Arokodare Damil Ebenezer, a restaurant owner in Lekki, was arrested by NDLEA for allegedly importing cannabis from the U.S. His arrest followed the interception of a drug shipment. Additional operations led to further arrests and drug seizures across Nigeria, highlighting continuing challenges in curbing drug trafficking.
On March 24, 2025, Arokodare Damil Ebenezer, the owner of Damillionz Takeout in Lekki, was arrested by the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) for allegedly importing 60 parcels of Loud, a strong cannabis strain, from the United States to Nigeria. His apprehension occurred at Bay Lounge, where he was reportedly awaiting the delivery of drugs. Ebenezer’s arrest is part of ongoing efforts to combat drug trafficking in Nigeria.
The NDLEA’s Director of Media & Advocacy, Femi Babafemi, disclosed that the arrest followed an interception of a shipment containing seven large cartons, which arrived in Lagos on March 12. The parcel was seized at a logistics company by NDLEA operatives. Following his arrest, a search of his residence revealed an additional 94 grams of cannabis and drug paraphernalia, bringing the total seized weight to 32.24 kilograms.
In his statement, Ebenezer mentioned that he had been engaged in the illicit drug trade since 2017. Furthermore, another suspect, Omoruyi Terry, was apprehended attempting to export 1,400 tramadol pills to Italy, thwarted by NDLEA officers at Murtala Muhammed International Airport in Lagos.
In a separate operation, four suspects were arrested in Katsina during an intelligence-led raid, yielding 684 blocks of compressed skunk weighing 423 kg and 86,000 diazepam pills. These individuals were reportedly involved in repackaging the drugs when apprehended.
The NDLEA also reported the destruction of over 13,198 kilograms of cannabis sativa in various Edo State forests between March 24 and March 28, with additional seizures during the operation. Areas affected include Uhen Forest and Sobe.
In Niger State, officers intercepted a vehicle transporting 179 blocks of compressed skunk, arresting the two passengers. Also, a suspect’s home in Wawa village yielded 50 kg of skunk, while further operations in Enugu State and Kwara State led to additional large drug recoveries.
The arrest of Arokodare Damil Ebenezer emphasizes the ongoing challenge of drug trafficking in Nigeria. The NDLEA continues to intensify operations to combat the importation and distribution of illicit substances. Through coordinated enforcement efforts, the agency aims to reduce drug-related activities, emphasizing the importance of community engagement in addressing this issue.
Original Source: saharareporters.com
