Airport (MMIA) Lagos, had already led to the arrest of five suspects.”
“Those being interrogated include Ali Bala Adamu, a staff of the NDLEA, Ijeoma Ojukwu, a niece to late politician, Chief Chukwuemeka Odumegwu Ojukwu and three others Victor Umeh, Uche Igwelo and Egbuche Fidelis Osiita.”
NDLEA Commander at the Lagos airport, Mr. Ahmadu Garba gave further details.
“On December 28, 2015, a bag with a tag bearing Agina Fidelis Ejike was abandoned at the arrival hall during inward screening of passengers on an Emirates flight,” he revealed.
“On January 1, 2016, one Egbuche Fidelis Osita came with authority letter mandating him to collect the bag. In the process, some white powdery substance weighing 2.24kg that tested positive for cocaine was discovered.”
“The drug was neatly packed in four parcels concealed in false bottom of four female handbags.”
Mr. Garba further noted that preliminary investigation by the NDLEA revealed that Ijeoma Ojukwu, 48, who owns a restaurant in Brazil, was a suspected member of an international drug trafficking organization.
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The suspect, Ijeoma Ojukwu however denied culpability in the matter.
“I have a restaurant in Brazil where I sell African food. I am from Anambra State and I am married with three children. My brother came from Brazil and could not find his bag. It was in the process of trying to get the bag out that we were arrested,” she said.
The NDLEA however declared that it would maintain its culture of integrity stressing that if the officer being interrogated was found culpable, the law would run its full course.
Story bu David Oputah