According to the agency, the 41-year-old suspect was arrested at the Murtala Muhammed International Airport, Ikeja, Lagos, upon his arrival from São Paulo, Brazil, via Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, aboard an Ethiopian Airlines flight on June 11.
According to a statement released on Sunday by the NDLEA Director of Media and Advocacy, Femi Babafemi, a thorough search of the suspect’s luggage led to the discovery of 14 towels and shirts soaked in liquid cocaine, dried and neatly ironed to conceal the illicit substance.
Babafemi said, “A 41-year-old São Paulo, Brazil-based businessman, Abugu Oliver Ikechukwu, has been arrested by operatives of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency for importing shirts and towels impregnated with 6.10 kilograms of liquid cocaine from the South American country into Nigeria.
“Abugu was arrested at the Murtala Muhammed International Airport, Ikeja, Lagos, upon arrival from Brazil via Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, aboard an Ethiopian Airlines flight on Thursday, June 11, 2026. A thorough search of his luggage led to the recovery of 14 towels and shirts, all soaked in liquid cocaine, dried and well ironed.”
He said the suspect reportedly told investigators that he had lived in Brazil for over 14 years, where he runs an African restaurant.
“The suspect claims he has lived for over 14 years in Brazil, where he runs an African restaurant. He added that he was in Nigeria to see his wife and buy foodstuff in bulk for his restaurant,” the statement read.
Abugu was arrested at the Murtala Muhammed International Airport, Ikeja, Lagos, upon arrival from Brazil via Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, aboard an Ethiopian Airlines flight on Thursday, June 11, 2026. A thorough search of his luggage led to the recovery of 14 towels and shirts, all soaked in liquid cocaine, dried and well ironed.”
He said the suspect reportedly told investigators that he had lived in Brazil for over 14 years, where he runs an African restaurant.
“The suspect claims he has lived for over 14 years in Brazil, where he runs an African restaurant. He added that he was in Nigeria to see his wife and buy foodstuff in bulk for his restaurant,” the statement read.