The septuagenarian was apprehended at the departure hall while attempting to board British Airways flight BA082, bound for Heathrow, London, on Saturday, March 14, 2026.
Operatives of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) have arrested a 74-year-old man, Ikwuakalom Emeka, at Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport in Abuja for allegedly attempting to smuggle 11 kilograms of cocaine hidden in food items while travelling to the United Kingdom.
The septuagenarian was apprehended at the departure hall while attempting to board British Airways flight BA082, bound for Heathrow, London, on Saturday, March 14, 2026.
According to a statement released on Sunday by the agency’s spokesman, Femi Babafemi, a search of Emeka’s luggage revealed blocks of cocaine wrapped in foil papers and balloons and concealed inside food items, including ground dry pepper.
“A 74-year-old grandpa, Ikwuakalom Nwakoro Emeka, has been arrested by operatives of the NDLEA at the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport, Abuja, after a large consignment of cocaine was discovered in foil papers and balloons concealed in his luggage. The septuagenarian, who claimed he was travelling to London, United Kingdom, for vacation, was arrested at the departure hall while attempting to board British Airways flight BA082 to Heathrow on Saturday, March 14, 2026.
“During a search of his luggage, blocks of cocaine weighing 11 kilograms were discovered concealed inside food items, including ground dry pepper, carefully wrapped in foil papers and balloons,” the statement partly read.
The agency also reported a series of arrests and seizures across other parts of the country.
In Lagos, Babafemi said NDLEA operatives arrested a woman, Maryam Olalowo, at Ikad Hotel and Suites while allegedly attempting to sell 89 grams of cocaine and 20 grams of Canadian Loud, a strain of cannabis. She was with her three children, including an infant, at the time of the arrest.
“In Lagos, NDLEA operatives acting on credible intelligence in the early hours of Monday, March 9, arrested Mrs. Maryam Olalowo at Ikad Hotel and Suites on Etim Inyang Street, Victoria Island, while attempting to sell 89 grams of cocaine and 20 grams of Canadian Loud. She was found with her three children, including an infant, at the time of the
1SUBSCRIBE TO OUR NEWSLETTER NOW
Support MATAZ ARISING’ journalism of integrity and credibility.
Good journalism ensure the possibility of a good society, an accountable democracy, and a transparent government.
We ask you to consider making a modest support to this noble endeavour.
TEXT AD: To advertise here – Email ad@matazarising.com
LATEST POSTS
-
How PDP Dumped Me After Giving Them All My Money — Orji Kalu Opens Up
MaTaZ ArIsInGDallas, Texas Senator representing Abia North Senatorial District, Orji Uzor Kalu, has accused the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) of turning against him after he allegedly committed huge financial resources to building and sustaining the party. Speaking on Arise Television on Monday, Kalu said he funded party meetings, hired aircraft, paid honorariums and provided food…
-
After 20 Years, Customs Frees 98 Containers Of Electricity Equipment
MaTaZ ArIsInGDallas, Texas The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) has released 98 containers of electricity transmission equipment that had been stranded at the nation’s ports, some for as long as 20 years, in a move aimed at strengthening the national grid and improving electricity supply. The Minister of Power, Joseph Tegbe, disclosed this in Lagos, explaining…
-
Injured Victor Osimhen an obvious Nigeria absentee for AFCON qualifying, but Kelechi Iheanacho’s absence is baffling
MaTaZ ArIsInGDallas, Texas Victor Osimhen, Maduka Okoye and Kelechi Iheanacho were missing as Nigeria coach Eric Chelle named his 24-man squad for the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifying double-header against Tanzania’s Taifa Stars this month. Osimhen, who missed the opening window in September, had surgery on Nov. 7 and although Galatasaray have not put…
