Press Release
Two suspected female drug traffickers are currently assisting narcotic investigators with relevant facts relating to the exportation of 4.450kg of cocaine to India and 7kg of cannabis to China. Both suspects were apprehended by officers of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) at the Murtala Muhammed International Airport (MMIA) Lagos. Some of the reasons adduced for their involvement in drug trafficking include ill-health, lack of support from husband as well as wrong decision making.
NDLEA commander at the airport Mr. Ahmadu Garba gave the names of the suspects as Abdulrasaq Modinat Alake a trader and Mbonu Chizoba who is a clearing and forwarding agent. The commander said that Mbonu Chizoba is a second offender as she was first apprehended in 2013 for attempting to export a luggage containing narcotics.
According to the 44 year-old Modinat, it was circumstances that forced her into drug smuggling. “I was married but later separated. I am the only person taking care of myself. My business was booming before I had a health challenge. I used to buy clothes from India and Dubai for supply in Lagos since 2011. My problem started when the doctor said that I need to undergo a surgical operation that will cost five thousand dollars. Before now, I have spent all my money on medical bills in many hospitals. That was how I met a man in India during my last visit who promised to pay for my medical expenses. He also told me to take a bag of cocaine to India. It was all about regaining my health but I never knew it will end up this way” she lamented. Modinat hails from Kwara State.
Mbonu Chizoba who is a clearing agent with a pending drug case at the Federal High Court Ikoyi said that she made a wrong decision and mistake for not checking the bag thoroughly. In her words, “I accept blame for not checking the bag carefully when a client gave it to me. My job is very risky because we assist people in sending cargoes. I feel bad that this is happening to me when the first case is still on-going”. She is a 2008 graduate of Business Administration and married with two children. Chizoba hails from Imo State. However, investigating report points to the fact that beyond her claim of not searching properly, she got involved in drug trafficking for pecuniary gains.
Chairman/Chief Executive of the NDLEA, Ahmadu Giade said that special anti-drug enlightenment programmes shall be organized for females because of their key role in family and societal development. He also assured that the suspects shall be diligently prosecuted.
Ofoyeju Mitchell
Head, Public Affairs
