The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) has arrested a former international football player, Segun George Hunkarin, and his associate, Ntoruka Emmanuel Chinedu, for attempting to smuggle cocaine into Nigeria.
Chinedu was apprehended on June 24, 2025, upon arrival at the Murtala Muhammed International Airport in Lagos from Turkey via an Ethiopian Airlines flight with a stopover in Addis Ababa. A search of Chinedu’s hand luggage revealed 37 wraps of cocaine weighing 800 grams.
Further investigation led to the arrest of Hunkarin, who was waiting in the airport car park to collect the consignment. Hunkarin, a former professional footballer who played in Brazil, claimed he had only trafficked drugs twice from Brazil to Ethiopia but had never brought any to Nigeria.
The NDLEA’s swift action resulted in the arrest of several others involved in drug trafficking, including Amen Okoro Godstime, a Europe-based businessman who attempted to smuggle tramadol pills to Spain.At the Akanu Ibiam International Airport in Enugu, two passengers were intercepted with large quantities of methamphetamine and cocaine.
Ezenwaka Chibuzor Emmanuel was found with 17.5kg of methamphetamine and 3.05kg of cocaine, while Azu Follygan Kpodar had 1.25kg of liquid cocaine.
These arrests demonstrate the NDLEA’s commitment to combating drug trafficking in Nigeria.The NDLEA’s efforts extend beyond airport interdictions. In Kwara State, a notorious dealer, Mary Bolanle Oladele, was arrested during a raid in Omu-Aran, where quantities of skunk, tramadol, and flunitrazepam were recovered.
Additionally, a 72-year-old grandmother, Mrs. Christy Ejaro, was arrested in Warri, Delta State, with several sachets of skunk intended for retail.The NDLEA Chairman commended the officers involved in the arrests, praising their work in balancing drug supply reduction with demand reduction nationwide.
The agency’s War Against Drug Abuse initiative continues to conduct sensitization campaigns in schools across various states, highlighting the importance of education and awareness in preventing drug abuse.
