Operatives of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) have arrested at the Murtala Muhammed International Airport, Lagos, a widower, Ariyibi Olaseinde, and a divorcee, Silifat Akanbi, with 14.4 kilogrammes of cocaine concealed in lace and Ankara fabrics while attempting to take it to Saudi Arabia for lesser hajj. THIS DAY reports.Information Guide Nigeria

In to a statement presented by the spokesman of the anti-narcotics agency, Femi Babafemi, Ariyibi was intercepted last Thursday at the screening point of MMIA Terminal 2 during outward clearance of Qatar Airways passengers travelling from Lagos via Doha to Medina, Saudi Arabia, when his carry-on bag was checked, four sets of white lace material with linings of substance that tested positive to cocaine weighing 11.5 kilogrammes were discovered.

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Babafemi said the suspect, who alleged to be a widower and an advertising practitioner, revealed that his original plan was to ingest the drugs but had to change his mind after failed attempts to swallow bitter cola, which he was using to practice the process. He is expected to be paid N1.8 million upon successful delivery of the consignment in Medina, Saudi Arabia.NYSC Portal

The spokesman said the previous day, the NDLEA officers at the Terminal 2 of the airport also arrested Mrs. Silifat Akanbi with 2.9 kilogrammes cocaine during outward clearance of Qatar Airways passengers from Lagos via Doha to Jedda, Saudi Arabia, noting that a search of her hand luggage led to the discovery of six sheets of cocaine weighing 2.9 kilogrammes concealed in Ankara fabrics.

He said preliminary investigation revealed that the suspect is a divorcee and a trader, who used to hawk clothes around Awoyaya area of Ajah, Lagos. He added that based on information in her statement, a follow-up operation that lasted through the night into the early hours of last Thursday was carried out, during which the person who recruited her, Alhaji Adebayo Wasiu, was arrested at No 28, Olateju Street, Mushin, Lagos. Adebayo is the managing director of B&T Travel Agency.JAMB Result