The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) on Thursday said it had arrested a 38-year-old mother of two at the Murtala Muhammed International Airport, Lagos.
Faith Obidike
A 38-year-old mother-of-two identified as Faith Obidike, has been arrested by the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) at the Murtala Muhammed International Airport, Lagos, with 1.155 kilogrammes of cannabis hidden in melon and other foodstuffs.
The NDLEA said in a statement on Thursday that she was caught by anti-narcotic officers during an outward screening of passengers on Kenya Airways flight to China, adding that the arrest had saved the suspect from execution in China where drug trafficking attracts capital punishment.
"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.
The exhibit
"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," said Muhammad Abdallah, Chairman, NDLEA.
The suspect, Ms. Obidike who lives in Onitsha, Anambra State, said she was contacted by her friend on social media 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," she said.