x

NDLEA nabs suspected drug baron behind N3billion Tramadol linked to Abba Kyari’s team

The billionaire drug baron behind the N3billion Tramadol deal involving the embattled suspended Deputy Commissioner of Police, DCP Abba Kyari-led Intelligence Response Team, IRT, Chief Afam Mallinson Emmanuel Ukatu has been arrested by operatives of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency, NDLEA.

After months of surveillance and evading arrest, Ukatu who is Chairman of Mallinson Group of Companies has eventually nabbed onboard a flight to Abuja at the MM2 terminal of the Lagos airport, Ikeja on Wednesday 13th April.

Investigations reveal he’s been a major importer of large consignments of different brands and high dosages of Tramadol Hydrochloride, ranging from 120mg, 200mg, 225mg and 250mg, all of which are illicit.

Ukatu owns pharmaceutical and plastic manufacturing companies, which he used as a cover to import illicit drugs into Nigeria.

This is in addition to operating 103 bank accounts, most of which are used to launder money.

Ukatu came under watch last year after five cartons of Tramadol 225mg were seized from his staff on 4th May 2021 when he sent them to sell to undercover police officers (unknown to Ukatu) from the then Kyari-led IRT of the Nigeria Police, Ikeja Lagos.

The price of a carton of Tramadol was negotiated at N17million each as against the then black market value that ranged between N18million and N20million a carton in Lagos.

After the arrest of Ukatu’s staff: Pius Enidom and Sunday Ibekwete, Kyari’s men were then led by the suspects to Mallinson’s warehouse at Ojota in Lagos where 197 additional Cartons of Tramadol 225mg were seized by the IRT Team.

The monetary value of the 202 cartons of Tramadol seized from Mallinson in one day was over N3billion.

Three weeks after the seizure, the Kyari’s IRT team transferred only 12 Cartons of the Tramadol with one truck and a suspect to the Lagos Command of the NDLEA, leaving 190 cartons unaccounted for.

After over eight months of following the lead, anti-narcotic officers of the Agency eventually arrested Ukatu at the Lagos airport on 13th April 2022. Kyari and four top members of his team are already facing trial for a different but similar offence at a Federal High Court in Abuja.

Hot this week

MRA Condemns INEC’s N1.5bn Fee for Voters Register Under FOI Act

By Achadu Gabriel, KadunaThe Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC)...

Uma Ukpai: PFN plans Posthumous Thanksgiving in Uyo, Lagos, Abuja

By Ogenyi Ogenyi,UyoFollowing the announcement of the passing on...

JUST IN: NMA Declares Nnamdi Kanu Fit for Trial, Says Illness Not Life-Threatening

The Nigerian Medical Association (NMA) has informed the Federal...

BREAKING:** Nnamdi Kanu’s Lawyers Quit Terrorism Case

Lead counsel and former Attorney-General of the Federation, Kanu...

You’ll Remain a social media president- Wike taunts Peter Obi

By Joyce Remi-BabayejuThe FCT Minister, Barr. Nyesom Wike...

BREAKING:** Nnamdi Kanu’s Lawyers Quit Terrorism Case

Lead counsel and former Attorney-General of the Federation, Kanu...

Victor Osimhen Sets New Galatasaray Record With Brilliant Brace Against Bodø/Glimt

 Victor Osimhen continued his sensational European form on Wednesday...

FG, Senate Leaders Head to Washington to Avert U.S. Sanctions Over Alleged Christian Genocide

 Top officials from the Federal Government and the National...

Kogi State Polytechnic Urges Prosecution of Staff Over Alleged Salary Fraud

By Noah Ocheni, LokojaThe Management of Kogi State Polytechnic,...

North Central Development Commission Condoles with Senator Abba Moro Over Death of Son, Grandson

By Abel Zwanke, LafiaThe Managing Director and Chief Executive...

Outcry as WhatsApp Bans Nigerian Journalist’s MTN Line Without Warning or Clear Reason

By Achadu Gabriel, KadunaThere has been widespread outrage following...

Related Articles

Popular Categories

spot_imgspot_img