NDLEA decries plight of Nigerians on death row

• Intercepts 15.850kg of cocaine from Brazil

CHAIRMAN of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), Ahmadu Giade, has decried the unfortunate plight of some citizens who are awaiting execution for drug-related offences in Indonesia. 

   In spite of their deplorable condition and government’s efforts towards presidential clemency, he noted, the agency was still recording arrests of suspected drug traffickers.

   “It is sad that at a time the fate of some citizens is uncertain following their involvement in drug trafficking, we are recording new arrests,” he said. “Apart from the young man that imported 15.850kg of cocaine from Brazil, we recently apprehended six passengers going to Hong Kong in the same flight at the Abuja Airport. 

   “NDLEA will continue to work with the government towards ensuring that our citizens on death row in foreign countries get succour through presidential clemency.”

   In a statement from the NDLEA Head of Public Affairs, Ofoyeju Mitchell, Giade’s reaction followed the arrest of the 27-year-old Ilo Chidera Alex at the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport, Abuja, allegedly with 15.850kg of cocaine (with estimated value of N126 million) hidden inside make-up brushes. He was apprehended following the interception of the drugs inside his luggage while returning from Brazil.

   The suspect said he was stranded in Brazil, where eventually he took to drug trafficking.