The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) has successfully apprehended Bariu Aliu, a traditional chief priest of the Igunuko shrine located at Alpha Beach, Ajah, Lagos State. Aliu, also known as 'Malo', is accused of leading a drug trafficking syndicate linked to significant drug seizures in the region.
Following an extensive three-month manhunt, NDLEA operatives arrested Aliu on January 11, 2025. This arrest comes on the heels of a previous operation where over 2,760 kilograms of skunk (a potent strain of cannabis) were recovered from the Igunuko shrine in October 2024. Two accomplices of Aliu were arrested earlier and have since been convicted in court.
In a related operation, NDLEA officials intercepted a shipment bound for Australia that contained cocaine concealed within face cream containers. This operation led to the recovery of twenty wraps of cocaine weighing 330 grams. The cocaine was discovered during a joint examination by NDLEA operatives and Customs officials at a logistics firm in Lagos on January 9-10, 2025.
Femi Babafemi, NDLEA Director of Media and Advocacy, stated that the agency remains committed to combating drug trafficking and ensuring that those involved in such illicit activities are brought to justice. "The arrest of Bariu Aliu underscores our relentless efforts to dismantle drug syndicates operating within our borders," Babafemi remarked.