NDLEA uncovers N5bn cocaine stash in Lagos children’s room
A major drug bust by the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) led to the arrest of Shodunke Simbiat and the recovery of cocaine worth over N5bn from her Lagos apartment on December 9, 2025. The drugs were found hidden in her children’s room, following weeks of surveillance. NDLEA also made several other arrests and seizures across Nigeria in the same period. The agency commended its officers for their vigilance during the festive season.
What happened
- Shodunke Simbiat, 39, was arrested in Surulere, Lagos, with 23.5kg of cocaine hidden in her children’s room on December 9, 2025.
- The cocaine, valued at over N5bn, was part of a larger syndicate bust that included earlier seizures from a couple, Bolanle Lookman Dauda and Olayinka Toheebat Dauda, in May 2024.
- Additional arrests included a businessman, Nwanwene Robinson Destiny, caught at Lagos airport with over 1,000 opioid pills, and a Beninese national, Leocardi Josu, nabbed at Seme border with 3,400 Tramadol tablets.
- NDLEA operatives also seized large quantities of cannabis and other drugs in Kogi, Oyo, and Osun States, arresting several suspects between December 17–19, 2025.
- NDLEA Chairman, Mohamed Buba Marwa, praised the officers for their professionalism and urged continued vigilance during the holidays.
