Ojukwu’s niece nabbed for cocaine trafficking

Ijeoma Ojukwu, a niece to late Biafran warlord, Chief Odumegwu Ojukwu has been arrested alongside three other suspects by the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) over the importation of 2.24 kilogrammes of cocaine from Brazil.

The anti-graft agency also questioned one of its staff over the importation of 2.24 kilogrammes of cocaine from Brazil.

This are contained in a statement issued in Lagos by the spokesman for NDLEA, Mr. Ofoyeju Mitchell.

The statement read in part, that “The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) is currently interrogating one of its operatives over alleged conspiracy to import cocaine from Brazil. 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 leading to the arrest of five suspects.

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“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.” The statement read in part.

According to NDLEA Commander at the Lagos airport, Mr. Ahmadu Garba, the seizure was the first in 2016.

“This is the first drug seizure for the year. 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. 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. Further investigation led to more arrests”, he said.

He informed that preliminary investigation by the agency revealed that Ijeoma Ojukwu, 48, who runs a restaurant in Brazil, was a suspected member of an international drug trafficking organization.

“She allegedly conspired with other suspects to collect the abandoned bag from the airport with the intent to recover the 2.24kg of cocaine. She was said to have contacted a staff of the NDLEA, Ali Bala on how to facilitate the collection of the bag at the airport. The Agency also impounded the Acura MDX vehicle that the suspects drove to the airport” he added.

On her part, the suspect, Ijeoma Ojukwu said; “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.”

Chairman of the NDLEA, Mrs. Roli Bode-George while speaking on the arrest said the agency would prosecute whoever was found guilty.

“The NDLEA is following every lead professionally and will exploit more opportunities towards getting every culprit arrested. We have also expanded the scope of our investigation and everyone involved in this illegal importation of narcotics shall be diligently prosecuted.” Mrs. Roli stated.

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