NDLEA Nabs Alleged Female Drug Kingpin After Months on the Run

Operatives of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) have arrested a suspected female drug kingpin and recovered a large cache of cocaine valued at over ₦5 billion, in a major blow to an International drug trafficking network.

The suspect, identified as Shodunke Yetunde Simbiat, was arrested at her residence on Onasanya Street, Surulere, Lagos, following months of intelligence-led surveillance by NDLEA operatives.

She had allegedly gone underground after the arrest of key members of her drug syndicate in 2024.

According to the NDLEA, a search of her apartment led to the discovery of 23.5 kilograms of cocaine, concealed in a black travel bag hidden inside a room used by her children.

Preliminary investigations revealed that the illicit drugs were part of a larger consignment meant for distribution within Nigeria and for export to neighbouring Countries.

The Agency disclosed that Simbiat is believed to be a central figure in a cocaine trafficking ring linked to the earlier arrest of Bolanle Lookman Dauda and Olayinka Toheebat Dauda, who were intercepted on May 25, 2024, along the Lagos–Badagry Expressway while allegedly transporting cocaine to Ghana.

At the time, NDLEA operatives recovered about 57.5 kilograms of cocaine from the couple and additional quantities from their residence in Ogun State.

NDLEA officials said the arrest of Simbiat followed painstaking intelligence gathering, tracking her movements across Lagos after she allegedly evaded arrest for several months. The Agency added that the suspect has made preliminary statements that could aid further investigations and lead to the arrest of other members of the syndicate.

In a related development, NDLEA operatives at the Murtala Muhammed International Airport (MMIA), Ikeja, also intercepted a separate drug trafficking attempt. A businessman identified as Nwanwene Robinson Destiny was arrested while attempting to board a flight to Milan, Italy, with a large quantity of tramadol and tapentadol pills concealed in his luggage.

The NDLEA said the latest arrests underscore its renewed commitment to dismantling drug trafficking networks and curbing the distribution of illicit substances across Nigeria and beyond.

The Agency stressed that suspects involved in the operations will be charged to court upon the conclusion of investigations.