Property Mogul Kolapo Raji nabbed by NDLEA over 89.20kg Cannabis

By Kazeem Ugbodaga

The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) has arrested the Chairman/Chief Executive Officer of Trans Fortress Global Resources, a prominent real estate development firm, Mr Kolapo Oladapo Raji, over alleged involvement in illicit drug trafficking.

The arrest was disclosed in a statement issued on Sunday by the Agency’s spokesman, Femi Babafemi.

Babafemi said Raji had been on the NDLEA watchlist since 2025 following credible intelligence reports.

He stated that the 57-year-old alleged drug kingpin was apprehended at his Safe Court Apartment residence in Ikate, Lekki, Lagos, on Thursday, 12 February 2026, after sustained surveillance shortly after his return from the United Kingdom.

Babafemi disclosed that a search of the residence led to the recovery of four large bags containing parcels of Canadian Loud, a potent strain of cannabis, with a total weight of 89.20kg.

“Also recovered from him at the point of his arrest was a 2024 model Toyota Hilux. In his statement, he claimed he got involved in the illicit drug trade after financing some consignments for his overseas associate.

“He said hundreds of millions of naira paid to him as profit by his associate motivated him to establish his own independent drug distribution channel,” Babafemi said.

Meanwhile, Babafemi noted that NDLEA operatives recorded multiple seizures across the country during the week under review.

In Lagos, he said Ugwuja Kingsley was arrested with 56kg of skunk at Agbara on Thursday, 19 February, while Ekwe Arinze was apprehended with 76kg of the same substance at a motor park in Oshodi on Tuesday, 17 February.

At the Port Harcourt Ports Complex, Onne, Babafemi said 170,900 bottles of codeine-based syrup were uncovered in a container during a joint examination conducted by NDLEA, Customs and other security agencies. He noted that the discovery followed processed intelligence and a request by the Agency for a 100 per cent physical examination of the shipment.

In Kogi State, Babafemi stated that 7,300 pills of tramadol 225mg concealed in two sound systems were recovered along the Okene/Lokoja highway during the search of a commuter bus travelling from Lagos to Kano on Sunday, 15 February. A follow-up operation in Zuba, Abuja, led to the arrest of two suspects linked to the consignment: Ezenma Kingsley, 26, and Ezeja Anthony, 29.

In Ondo State, Babafemi said Bright Timothy, 28, was arrested at Iju forest with 195kg of skunk and seeds, while Godwin Bernard was nabbed with 198kg of the same substance during a raid on their enclaves.

He added that in Bauchi State, a total of 936kg of skunk was seized from Yahaya Adamu Gimba, 48, in Azare town, Katagun LGA, while another 85.8kg was recovered from Yahaya Adamu Gimba and three others — Nasiru Suleman, 36; Abdul Umar, 25; and Musa Suleman, 21.

Babafemi said 37kg of skunk was also seized from Mgbeme Ejeoma, 34, in Ughelli, Delta State. In Edo State, he noted that operatives raided Etiosa camp in Owan West LGA, destroying 1,266.8475kg of skunk on three farms and recovering 23kg of processed cannabis. Two suspects, including a 68-year-old grandmother, Evelyn Ogenewu, and Friday Iruoje, 43, were arrested.

While commending officers and men of the various Commands for the arrests and seizures, NDLEA Chairman and Chief Executive Officer, Brig. Gen. Mohamed Buba Marwa (Rtd), said the operational successes reflect the Agency’s balanced approach to drug supply reduction and drug demand reduction efforts.