By Gabriel Ameh
Abuja — Operatives of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) have arrested notorious drug kingpin Lekan Jimoh, popularly known as “Kanmo-Kanmo,” bringing to an end a 12-year manhunt following the brutal killing of three NDLEA officers during an attempted arrest in 2014.
Jimoh was apprehended last Friday at his hideout in Owode Town, Ogun State, after NDLEA tactical teams tracked him through credible intelligence. A search of the premises led to the recovery of 69 kilograms of skunk, a potent strain of cannabis.
The arrest marks a major breakthrough in NDLEA’s long-standing pursuit of justice and underscores the agency’s resolve that fugitives, no matter how long they evade arrest, will eventually be brought to book.
In a statement issued on Sunday, NDLEA Director of Media and Advocacy, Femi Babafemi, described Jimoh as a violent drug trafficker with a history of mobilising armed thugs against law enforcement.
According to the agency, on June 15, 2014, Jimoh orchestrated a mob attack on NDLEA operatives who attempted to arrest him at his enclave. The attack resulted in the killing of three officers, including Rabiu Usman Kazaure, while the suspect fled the scene.
“Despite his escape, the agency remained resolute in seeking justice for its fallen officers,” the statement said.
NDLEA disclosed that in August 2023, operatives raided Jimoh’s residence in Ado-Odo, Ogun State, where he again escaped arrest, but 139 sacks of skunk weighing 1,922 kilograms were recovered. The property, used as a drug warehouse, has since been forfeited to the Federal Government following court proceedings.
Nationwide Operations Yield Massive Drug Seizures
In related operations across the country, NDLEA operatives recorded multiple arrests and seizures:
In Edo State, officers raided Arokpa Forest in Owan West LGA, arresting Isihor Edika (53) and seizing 320kg of skunk and cannabis seeds.
In the Federal Capital Territory, operatives arrested Yinka Agboola (44) in Kaura District for selling illicit drugs online. Recovered from her home were 2.2kg of skunk and quantities of cannabis oil.
Another suspect, Tordue Pius Richard (30), was arrested in Abuja with cocaine and skunk.
In Lagos, 118.1kg of skunk was seized in Mushin, while 157,519 bottles of codeine syrup were intercepted at the Apapa Port during a joint examination by NDLEA and other security agencies.
In Delta State, two suspects were arrested along the Onitsha–Asaba Expressway with large consignments of tramadol, codeine syrup, diazepam, swinol, and Molly pills.
In Oyo State, multiple arrests led to the seizure of skuchies, Colorado, Scottish Loud, tramadol, and bromazepam.
In Kwara State, NDLEA seized 387.4kg of skunk from a residential building in Ilorin.
In Jigawa State, ex-convict Gaddafi Ammani (26) and an accomplice were arrested after he attempted a violent escape, injuring an NDLEA officer.
NDLEA Reaffirms Commitment to Justice
Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of NDLEA, Brig.-Gen. Mohamed Buba Marwa (rtd), commended officers across Ogun, Lagos, Edo, Delta, Oyo, FCT, Enugu, Kwara and Apapa commands for their dedication.
Describing Jimoh’s arrest as a “triumph of justice,” Marwa said it sends a clear message to criminals.
“You may run, and you may hide for a season, but the long arm of the law will eventually catch up with you,” he said.
He noted that the arrest closes a painful chapter that began on June 15, 2014, adding that it honours the memory of the slain officers and brings long-awaited justice to their families.
“This is for the families who have waited 12 years. The NDLEA does not forget its own,” Marwa added.
Meanwhile, the agency continued its War Against Drug Abuse (WADA) sensitisation campaigns nationwide, reaching schools, worship centres and communities as part of efforts to curb substance abuse.
