Cross River teacher and wife arrested for possessing 360 marijuana bags

Report on the Arrest of Cross River Teacher and Wife for Possession of 360 Marijuana Bags

The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) in Cross River State has announced the arrest of a 52-year-old teacher, Mr. Onun Ikoli, and his wife, Mrs. Itam Onun, for allegedly possessing 360 bags of marijuana weighing approximately 4.706 tonnes.

The arrest took place in the Yakurr Local Government Area of the state, marking one of the largest seizures in recent times.

According to the NDLEA State Commander, Mr. John Anteyi, the couple was apprehended after the discovery of the massive haul of cannabis in their possession. During interrogation, the suspects claimed that the drugs belonged to a tenant who had absconded during the arrest. They insisted that they were unaware of the tenant’s involvement in drug trafficking and maintained that they had only collected a rent payment of N50,000 for a single room from him. Mrs. Onun explained that she was arrested simply because she was the landlady, while her husband emphasized that his “hands are clean”.

The NDLEA has confirmed that investigations are ongoing, with the agency determined to uncover the full network behind the illicit trade. NDLEA Chairman, Brigadier General Mohammed Buba Marwa (Retired), has reiterated the agency’s commitment to ending drug trafficking in Nigeria. Commander Anteyi further noted that the agency’s “ears are still on the ground” to ensure that more suspects connected to the case are apprehended.

In addition to the arrests, Commander Anteyi praised the Governor of Cross River State, Bassey Otu, for his support of the agency’s operations. He urged residents of the state to collaborate with the NDLEA by providing useful information that could lead to the arrest of individuals engaged in drug trafficking. 

This call for community cooperation highlights the broader strategy of the NDLEA, which relies not only on enforcement but also on public participation to curb the spread of illicit drugs.

The incident has sparked significant attention due to the sheer volume of marijuana seized. At 4.7 tonnes, the haul underscores the scale of cannabis trafficking in the region and the challenges faced by law enforcement agencies in combating the trade.

While the suspects continue to deny involvement, the NDLEA remains firm in its pursuit of justice, emphasizing that no stone will be left unturned in dismantling the networks responsible for such large-scale operations.

In conclusion, the arrest of Mr. Onun Ikoli and Mrs. Itam Onun represents a major development in the NDLEA’s fight against drug trafficking in Cross River State.

The case is still under investigation, and the agency has vowed to bring all those involved to justice.

The outcome of this case will likely serve as a test of the NDLEA’s resolve and as a warning to others engaged in the illicit drug trade.