Crimes

Human trafficker arrested for recruiting orphan to export drug to Dubai

The operatives of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) have foiled an attempt by a human trafficker, Mathew Bassey, to export illicit drug to Dubai, United Arab Emirates (UAE) through the Murtala Muhammed International Airport (MMIA), Ikeja, Lagos State.

Bassey was arrested by the NDLEA operatives after inserting the illicit drug in the luggage of an orphan, Ms. Peter Gift Eno, who was recruited for a phantom job in UAE.

The 29-year-old man, who hails from Oron Local Government Area of Akwa Ibom State, was arrested on Wednesday, July 6 following the interception of Eno at the departure hall of the Lagos airport.

This was made known via a statement issued on Sunday by the NDLEA spokesperson, Femi Babafemi, a copy of which was made available to The Star.

Babafemi stated that when Eno’s luggage was searched, 50 parcels of cannabis (2.80kg) concealed in food items were discovered, while there were discrepancies between the age she declared and the date of birth on her international passport.

“Further interview reveals that the human trafficker who recruited and brought her to the airport, Mathew Bassey was still lurking around the airport, waiting for her departure. He was promptly tracked and arrested.

READ ALSO: NDLEA seizes N4.5bn heroin in baby food

“Investigations showed that the victim who hails from the same Oron LGA of Akwa Ibom State like Bassey recently lost her mother and as a result made it easy for Bassey to recruit her with the promise of securing her a job in Dubai, UAE.

“It was further discovered that the recruiter leveraged on the victim’s naivety and planted drugs in her bag for onward delivery to his contact in Dubai,” the NDLEA spokesman noted.

Speaking, the NDLEA Chairman/Chief Executive Officer, Brig. Gen. Mohamed Buba Marwa (Retd), commended the anti-drug officers for staying vigilant and proactive in their areas of responsibility.

Marwa further urged them and their colleagues across the country not to rest on their oars.

The Star

Segun Ojo

Recent Posts

2027: Fix our bridge, Kano villagers tell politicians

Residents of Romi village in Dawakin Tofa Local Government Area of Kano State have asked…

5 hours ago

Troops arrest two terrorists, recover AK-47 in Zamfara

Troops of the 1 Brigade Nigerian Army have arrested two suspected terrorists and recovered an…

5 hours ago

US country singer Dolly Parton dies at 80

United States singer, actress, businesswoman, and philanthropist Dolly Parton has died at the age of…

6 hours ago

Police detain Abuja officers over N40,000 bribery

The Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Police Command has identified and detained officers accused of allegedly…

6 hours ago

‘Seize their fortunes’ — Marwa demands war on drug barons

The Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), Brig.-Gen.…

7 hours ago

Former Liberia VP remanded over drug trafficking

Former Liberian Vice President Jewel Howard-Taylor has been remanded in custody ahead of trial over…

7 hours ago

This website uses cookies.