The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency has recorded a major breakthrough with the arrest of Lekan Jimoh, also known as “Kanmo-Kanmo,” a notorious drug trafficker who had evaded capture for 12 years over the killing of three NDLEA officers.
Jimoh was arrested on Friday after NDLEA tactical operatives tracked him to a hideout in Owode, Ogun State. His arrest brings an end to a long manhunt marked by violent confrontations, narrow escapes and large-scale drug operations.
Confirming the development on Sunday, NDLEA Director of Media and Advocacy, Femi Babafemi, disclosed that 69 kilograms of skunk were recovered from the suspect at the time of his arrest.
The agency described Jimoh as a hardened drug kingpin known for resisting arrest and mobilising armed thugs against security operatives. His most notorious crime dates back to June 15, 2014, when NDLEA officers attempting to apprehend him were attacked by a mob allegedly organised by him. The attack led to the killing of three officers, including Rabiu Usman Kazaure. Although Jimoh escaped during the incident, the agency vowed to pursue him relentlessly.
He again evaded arrest on August 12, 2023, when NDLEA operatives raided his residence in Ado-Odo, Ogun State. While he fled the scene, officers recovered 139 sacks of skunk weighing 1,922 kilograms. The property, which reportedly served as a warehouse for his drug business, was later forfeited to the Federal Government following court proceedings.
NDLEA said Jimoh’s arrest underscores its resolve to ensure that fugitives are eventually brought to justice, regardless of how long they remain on the run.
Meanwhile, the agency also recorded several other arrests and seizures across the country. In Edo State, operatives raided the Arokpa forest in Uzebba town, Owan West Local Government Area, arresting 53-year-old Isihor Edika and seizing 320 kilograms of skunk and cannabis seeds.
In the Federal Capital Territory, a 44-year-old woman, Yinka Agboola, was arrested following intelligence on her online sale of illicit drugs. A search of her Kaura residence led to the recovery of 2.2 kilograms of skunk and litres of cannabis oil allegedly produced in her kitchen. Another suspect, Tordue Pius Richard, 30, was arrested in Abacha Estate, Abuja, with cocaine and skunk.
In Lagos, NDLEA operatives seized 118.1 kilograms of skunk from two suspects in the Fadeyi area of Mushin, while another 116 kilograms were recovered from a warehouse in the New Market area of Enugu State.
Along the Onitsha–Asaba expressway in Delta State, two suspects were intercepted while transporting large quantities of tramadol, codeine syrup, diazepam, swinol and molly.
In Oyo State, arrests were made in Ibadan with large volumes of skuchies, colorado and other cannabis products recovered, while more than 52,000 pills of tramadol and bromazepam were seized from a store whose owner is currently at large.
In Kwara State, NDLEA operatives raided a residence in Ilorin, recovering 42 bags of skunk weighing over 387 kilograms. At the Apapa Port in Lagos, a joint operation uncovered over 157,000 bottles of codeine syrup concealed in a container.
In Jigawa State, an ex-convict and his accomplice were arrested after the suspect attempted to escape by jumping across rooftops and attacking operatives with a machete, injuring one officer before he was subdued.
Commending officers involved in the various operations, NDLEA Chairman and Chief Executive Officer, Brigadier General Mohamed Buba Marwa (rtd), praised their dedication and described Jimoh’s arrest as a victory for justice, warning drug traffickers and fugitives that no one is beyond the reach of the law.
