In a major win against drug trafficking, the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) has secured a combined 95-year prison sentence for four drug kingpins involved in smuggling cocaine and skunk worth over ₦4.6 billion. The convicts—Ogbuji Christian Ifeanyi, Iloduba Augustine Chinonye, Shuaibu Nuhu Isa (a.k.a Don), and Zidon Zurga—were sentenced by Federal High Courts in Lagos and Yola, Adamawa State.
Repeat Offender Gets 15 Years for Cocaine Smuggling
Ogbuji Christian Ifeanyi was arrested at Murtala Muhammed International Airport (MMIA), Lagos, on September 18, 2024, while smuggling 19.4 kg of cocaine in 817 wraps, valued at ₦4.65 billion. Shockingly, this was his second arrest—he was previously caught at Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport (NAIA), Abuja, in 2023, for swallowing 93 pellets of cocaine.
Despite paying a ₦3 million fine to avoid jail time after his first conviction, Ogbuji resumed drug trafficking and was rearrested in Lagos. This time, he received a 15-year jail sentence unless he pays another ₦7 million fine. His monetary assets were also forfeited to the government.
Enugu Trafficker Sentenced After 3-Year Trial
Iloduba Augustine Chinonye (51) was caught at Akanu Ibiam International Airport, Enugu, in 2021, after swallowing 58 wraps of cocaine. He expelled 48 wraps mid-flight in Ethiopia and the remaining 10 while in NDLEA custody. After a three-year legal battle, he was sentenced to 10 years in prison on March 5, 2025.
Fake ‘Presidency’ SUV Used for Drug Trafficking
Drug lords Shuaibu Nuhu Isa (55) a.k.a Don and Zidon Zurga (50) were arrested on November 25, 2024, along Numan-Yola Road, Adamawa State, while transporting 500.8 kg of skunk in:
A Toyota Hilux (Lagos NT 829 AAA)
A Prado SUV with a fake Presidency number plate (01B-266 FG)
On February 7, 2025, both men were sentenced to 35 years in prison each—totaling 70 years combined—or a ₦25 million fine each. Their luxury vehicles were seized by the government.
NDLEA Chief Hails Landmark Convictions
NDLEA Chairman, Brig. Gen. Mohamed Buba Marwa (Rtd.), praised the judiciary and NDLEA officers for their relentless crackdown on drug syndicates.
“These convictions send a strong message—drug barons will face the full force of the law. With continued efforts, we will dismantle drug networks across Nigeria,” Marwa declared.
With increasing jail terms, asset forfeitures, and financial penalties, NDLEA’s war on drugs is sending a clear warning to traffickers—crime doesn’t pay.
