The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) has successfully forfeited a multi-million-naira mansion situated at K-5A/2 Road 14, Victoria Garden City Estate, Lekki Lagos. The property, used as a clandestine laboratory for methamphetamine production by convicted drug baron Okenwa Chris Nzewi, was seized by the Federal Government following his prosecution and conviction for drug offenses.
According to NDLEA spokesman Femi Babafemi, Okenwa and his associate, Sunny Okeh Ukah, were arrested on July 30, 2022, and later pleaded guilty on July 17, 2023. They were convicted and sentenced to four and three years imprisonment, respectively, with an option of fines. Okenwa’s vehicle, marked EKY 496 DJ, was also forfeited.
In addition to the criminal charges, NDLEA filed a civil forfeiture charge against the building used as a clandestine laboratory. The Federal High Court in Lagos granted an interim forfeiture order that became final on December 7, 2023.
In a separate operation in Imo, NDLEA operatives intercepted a consignment containing 2.287kg of cocaine on the Owerri-Onitsha expressway. The shipment, concealed in cellophane condoms, was en route from Lagos to Port Harcourt. A suspect, Isaac Okoh, 45, was arrested.
Furthermore, NDLEA operatives in Lagos apprehended a 75-year-old woman, Mrs. Sekinat Soremekun, on December 15. She was caught dealing in illicit drugs in the Oshodi area of Lagos, and quantities of cannabis and liters of codeine syrup were seized during her arrest.
