A Lagos socialite, Mrs. Fumilola Arike Ogbuaya, a.k.a. Arike Fumilola Ogundipe who was declared wanted by the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) for alleged exportation of 1.595 kilogrammes of cocaine to Saudi Arabia in February 2017 has turned in herself to the agency.
Spokesman for NDLEA, Mr. Mitchell said the suspect reported at the agency’s office at the international wing of the Murtala Mohammed Airport Command, Lagos in response to the manhunt for her in relation to the investigation of one Odeyemi Omolara Morayo a.k.a. Ariyo Monsurat Olabisi who was caught with cocaine on her way to Saudi Arabia.
He said the agency had secured an interim forfeiture order for several assets worth billions of naira belonging to Ogbuaya after she rebuffed the agency’s invitation.
In his reaction, the chairman/chief executive officer of NDLEA Col. Muhammad Mustapha Abdallah (retd.) assured that investigation on the matter would continue.
“The Agency is working for a final forfeiture order on the landed properties worth several billions of naira traced to Ogbuaya in Lagos, Ogun and Osun states. The assets include Arike Plaza, some plots of land and buildings in strategic locations.
“It is good that she has reported to the Agency and investigation is ongoing. The NDLEA remain committed to her statutory functions in the campaign against drug cultivation, trafficking and abuse.
“We are also working to prevent drug cartels from enjoying the proceeds of illicit drugs. Sequel to the investigation of assets traced to the suspect, the Agency has secured an interim forfeiture while efforts are ongoing to get a final forfeiture,” he said.
He noted that noted that asset forfeiture is an important requirement in the NDLEA Act and assured that no stone shall be left unturned in the fight to incapacitate drug traffickers.
