Operatives of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) have arrested Lagos socialite Aishat Elediye, also known as “Iya Ruka” in the drug world and “Alhaja Elediye” in social circles, and Nollywood filmmaker Eme Mbadiwe for drug trafficking.
The arrests took place following the interception of a truckload of illicit drug consignment from Elediye’s staff.
NDLEA spokesperson Femi Babafemi confirmed that the 61-year-old Elediye was arrested on January 1 in her mansion in the Okota area of Lagos after the interception of 1,540 kilograms of imported hemp concealed in 44 jumbo sacks.
Babafemi said this was while she remained on the wanted list of NDLEA for leading one of the drug cartels operating in the Mushin area of Lagos.
“The operatives, thereafter, stormed her hideout at 33 Adebayo Oyewole Street, off Ago Palace Way, Okota, where they arrested her.
“On the surface, the suspect is a businesswoman, who imports fabrics and shoes from China but beneath is a massive illicit drug trade.
“She is also recognised as the Iyalaje of Blessing Sisters, an influential club of society women in Lagos,”r Babafemi stated.
In a separate operation, NDLEA officers arrested Eme Mbadiwe, a U.S.-trained Hollywood and Nollywood filmmaker, on December 27 at his Lekki hotel room.
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According to Babafemi, Mbadiwe had sent his partner, Uzoekwe Ugochukwu, to collect a shipment of 33 parcels of Loud cannabis weighing 17.30 kilograms.
The drugs had arrived at the Murtala Muhammed International Airport on December 24, concealed in large wooden boxes from the United States via Delta Airline.
The two arrests highlight ongoing efforts by the NDLEA to combat drug trafficking and disrupt criminal networks in Nigeria.
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