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| Michael Okafor |
The desperation for a comfortable life on earth have led many to enter into illegal business but the question here is whether it is legal or illegal,It does not actually bring the peace and serenity humans crave for. It is something that one needs to reconcile with its inner soul.
Three South Africa-based Nigerians, among them a mother of
seven, have been arrested by operatives of National Drug Law Enforcement
Agency, NDLEA, with drugs suspected to be methamphetamine, with an estimated street value at N374 million.
Also arrested was a 44-year-old Asaba-based music producer,Michael Okafor pictured above
whose alleged attempt to smuggle 4.95kg of substance suspected to be cocaine
into the country was foiled. The suspects, who were arrested at Murtala Mohammed
International Airport,
MMIA, Lagos,
allegedly concealed the substance in security
lamps, silicon sealants and foodstuff.
The NDLEA airport Commander, Mr. Hamza Umar, said: “Those
apprehended are Chukwuenyem, 48 years old, with 21.695kg of methamphetamine hidden inside his bag; Kelvin, 37,
caught with 9.980kg of methamphetamine hidden inside solar security lamps;
Deborah, 40, found with 5kg of methamphetamine hidden inside foodstuff and
Michael, 44, with 4.95kg of cocaine hidden inside silicon sealants.
“Apart from Michael, who was coming from Sao
Paulo, Brazil,
with 4.95kg of cocaine, the other three suspects were trying to smuggle
methamphetamine to South
Africa where they reside.”
Suspects’ stories
During interrogation, Chukwuenyem, a father of three, said
he was lured into drug trafficking on his birthday.
According to him, “I struggled to feed my family by selling
foodstuff. At present, my capital is so small that the business is near
moribund. A friend met me on my birthday and introduced me into drug
trafficking.
“He promised to pay me 15,000 South African Rand. My
children are out of school because of my inability to pay tuition fee. This is
my first time of dealing in drugs and I regret everything. I pray to be out of
this problem.”
On his part, 37-year-old Kelvin, also blamed his indulgence
on his poor living condition
back in South Africa.
He said: “I reside in South Africa where I import and
export phones and clothes. I have five children from three women. My business
is grounded and I now live from hand to mouth.
“A friend in South
Africa gave me the solar lamp where the drug
was found. He used to assist me financially and he also promised to pay my
children’s school fees.”
Deborah, the mother of seven, said she was given the drugs
by a man she sought financial assistance from.
According to her, “I have seven children and I take care of
them from the sales of foodstuff. I came to Nigeria to buy foodstuff such as
melon, vegetables and other local spices.
“There is a man in South Africa that I went to request
for financial assistance to enable
me expand my business. He told me that somebody would give me some food items
for him.
“When I got to the airport, NDLEA officers detected
methamphetamine in the package given to me by the man. This was how I found
myself in this situation.”
Michael, who was on his way from Brazil
also claimed he was given a bag in Brazil without the slightest
inkling of its content.
He said: “I am a music producer. I travelled to Brazil to
promote my music label and to partner other producers. I had a successful deal
but on my way back, I accepted a bag from a friend I met in Sao
Paulo to take to Nigeria.
“When I got here, NDLEA demanded to search and 29 out of the
34 sealants were found to contain cocaine. This is a major setback for my
career and I feel very bad.”
Three South Africa-based Nigerians, among them a mother of
seven, have been arrested by operatives of National Drug Law Enforcement
Agency, NDLEA, with drugs suspected to be methamphetamine, with an estimated street value at N374 million.
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