Officers of Area K, Marogbo, Lagos State Police Command, have made a significant breakthrough in the fight against drug peddling, culminating in the arrest of Esther Obiekezie and the thwarting of a brazen attempt to bribe the police with a staggering sum of N4 million for her release.
According to the Force Public Relations Officer, ACP Olumuyiwa Adejobi, the Inspector-General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, commended the exemplary integrity displayed by the officers involved in the operation. SP Rilwan Kasumu and his team, part of the Police Tactical Team attached to Area K, Marogbo, were lauded for their steadfast refusal to succumb to corruption.
Esther Obiekezie, also known as Candy, aged 42, was apprehended at her residence on Mojirade Street, Ilogbo, Lagos, on February 6, 2024. The police discovered a substantial quantity of a drug known as ICE and recovered AK47 live ammunition from her possession.
During the investigation process, two individuals, identified as Akete Esther, aged 43, and Oke Okebalam, aged 49, both residents of Ajamgbadi, Lagos, approached the police station in Ijanikin. They attempted to secure the release of Esther Obiekezie and offered a staggering bribe of N4 million. Their plea included a request to cease interference in Esther’s illegal drug peddling activities.
However, the police officer in charge firmly rejected the illicit offer, seizing the cash and marking it as exhibit. Subsequently, Akete Esther and Oke Okebalam were arrested for further interrogation and subsequent prosecution.
This development underscores the relentless efforts of law enforcement agencies in combating drug-related crimes in Lagos State. It also serves as a stark warning to individuals involved in such illegal activities that attempts to subvert justice through bribery will be met with decisive action.
In a related development, operatives of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency recently intercepted large consignments of Ghanaian Loud smuggled into Lagos. The seizure, totaling 14,524.8 kilograms, and the arrest of a 66-year-old suspect, Nasiru Ojomu, further highlight the concerted efforts to dismantle drug trafficking networks operating within the state.