A self-proclaimed businessman Ezeokoli Sylva arrested in Lagos for smuggling 700g of cocaine into Nigeria

-Sylva imported drugs from São Paulo to Nigeria with the goal of reselling them to generate funds to grow his business.

December 01, 2024

By Samuel Ogunsona

A 59-year-old
man, Ezeokoli Sylva, was apprehended at Murtala Muhammed International Airport in Lagos for attempting to smuggle 700 grams of cocaine concealed in his stomach.

The arrest was made by operatives of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) on Friday, November 29, 2024.

According to Femi Babafemi, the spokesperson for the NDLEA, Sylva arrived in Lagos from São Paulo, Brazil, via an Ethiopian Airlines flight through Addis Ababa.

Following his arrival, a body scan revealed foreign objects in his stomach, prompting authorities to place him under excretion observation.

During the observation period, Sylva expelled 29 wraps of cocaine, which tested positive for the substance. In a statement, the NDLEA revealed that Sylva claimed to operate an African store in Brazil, selling provisions, shoes, and clothes.

However, Sylva admitted to purchasing the cocaine in São Paulo with the intention of reselling it in Nigeria to raise capital to expand his business.

The NDLEA spokesperson stated that Sylva had been based in Brazil for 35 years before his return to Nigeria.