Nigeria: NDLEA busts int’l cocaine ring: China‑based businessman, two Angolans arrested

By Zuleihat Owuiye, Mamos Nigeria

Abuja, Feb 16, 2026 – Operatives of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) have apprehended a China‑based Nigerian businessman, Ibeanu Vincent Chukwudulue (34), and two Angolan nationals, Mbandu Martins Makiadi (50) and Ngoma Wilson Fernando (52), after they excreted a total of 236 cocaine pellets at two Nigerian airports while on Qatar Airways flight from Kano to China via Abuja and Doha.

On the same day, Mbandu and Ngoma were caught at Mallam Aminu Kano International Airport while en route to Istanbul, Turkey, excreting 76 and 108 pellets, respectively, totaling 920 g and 1.33 kg of cocaine. Both Angolans told investigators they were recruited by a Luanda‑based automobile dealer who promised US$3,000 each for delivering the drugs in Turkey.

In Lagos, NDLEA foiled an attempt by convicted drug kingpin Olashupo Michael Oladimeji, CEO of Dimeji Express Logistics, to export 

10 kg of cocaine hidden in processed cassava granules (“garri”) to London. Oladimeji, currently serving a five‑year sentence at Ikoyi Correctional Centre, had his staff member Adedeji Yusuf Gbolahan arrested for presenting the consignment for export.

Also in Lagos, a 44‑year‑old estate surveyor, Adelaja Taiwo Adetayo, tried to ship 1.70 kg of skunk concealed in five jerry cans to the UK. NDLEA intercepted the shipment, arresting Adetayo and cargo agent Mustapha Quddus Opeyemi.