Operatives of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) made a significant breakthrough right at the start of the year 2025 with the arrest of a notorious drug kingpin and Lagos socialite, 61-year-old Alhaja Aishat Feyisara Ajoke Elediye. Known in the drug underworld as ‘Iya Ruka’, Alhaja Ajoke’s true identity was shrouded in mystery for years as she led one of the drug cartels operating from the Mushin area of Lagos. But her reign of invincibility came to a crashing halt on Wednesday, January 1, 2025, when NDLEA operatives intercepted a truckload of illicit drug consignment from her staff and apprehended her in her mansion at the Okota area of Lagos.
Elusive Socialite Unmasked
The arrest of Alhaja Ajoke, also a Nollywood filmmaker, has sent shockwaves through her social circle, where she is fondly called ‘Alhaja Ajoke’. The agency’s spokesman, Femi Babafemi, revealed that the interception of a white Isuzu truck carrying 44 jumbo sacks containing 1,540kg of imported cannabis led to her arrest. It was a dramatic turn of events that exposed her double life as a businesswoman importing fabrics and shoes from China while secretly running a massive illicit drug trade.
Hollywood and Nollywood Filmmaker Nabbed
In a separate operation, NDLEA officers arrested a US-trained Hollywood and Nollywood filmmaker, Emeka Emmanuel Mbadiwe, along with his partner, Uzoekwe Ugochukwu James, for trafficking a strong strain of cannabis from the US. The arrest unfolded at a Lekki hotel room, shedding light on the extent of the drug network operating in the country.
Students Caught Selling Drug-Laced Cupcakes
The drug bust didn’t stop there as two young individuals, Khadijat Abdulraheem and Ayomide Morakinyo, were apprehended in Kwara State for producing and selling drug-laced cupcakes to students in the community. The discovery of 42 pieces of drugged cakes in their apartment exposed the alarming trend of drug distribution among the youth.
Passport Racketeering Unveiled
Moreover, the arrest of an ex-convict, Sodade Sunday Eniola, for passport racketeering at the Lagos airport, highlighted the extent of the syndicates involved in illegal activities. The interception of numerous passports concealed in shoe soles and food items destined for various countries revealed a sophisticated operation that required swift action by the authorities.
The arrests and seizures made by the NDLEA underscore the ongoing battle against drug trafficking in the country, exposing the intricate web of criminal activities that threaten the safety and well-being of communities nationwide. As the agency continues to crack down on drug cartels and syndicates, it sends a clear message that no one is above the law, no matter how influential or well-connected. The fight against drug trafficking is a collective effort that requires vigilance, cooperation, and unwavering commitment to safeguarding society from the scourge of illegal drugs.
