The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) has apprehended two individuals posing as Muslim pilgrims en route to Saudi Arabia for the annual Hajj, who were caught attempting to smuggle cocaine. NDLEA Chairman and Chief Executive Officer, Brigadier General Buba Marwa (retd.), disclosed this development during the opening of the Inter-Ministerial Committee on Drug Control meeting held in Abuja on May 29, 2025.
According to Brig. Gen. Marwa, the suspects had ingested cocaine and disguised themselves as pilgrims intending to perform the holy rites. He expressed concern over the disturbing trend of criminal elements exploiting religious pilgrimages like Hajj to traffic drugs internationally. Marwa cited past incidents, including the case of three women who were unknowingly used as drug couriers. “Two years ago, three women were deceived. They were promised fully-paid trips for Hajj and given bags to deliver to so-called relatives. Cocaine had been hidden in the bag linings without their knowledge,” he explained.
Representing the Attorney General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Prince Lateef Fagbemi (SAN), the Director of Public Prosecution, Mr. Mohammed Abubakar, expressed optimism about the positive impact of the NDLEA Act amendment. He emphasized the Justice Ministry’s collaboration with the NDLEA to strengthen legal frameworks, including efforts in managing proceeds of crime to disrupt drug trafficking networks.
