NDLEA Apprehends Long-Wanted Drug Kingpin Lekan Jimoh in Ogun State After 12-Year Manhunt, Seizes 69kg of Cannabis
NDLEA Apprehends Long-Wanted Drug Kingpin Lekan Jimoh in Ogun State After 12-Year Manhunt, Seizes 69kg of Cannabis
The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) has successfully apprehended Lekan Jimoh, also known as “Kanmo-Kanmo,” a long-standing drug kingpin wanted for over a decade. Jimoh was captured on Friday in Owode town, Ogun State, during a targeted operation based on intelligence gathered by the agency’s tactical units.
A search of his hideout uncovered 69 kilograms of skunk, a potent cannabis strain. The NDLEA spokesperson, Femi Babafemi, stated that Jimoh had been on the wanted list since June 15, 2014, when he allegedly led armed thugs to attack NDLEA officers attempting to arrest him at his residence. The attack resulted in the brutal killing of three officers, including Rabiu Usman Kazaure, and two others.
Babafemi emphasized that Jimoh is notorious for drug trafficking, evading capture for years, and mobilizing violence against security personnel. The recent arrest signifies a major breakthrough in the agency’s relentless pursuit of justice and accountability.
In addition to the recent arrest, the NDLEA previously raided Jimoh’s residence in Ado-Odo, Ogun State, on August 12, 2023. During that operation, they recovered 1,922 kilograms of skunk stored in 139 sacks, but Jimoh managed to escape. The property was later forfeited to the federal government through court proceedings.
Across Nigeria, the NDLEA has recorded significant seizures and arrests. In Edo State, 320 kilograms of skunk and cannabis seeds were seized during a raid in Uzebba. In Abuja, a woman was arrested for online illicit drug sales, with 2.2 kilograms of skunk and cannabis oil recovered from her residence. Other arrests included suspects with cocaine, tramadol, codeine, and other illicit substances in Lagos, Enugu, Delta, Oyo, Kwara, and Jigawa states.
Chairman and CEO of NDLEA, Brig. Gen. Buba Marwa (retd.), praised the officers for their professionalism and resilience. He highlighted the significance of Jimoh’s arrest, noting that it marks the end of a painful chapter for the agency, as Jimoh had lived with the blood of fallen officers on his hands for over 12 years. Marwa reaffirmed the agency’s commitment to intensify efforts nationwide to dismantle drug trafficking networks, apprehend fugitives, and deliver justice.
The NDLEA remains committed to fighting drug-related crimes and ensuring that no criminal remains beyond the reach of the law.
