Five members of international organized criminal groups (IOCG) arrested by the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) have been sentenced to a combined 21 years imprisonment following the seizure of 68.9 kilograms of cocaine and tramadol at Murtala Muhammed International Airport (MMIA), Ikeja.

Key details:

1. First Syndicate:
   • Olasupo Michael Oladimeji, Muaezee Ademola Ogunbiyi, and Sola Adegoke were arrested after 17.9 kg of cocaine was found hidden in textile materials and charms bound for Sydney, Australia.
   • Additional seizures included 20.5 kg of Canadian Loud (cannabis) from Ogunbiyi’s home and a Range Rover SUV from Adegoke’s residence.
   • They were arraigned on five counts and pleaded guilty.
   • Sentences: Each received 5 years imprisonment, totaling 15 years combined. Their vehicles were forfeited to the Federal Government.
2. Second Syndicate:
   • Obunike Joseph Obichukwu and Uzorchukwu Godspower Chukwurah were arrested after 2.6 kg of cocaine and 27.9 kg of tramadol were discovered concealed in motor spare parts bound for Gabon.
   • Arraigned on six counts, both pleaded guilty.
   • Sentences: Each sentenced to 3 years imprisonment, or N2 million fine in lieu of jail. A N4 million bribe paid by Obunike to NDLEA officers was forfeited to the government.

NDLEA Director of Media, Femi Babafemi, stated that the court judgments were delivered by Justice Musa Kakaki and Justice Ambrose Lewis-Allagoa of the Federal High Court, Lagos.