In a surprising turn of events, operatives from the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) have apprehended an 80-year-old grandfather, Pa Aremu Shojobi, in connection with drug trafficking. The arrest took place on Friday, September 20, 2024, in the Iyana Ipaja area of Lagos, where Pa Aremu was caught with 14 kilograms of cannabis in his home.
According to the NDLEA’s spokesperson, Femi Babafemi, the elderly man admitted to being involved in the illegal drug trade for the past 25 years. Pa Aremu explained that he sourced his cannabis from Benin Republic, a neighboring country, and sold the drugs from his residence in Lagos. He reportedly ran his illicit business daily from 7 AM to 10 PM.
This arrest highlights the disturbing reality of drug dealing networks in Lagos, involving not only young people but also elderly individuals. Despite his advanced age, Pa Aremu had been operating undetected for over two decades, raising concerns about how extensive drug operations may be in parts of Nigeria.
The NDLEA’s Lagos State Strategic Command carried out the operation after receiving intelligence reports about drug dealings in the Iyana Ipaja area. Upon raiding Pa Aremu’s home, officers discovered a significant stash of cannabis weighing 14 kilograms. Pa Aremu was immediately arrested and taken into custody for further questioning.
In his statement, Pa Aremu expressed no regret about his involvement in the drug trade, claiming that he had been a reliable dealer to his customers for over 25 years. His primary source of drugs, he said, came from the Benin Republic, and he had established a routine where his customers would come to his residence for their supplies between morning and night.
This arrest brings attention to the role of elderly individuals in the drug trade, which often goes unnoticed. It also sheds light on the supply chain from neighboring countries like Benin Republic, which feeds the Nigerian drug market. The NDLEA’s continued efforts to dismantle these networks are essential to reducing the prevalence of drugs in Lagos and the rest of Nigeria.
Moreover, the arrest of Pa Aremu serves as a warning to others involved in the illegal drug trade. Age and long-term involvement in these criminal activities do not grant immunity from the law. The NDLEA remains determined to tackle drug-related crimes in all areas, including remote neighborhoods like Iyana Ipaja.
The NDLEA is responsible for combating drug trafficking and abuse in Nigeria. Their operations target both drug users and dealers, aiming to reduce the availability of illegal substances in the country. The agency works closely with international partners to control cross-border drug smuggling, as seen in Pa Aremu’s case, where cannabis was transported from Benin Republic.
In recent years, the NDLEA has made several high-profile arrests, seizing large quantities of illicit drugs and shutting down drug trafficking rings. However, the arrest of an 80-year-old man who had been in the business for 25 years highlights the persistent challenges the agency faces in curbing drug-related activities in Nigeria.
