NDLEA saves mother of two from execution

Operatives of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) have unwitting saved a mother from executive in China for trafficking.

The operatives saved the woman, Obudike Faith Ndidiamaka 38, by arresting her in Nigeria for trafficking before she flew out to China. In China, drug trafficking attracts capital punishment   

She was arrested by operatives at the Murtala Muhammed International Airport (MMIA) Lagos during outward screening of passengers on Kenyan Airways flight to China. She was found with 1.155kgs of cannabis hidden in melon.
NDLEA commander at the Lagos airport, Ahmadu Garba said: "She was caught while travelling to China with 1.155kg of compressed dried weeds that tested positive for cannabis. Investigation into the case is in progress and she will soon be charged to court."
The suspect who lives in Onitsha said that she was contracted by her social media friend to smuggle the drugs to China. "I am a trader. I used to travel to China to buy my goods since 2014. My WhatsApp friend asked me to buy the drug and take to China. He promised to give me a handsome reward when I get to China. Unfortunately, the drug was detected during search at the Lagos airport. I am married with two children."

Chairman of the Agency, Muhammad Mustapha Abdallah who condemned her action said that the Agency needed fund to embark on aggressive anti-drug public enlightenment.

Abdallah said:  "It is sad that while government is worried over the number of Nigerians on death row in other nations, a mother of two children is still smuggling drugs to China where drug trafficking is punishable by death. Her arrest here has saved the country from embarrassment. It has equally prevented her family from the pain of losing a loved one under the circumstance. The NDLEA will not relent in saving lives and promoting the image of Nigeria.”                                                                 
 The Chairman said that most Nigerians in foreign prisons for drug trafficking did not depart Nigeria with narcotics. "Most Nigerians who are in foreign prisons for drug trafficking did not take drugs from Nigeria. Some others were lured with fake promises of job opportunities by members of drug trafficking organisations only to find themselves stranded and vulnerable to drug trafficking. Those travelling abroad in search of greener pastures must   make adequate preparation for the period they will stay and also possess requisite technical skills. We are planning elaborate public sensitisation campaign to address this challenge."