The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) has apprehended a Malian, Kone Ali with compressed cannabis weighing 4kg. The suspect, a businessman and student at Guangdong University of Technology, China holds dual citizenship of Nigeria and Mali. He was arrested at the Murtala Muhammed International Airport (MMIA) Lagos while attempting to board a Kenyan Airways flight to China. The cannabis was hidden inside foodstuff like melon, dried bitter leaf and assorted local spices.
The 22-year-old suspect who is studying Chinese language was travelling with a Malian international passport no. B0563273. Preliminary investigation revealed that his Ibo name is Ebuka Onyedigbo and he hails from Okija, Anambra State. Kone Ali has lived in Guangzhou, China since March 2013. He was found with a student identification card of Guangdong University of Technology, China.
NDLEA commander at the Lagos airport, Mr. Hamza Umar said that the suspect was nabbed while trying to check in his luggage. “The arrest of Kone Ali by NDLEA officers took place at the departure hall of the Lagos Airport when he brought two bags for check. The first bag was searched and no drug was found. While searching the second bag, it was discovered that five compressed parcels of dried weeds that tested positive for cannabis were packed together with foodstuff” Hamza stated.
In his statement, Kone took responsibility for his arrest. “I am a victim of carelessness. My friend in China called me that I should bring a bag containing foodstuff from Nigeria. I had every opportunity to have turned down his request, so I take full responsibility for my actions. A man who identified himself as a Ghanaian brought the bag to me in Lagos. He said that he was instructed by my friend in China to bring the bag. At the screening, the drug was found by NDLEA officers. Now I cannot go back to my school and my parents are angry with me” Kone stated.
Chairman/Chief Executive of NDLEA, Ahmadu Giade said that the suspect has violated the provisions of the NDLEA Act. “It is pertinent to stress the position of the law on unlawful possession and attempt to export illicit drugs. The fact is that drug was found in his bag. Investigation is ongoing and I urge members of the public not to collect bags or items from people when travelling. If they must collect bags, they should insist that the owners must witness the search at the airport” Giade cautioned.
The suspect will soon be charged to court.
