Drug war: FG may ban Ethiopian Airline over NDLEA’s Indictment

There are strong indications that the Federal Government of Nigeria may soon ban and revoke the operating licence of Ethiopian Airline following the incessant cases of drug couriers regularly linked with the embattled airline. 

Recently, two suspected drug traffickers held by officials of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) blamed their friend for luring them into the criminal act.

Meanwhile, the agency, in a statement obtained by SHOWBIZPLUSng said Ethiopian airline has become synonymous with the illicit trade.

The men were apprehended for attempting to export 4.285kg of methamphetamine to India. According to spokesperson of the agency, Mitchell Ofoyeju, the arrests took place at the Murtala Mohammed International Airport (MMIA) Lagos, during routine search on passengers boarding Ethiopian airline flight to India. The substance that tested positive for methamphetamine is valued at 68.5 million Naira.
The drug according to the NDLEA Airport Commander, Mr. Hamza Umar was hidden inside a brown luggage. The names of the suspects are Eboro Joe Okwudili, 41 years old and Opara Daniel 30 years old. Hamza explained that “Eboro was the person travelling while Opara Daniel was assigned to monitor Eboro to avoid diversion of the drug. During screening, the drug was discovered in his luggage at the baggage checking desk”.
Eboro who sells clothes in Lagos said that the drug was given to him by a friend. “My friend lured me into drug smuggling because I requested for financial assistance. I spent all my savings on my pregnant wife’s hospital bills.
This affected my capital because I am a petty trader. Unfortunately, my friend said that he will help me only if I take a bag to India. He gave me 2,000 dollars and also paid for my return tickets. I have never been involved in drug smuggling”, Eboro who hails from Abia State stated. He is married with two children.
The second suspect, Opara Daniel also blamed his friend for his involvement in the criminal act. “My friend whom we call Chief called me to reserve an accommodation for Eboro. I have never met Eboro in my life before that call. The following day he called me again that I should give a bag to Eboro and go with him to the airport. This was what led to my arrest by NDLEA officers. I was directed by Chief to do what I did. That is the much I know”,  Opara stated. He hails from Anambra State, lives in Lagos, single and jobless.
Chairman of the NDLEA, Ahmadu Giade said that there is no escape route for drug traffickers. “We shall continue to monitor and prevent cases of drug trafficking in the country. Already, two suspects have been arrested in connection with this case and we are working hard to arrest others”, the NDLEA boss assured.