NDLEA nabs Ph.D holder, 7 others for drug trafficking

Gboyega Adeoye, Lagos - 23.07.2008

A doctorate degree holder, Asianya Okey Francis, has been nabbed by men of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) attached to the Murtala Mohammed Airport, Lagos.

Fifty-year-old Francis, according to a release signed by NDLEA spokesman, Mitchell Ofoyeju, was arrested alongside a Ghanaian businessman, Wanye Christopher, 38, and six other suspected drug traffickers.

The names of other suspects are Zadil Al-Husen, 41; Steve Obehi Mato, 44; Emenike Kelechi Calistus, 34; Abagala Chikelu Daniel, 48, Kalu Benjamin, 32 and Charles Aidoyen, 33. The arrests took place between July 14 and 20.

Chairman of the agency, Ahmadu Giade, described the alleged involvement of Asianya in drugs as sad and disheartening.

According to Giade, “it is sad and disheartening for the suspect to be involved in drug trafficking.“

The NDLEA boss added that the arrests made by the agency had shown that there was no escape route for drug traffickers.

“We will not be deterred in this fight and nothing, including academic qualifications, will provide a safe canopy for the ignoble trade,” Giade stated.

NDLEA Airport Commander, Mr. Victor Cole-Showers, said the suspect, who was a consultant architect, was arrested on July 18 for allegedly testing positive for drug ingestion during screening of passengers on Virgin Nigeria flight to London.