The suspect was reportedly arrested while attempting to board a Qatar Airways flight to South Africa through Doha. A 46-year-old Lagos-based car dealer, Uchenna Victor Umunnakwe, was also arrested over his alleged involvement in the drug trafficking operation.
According to a statement issued on Sunday by the NDLEA Director of Media and Advocacy, Femi Babafemi, Qhina was apprehended at the airport’s departure hall on October 7, 2026.
A search of her two travelling bags allegedly led to the discovery of 30 blocks of cocaine weighing a total of 36.65 kilogrammes. The agency said the drugs were mixed with dried pepper, wrapped in cello tape and packed into seven separate parcels.
During questioning, the South African woman reportedly told investigators that she arrived in Nigeria on September 30 specifically to collect the consignment.
“During her interview, she told operatives she arrived in Nigeria on 30th September specifically to pick up the consignment,” the NDLEA statement said.
The agency added that the suspect claimed she had been recruited by another South African woman who promised to pay her 20,000 South African rand upon successful delivery of the drugs.
“She said she was recruited by another South African lady, who promised her R20,000 on successful delivery,” the statement added.
Qhina reportedly identified two other individuals whom she alleged were connected to the operation. According to the agency, one was based in the United States, while the other was the Lagos-based car dealer.
NDLEA Arrests Lagos Car Dealer
Following further investigations, NDLEA operatives arrested Umunnakwe on October 14 at Apple Junction, Ago Palace Way, Lagos.
The agency said the arrest followed surveillance conducted at his residence in the Shasha area of the state.
According to the NDLEA, Umunnakwe admitted receiving Qhina at the airport, arranging accommodation for her at Santiago Hotel in Amuwo-Odofin and later moving her to Cynarisso Hotel near the airport ahead of her scheduled departure.
Investigators are expected to establish the extent of his alleged involvement in the operation and determine whether other individuals played roles in arranging the transportation and delivery of the cocaine.
The NDLEA did not provide further details about the two other persons reportedly identified by Qhina, including whether they had been located or arrested.
The agency has continued to carry out enforcement operations targeting suspected drug trafficking networks at Nigeria’s international airports and other locations.
The arrests form part of an ongoing investigation into the alleged trafficking operation. The allegations against the suspects remain subject to the legal process.
