Uchechi Sunday was apprehended on October 7 in a village in Abia State, where authorities found methamphetamine and synthetic cannabis strapped to her waist. The NDLEA spokesperson, Femi Babafemi, expressed disbelief at her continued involvement in drug activities at her age.
“At 83, most grandmothers are asking for rest. Not Mrs. Uchechi Sunday, who was arrested again… barely a year after she was nabbed, prosecuted, and convicted for the same offence,” Babafemi stated.
The agency reported that Uchechi Sunday was caught with two grams of cannabis and seven grams of meth following a tip-off from the public. This incident showcases the ongoing drug trafficking challenges in Nigeria, which is often viewed as a hub for drugs destined for other countries.
A 2024 report by the UN Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC) highlighted that heroin and methamphetamine from Asia transit through West Africa, further complicating the local drug landscape.
Last year, Uchechi Sunday was convicted alongside her 32-year-old daughter for possessing meth, tramadol, fresh cannabis leaves, and synthetic cannabis. She pleaded guilty and opted for a 200,000 naira ($150) fine instead of serving a year in prison.
However, it seems that the fine did little to deter her, as Babafemi described her as “notorious” for returning to drug trafficking shortly after her release. He claimed she escalated her criminal activities by allegedly setting up a drug joint that attracted dangerous individuals.
The NDLEA continues to face challenges in combatting drug-related crimes, especially as high-profile cases like Uchechi Sunday’s draw public attention to the issue. As authorities work to address the drug crisis, they remain vigilant against repeat offenders.
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