On Wednesday, July 9, a significant victory in Nigeria’s drug war was achieved when agents of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) apprehended Okechukwu Izugha, also known as Okey Omeogo, a wanted drug lord who had been hiding for more than a year. After a well-planned sting operation by the NDLEA’s Special Operations Unit, Izugha was captured at his wife’s beverage shop at Ijesha Market in Lagos.
Since August 7, 2024, when his identity came to light in relation to the seizure of nine kilograms of cocaine discovered on a suspect, Obiora Joseph Agudosi, at a car park in Orile, Lagos, the fugitive has been on the agency’s radar.
The narcotic haul was reportedly destined for the southeastern region, and Izugha was later identified as the mastermind behind the shipment.
In a significant turn during the investigation, his wife, Maureen Izugha, was arrested on January 21, 2025, with 500 grams of cocaine concealed in her beverage store at the same Ijesha Market. She was subsequently tried, convicted, and sentenced to two years in prison.
Despite his low profile and attempts to evade arrest, Izugha unknowingly returned to familiar territory, leading to his dramatic capture. NDLEA officials say the operation is part of a wider crackdown on drug trafficking syndicates operating within and outside Lagos.
The agency confirmed that the suspect is currently in custody and will face prosecution in accordance with Nigerian drug laws.
