NDLEA Arrests Ex-Footballer Segun Hunkarin, Four Others Over 22.6kg Drug Seizure at Lagos and Enugu Airports
The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) has arrested former Nigerian footballer Segun Hunkarin and four other suspects in connection with the trafficking of 22.6 kilograms of cocaine. The arrests were made following separate drug seizures at the Murtala Muhammed International Airport (MMIA) in Lagos and the Akanu Ibiam International Airport (AIIA) in Enugu.
According to NDLEA spokesman Femi Babafemi, the operation resulted in the interception of multiple cocaine consignments smuggled through Nigeria’s two busiest international airports. One of the suspects, Ntoruka Emmanuel, was apprehended on arrival at Lagos airport with a significant quantity of cocaine in his possession.
The arrest of Segun Hunkarin took place shortly afterwards in the airport’s car park. He was allegedly waiting to receive the illicit drugs from Emmanuel. The NDLEA stated that Hunkarin, once a national sports figure, is now under investigation for his suspected leadership role in coordinating the drug trafficking ring.
Three additional suspects were also arrested as part of the same syndicate, although their identities have not yet been made public. All five individuals are being held pending further investigation and prosecution.
The NDLEA noted that the total weight of the seized drugs amounts to 22.6 kilograms of high-grade cocaine. The agency said this bust is part of ongoing intensified efforts to clamp down on drug trafficking activities through Nigeria’s borders, especially via major international airports.
In a statement released over the weekend, the NDLEA reiterated its commitment to dismantling drug cartels and prosecuting offenders regardless of their social status or background. “No one is above the law,” the statement read, adding that the agency’s renewed enforcement strategy has led to several high-profile arrests in recent months.
If convicted, the suspects could face lengthy prison terms under Nigeria’s drug trafficking laws, with penalties ranging up to 25 years imprisonment. Legal proceedings are expected to commence in the coming days, with the suspects likely to be arraigned before the Federal High Court.
The development has sparked widespread reactions, particularly given the involvement of a former sportsman, highlighting concerns over the growing number of public figures being implicated in narcotics-related crimes.
As investigations continue, the NDLEA has called on members of the public to remain vigilant and report any suspicious drug-related activities to the agency’s tip-off lines.
