February 16, 2026 l Dalena Reporters
Nigeria’s National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) has intercepted a London-bound shipment of cocaine that investigators say was orchestrated from behind bars by a jailed drug kingpin raising serious concerns about the persistence of organised narcotics networks operating despite incarceration.
The consignment, which contained 1.10 kilograms of compressed cocaine cleverly concealed inside a sack of garri (dried cassava granules), was discovered on Thursday, February 12, 2026, at the Murtala Muhammed International Airport (MMIA) export shed in Lagos. It was destined for London, United Kingdom, aboard a Virgin Atlantic flight when NDLEA operatives acting on credible intelligence seized the illicit cargo.
Kingpin Continues Drug Operations From Prison
Investigators linked the attempt to Olashupo Michael Oladimeji, a convicted trafficker currently serving a five-year sentence at the Ikoyi Correctional Centre in Lagos for a 2025 cocaine trafficking conviction. Despite his incarceration, Oladimeji is alleged to have used his logistics firm, Dimeji Express Logistics, as a front to coordinate the export scheme reportedly directing an associate, Adedeji Yusuf Gbolahan, to present the cocaine-laden shipment for export clearance. Gbolahan was immediately arrested at the airport following the interception.
Oladimeji was previously convicted under Federal High Court charge number FHC/L/925C/2025 for conspiracy to export nearly 18 kilograms of cocaine and sentenced to five years, illustrating how high-profile drug offenders can attempt to use business networks to continue criminal enterprises even while behind bars.
NDLEA Reinforces Enforcement Measures
The NDLEA’s successful interception comes amid a broader crackdown on organised drug smuggling. Officials have emphasised intensified screening and intelligence-led operations at Nigeria’s major airports to prevent traffickers from exploiting common export commodities and commercial packaging methods to disguise narcotics.
In recent weeks, the agency has also reported other seizures of cocaine and arrests of suspects at Nigerian airports, reflecting an ongoing push to disrupt drug cartel activities and intercept consignments headed for international destinations.
Implications and Next Steps
The arrest of Gbolahan and the foiling of the plot orchestrated from within a correctional facility have been described by anti-narcotics officials as a win for Nigeria’s drug-control efforts, but they also highlight persistent vulnerabilities in the fight against sophisticated trafficking networks. Further investigations are expected to determine whether additional accomplices are involved and whether new charges will be filed against Oladimeji for orchestrating the export while imprisoned.