Operatives of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency have arrested a 93-year-old man, Friday Ahukanna Chigbu, over alleged involvement in drug trafficking, in a development that has drawn widespread attention due to the suspect’s advanced age.
Chigbu, described as a great-grandfather, was apprehended at his residence in Umuagbaigba, Amavo Nkwogu village, located in Osisioma Local Government Area of Abia State, during an operation carried out on Tuesday, April 7, 2026.
The agency’s spokesperson, Femi Babafemi, disclosed the arrest in a statement, noting that a search conducted at the suspect’s home led to the recovery of 7.7 kilograms of skunk, a potent strain of cannabis. The substance, which is classified as an illicit drug under Nigerian law, was reportedly found in the premises during the raid.
According to Babafemi, preliminary findings suggest that the nonagenarian had been involved in the illegal drug trade for some time. During interrogation, the suspect reportedly provided details about his personal history and how he became involved in the illicit business.
Chigbu is said to have claimed that he initially worked as a truck pusher in his younger years, before acquiring skills in painting and tiling as alternative means of livelihood. However, he later transitioned into drug-related activities, which he allegedly began as a business venture over a year ago.
In a startling revelation, the suspect also reportedly admitted to having a long history of drug use, stating that he had been smoking skunk since 1959. This admission, if verified, would suggest decades of exposure to cannabis, eventually culminating in his alleged involvement in its distribution.
The NDLEA noted that the arrest underscores the widespread nature of drug-related offences across different age groups and demographics, highlighting that illicit drug activities are not confined to any particular segment of society.
Security observers have expressed concern over the case, describing it as indicative of the persistent challenges facing Nigeria’s anti-narcotics efforts. The involvement of an individual of such advanced age raises questions about the socio-economic factors that may drive people into the drug trade, even late in life.
Meanwhile, the agency also provided updates on its ongoing crackdown on drug trafficking networks, including efforts to dismantle international syndicates operating within and outside Nigeria.
Babafemi revealed that recent intelligence operations had led to the arrest of an Ivorian national, Gohouri Michael, at the Mallam Aminu Kano International Airport. The suspect was apprehended during the outward clearance of passengers on an Ethiopian Airlines flight bound for Milan, Italy, via Addis Ababa.
Gohouri, also known as Anunwa Onyinye Michael, was arrested on February 16, 2026, after NDLEA operatives discovered that he had ingested 82 wraps of cocaine weighing approximately 1.49 kilograms. Authorities believe he was attempting to smuggle the drugs into Europe as part of a broader trafficking network.
The agency stated that the arrest of the foreign suspect was part of a larger operation aimed at identifying and dismantling local and international collaborators involved in drug trafficking. Investigations into the case are ongoing, with efforts focused on uncovering the full extent of the syndicate’s activities.
Babafemi reiterated the NDLEA’s commitment to combating drug trafficking and abuse across the country, stressing that the agency will continue to intensify its operations to ensure that offenders are brought to justice.
He also urged members of the public to support the agency’s efforts by providing credible information that could aid in the detection and prevention of drug-related crimes.
The arrests of both the elderly suspect in Abia State and the international courier in Kano highlight the dual nature of Nigeria’s drug challenge—spanning both local distribution networks and transnational trafficking operations.
As investigations continue, the NDLEA has assured that all suspects will be prosecuted in accordance with the law, reaffirming its resolve to curb the spread of illicit drugs and safeguard public health and security.
