The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) has arrested a former international footballer, Segun George Hunkarin, and his associate, Ntoruka Emmanuel Chinedu, over an alleged attempt to smuggle cocaine into Nigeria through the Murtala Muhammed International Airport (MMIA), Lagos.
In a statement released by NDLEA spokesperson Femi Babafemi, the suspects were apprehended after Chinedu arrived in Lagos from Turkey via Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, on June 24. During a routine search, NDLEA operatives reportedly discovered 800 grams of cocaine hidden in 37 wraps inside his carry-on luggage.
Chinedu, described as a frequent flyer who regularly transports goods between Turkey and Nigeria, was immediately taken into custody. Subsequent investigations led agents to the airport car park, where Hunkarin was allegedly waiting to receive the illicit consignment.
“Hunkarin, who spent several years in Brazil playing professional football, was arrested at the car park following intelligence linking him to the smuggling attempt,” Babafemi stated.
According to the NDLEA, Hunkarin admitted during interrogation that he had previously trafficked cocaine twice from Brazil to Ethiopia but denied ever bringing drugs into Nigeria.
The agency said further investigations are ongoing, and both suspects remain in custody pending prosecution.
