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2 clusters · 2 sources · 30 days · First seen · Last updated

Cocaine trafficking prosecutions in Nigeria

Overview

Federal High Courts in Lagos have been processing cases involving large-scale cocaine importation and exportation intercepted by the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA).

In one instance, former footballer Segun George Hunkarin and fugitive Ntoruka Emmanuel Chinedu were sentenced to a combined 24 years in prison. Chinedu, who had been at large for nearly a decade after fleeing bail, was rearrested in June 2025 while attempting to smuggle cocaine via an Ethiopian Airlines flight. Hunkarin was also convicted for his role in a shipment of approximately 800 grams.

In a separate case, 70-year-old Barek Mary Yetunde was remanded in custody following allegations of transporting and attempting to export 13 kilograms of cocaine. The incident reportedly occurred in June 2026 at Murtala Muhammed International Airport, with the narcotics allegedly destined for the United Kingdom via a Virgin Atlantic flight. Yetunde has pleaded not guilty to the charges.

Entities

Murtala Muhammed International Airport · National Drug Law Enforcement Agency · Barek Mary Yetunde · Nigerian Correctional Service · Segun George Hunkarin

Timeline

  1. 19 days ago

    [CRIME] 2 sources
    Lagos court remands woman over alleged 13kg cocaine export

    A Lagos court has remanded 70-year-old Barek Mary Yetunde in custody following charges of attempting to export 13kg of cocaine from Nigeria to the United Kingdom.

  2. about 2 months ago

    [CRIME] 11 sources
    Nigeria courts jail ex‑footballer and drug kingpin for cocaine importation

    Nigeria’s Lagos court sentenced ex‑footballer Segun Hunkarin and drug kingpin Ntoruka Chinedu to 24 years for importing roughly 7 kg of cocaine, after NDLEA arrests and a 10‑year flight‑away.

Sources

latestnigeriannews.com · thisdaylive.com