Octogenarian Suspected of Drug Trafficking Apprehended by NDLEA in Abia

A 93-year-old great grandfather, identified as Friday Ahukanna Chigbu, was taken into custody by NDLEA officials on Tuesday, April 7, 2026. The arrest took place at his home in Umuagbaigba, Amavo Nkwogu village, located within the Osisioma local government area of Abia state, on suspicion of involvement in drug trafficking.

According to Femi Babafemi, the agency's spokesperson, a search conducted at the suspect's residence resulted in the discovery of 7.7 kilograms of skunk, a variety of cannabis. Babafemi noted that the suspect reportedly stated he had previously worked as a truck pusher, then learned painting and tiling before engaging in the illicit drug trade over a year prior. He allegedly claimed to have been consuming skunk since 1959 before transitioning to selling it.

In a related development, Babafemi reported that efforts to identify local associates of an international drug syndicate led to the apprehension of an Ivorian national, Gohouri Michael, aged 41, at the Mallam Aminu Kano International Airport in Kano. He was found to be in possession of 82 wraps of cocaine, with a total weight of 1.49 kilograms.

Michael Gohouri, whose other known name is Anunwa Onyinye Michael, was apprehended on Monday, February 16, during the departure screening process for passengers on Ethiopian Airlines flight ET940 bound for Milan, Malpensa, via Addis Ababa.