ASHENEWS reports that the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLE) says it has seized a multi-million-naira mansion belonging to a convicted drug baron, Okenwa Chris Nzewi.
The NDLEA in a statement issued by its Director, Media and Advocacy, Femi Babafemi said that the mansion has been forfeited to the Federal Government following his successful prosecution and conviction in court.
The NDLEA said that the house, located at K-5A/2 Road 14, Victoria Garden City (VGC) estate, Lekki area of Lagos according to the NDLEA was used as clandestine laboratory for the production of methamphetamine.
“Okenwa was arrested along with his associate, Sunny Okeh Ukah on 30th July 2022 and subsequently arraigned on four counts in charge number FHC/L/527C/2022 at the Federal High Court, Lagos.
“They both pleaded guilty on 17th July, 2023, while they were convicted and sentenced to four and three years imprisonment each with an option of fine of four million (N4,000,000) naira and three million (N3,000,000) naira respectively in addition to community service for four and three weeks each.
“His vehicle marked EKY 496 DJ was equally forfeited to the Federal Government.
“To further deny him of enjoying the proceeds of his criminal activity, the NDLEA filed a civil forfeiture charge against the building used as clandestine laboratory at the Federal High Court Lagos which initially granted an interim forfeiture order that elapsed on 6th December before the final forfeiture on 7th December 2023.”
The NDLEA added that its operatives also arrested a 75-year-old grandma, Mrs. Sekinat Soremekun for dealing in illicit drugs.
“At the time of her arrest in Oshodi area of Lagos, quantities of cannabis and litres of codeine syrup were recovered from her.
“She claimed her son, Segun who is now at large supplied her the illicit substances which she retailed.”
