₦airaland Forum

Operatives of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency have arrested a 74-year-old man, Ikwuakalom Emeka, at the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport, Abuja, for allegedly attempting to smuggle 11 kilograms of cocaine concealed in food items while travelling to the United Kingdom.

The septuagenarian was apprehended at the departure hall while attempting to board British Airways flight BA082, bound for Heathrow, London, on Saturday, March 14, 2026.

According to a statement released on Sunday by the agency’s spokesman, Femi Babafemi, a search of Emeka’s luggage revealed blocks of cocaine wrapped in foil papers and balloons and concealed inside food items, including ground dry pepper.

“A 74-year-old grandpa, Ikwuakalom Nwakoro Emeka, has been arrested by operatives of the NDLEA at the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport, Abuja, after a large consignment of cocaine was discovered in foil papers and balloons concealed in his luggage. The septuagenarian, who claimed he was travelling to London, United Kingdom, for vacation, was arrested at the departure hall while attempting to board British Airways flight BA082 to Heathrow on Saturday, March 14, 2026.


“During a search of his luggage, blocks of cocaine weighing 11 kilograms were discovered concealed inside food items, including ground dry pepper, carefully wrapped in foil papers and balloons,” the statement partly read.

BayoBilisi:
https://punchng.com/ndlea-arrests-grandpa-with-cocaine-hidden-in-pepper-at-abuja-airport/

Artiiclebeast:
This is confusing and difficult to comprehend or believe.

Did he pack his bags himself and truly load them with the narcos, or was he taken advantage of with a promise of vacationing abroad?

If he is directly culpable in this, it is a huge shame on him. I have zero pity for him; I pray that he rots in jail for the remainder of his life for his choices, even at such an age.

What is he still looking for at 74 that he hasn't accomplished all these years?

11KG.

Whoever did this, in case this older man was taken advantage of, is the true definition of an "Enemy". It could turn out to be his children or other close family.

davillian:
I believe baba was used without
That was the first thing that came into my mind

koning:
This man I'm seeing in that picture CANNOT package 11 kg of coke for UK. He just cannot.

Whomever sponsored his vacation should be traced and arrested.

The man was set up and used. He was not aware of what he was carrying. Young men in their 20's and 30's cannot even move 11kg of coke across borders. Not to mention this confused man of 74 years.

NDLEA should do a thorough investigation.

BayoBilisi:
https://punchng.com/ndlea-arrests-grandpa-with-cocaine-hidden-in-pepper-at-abuja-airport/

Sccarrr:
Lol why d emphasis on the "grandpa" tho?... He sups get sense right?😹...
Anyways, when u jam elders from that particular side online insulting and cursing ppl that are young enough to be their grand children on the internet over tribe stuff....den u go understand they are all the same for that way, whether 15 or 90 years old.

hukslaw:
Even while posting the news, I believe the NDLEA should not have released the man’s name and picture until a thorough investigation had been carried out. Honestly, I think this baba may have been set up - possibly by one of his children or even the person who arranged the travel for him.

BayoBilisi:
https://punchng.com/ndlea-arrests-grandpa-with-cocaine-hidden-in-pepper-at-abuja-airport/

hukslaw:
Even while posting the news, I believe the NDLEA should not have released the man’s name and picture until a thorough investigation had been carried out. Honestly, I think this baba may have been set up - possibly by one of his children or even the person who arranged the travel for him.