The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) has arrested an 83-year-old woman, Uloma Uchechi Sunday, for the second time over alleged drug trafficking after operatives recovered consignments of methamphetamine and Colorado concealed around her waist, barely a year after she was convicted of a similar offence.
The octogenarian was arrested on Wednesday, October 7, 2026, at her residence in Ite-Uzo, Umuaguma, Obingwa Local Government Area of Abia State, following intelligence reports that she operated a notorious drug joint allegedly harbouring criminal elements terrorising the community.
According to the Director of Media and Advocacy of the NDLEA, Femi Babafemi Sunday, the drugs were tied around her waist with a wrapper when operatives apprehended her during the raid.
Uloma was first arrested on May 17, 2025, alongside her 32-year-old daughter, Chisom Uchechi, at the same residence, where operatives recovered 50 grammes of methamphetamine, 522 grammes of skunk, 260 grammes of fresh cannabis leaves and 12 grammes of tramadol.
The two women pleaded guilty to the charges against them and were sentenced to 12 months’ imprisonment or an option of a ₦200,000 fine each. They paid the fines and were subsequently released.
However, the agency said the elderly woman returned to the drug trade after her release and allegedly established a drug joint where she accommodated individuals described as dangerous criminal elements.
In Cross River State, NDLEA operatives arrested a 46-year-old suspect, Adama Inuwa, and seized 1,100 kilogrammes of cannabis sativa and 17.15 kilogrammes of cannabis seeds.
The arrest followed surveillance operations in Iyala Nkun village, Ikom Local Government Area, on Sunday, October 4.
In Edo State, operatives intercepted a black Toyota Camry conveying 1,049 blocks of compressed cannabis weighing 702.83 kilogrammes at Otuo, Owan East Local Government Area, on Monday, October 5.
Three suspects — Monday Orji, 52; Monday Lawal, 40; and Precious Uduegele, 20 — were arrested in connection with the seizure.
In a separate operation in Benin City, operatives arrested 26-year-old Ojugo Mercy at Asoro, off Sakponba Road, with 989 grammes of Loud, 13 grammes of Colorado and 83 grammes of methamphetamine.
The seizures and arrests formed part of the agency’s ongoing operations against drug trafficking and the distribution of illicit substances across the country.
