Levi Ubodoeze, acclaim Lagos spare parts dealer, arrested for cocaine smuggling attempt

March 09, 2025

By Ayobami Deborah

Operatives of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) have apprehended Levi Ubodoeze, a Lagos-based automobile spare parts dealer, for attempting to export two kilograms of cocaine concealed in vehicle propellers to Angola.

According to Femi Babafemi, the agency’s Director of Media and Advocacy, Ubodoeze was caught after a three-week manhunt.

“Barely three weeks after launching a manhunt for him, operatives of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency have arrested automobile spare parts dealer Levi Chidiebele Ubodoeze over a recent attempt to export two kilograms of cocaine concealed in vehicle propellers to Angola,” Babafemi stated

The cocaine consignment was initially seized at a logistics company in Aspanda, Trade Fair Complex, Ojo area of Lagos on February 21, 2025.

Following this, Angolan authorities arrested the supposed recipient of the illicit drug, leading to the uncovering of Ubodoeze’s identity.

NDLEA operatives tracked Ubodoeze to his house in the Ago Palace Way area of Isolo, Lagos, where he was caught trying to escape in a KIA Sport Utility Vehicle.

A search of the vehicle led to the recovery of 75.50 kilograms of phenacetin, a cutting agent for cocaine, packaged and branded as semolina.

A digital scale used for weighing illicit drugs was also recovered from his house.

Ubodoeze confessed to his involvement in the cocaine trade while selling motor spare parts at Ladipo Market, Mushin, Lagos.

“He stated that the supposed recipient of the illicit consignment in Angola alerted him the moment he was arrested, hence his bid to evacuate his house and flee from the area shortly before NDLEA officers swooped on him,” the statement read

In a separate operation, NDLEA operatives intercepted a commercial truck in the Ojo area of Lagos State on March 7, leading to the arrest of two suspects, China Michael and Igbo Ekene.

The truck was transporting 248 compressed blocks of Ghanaian Loud, a potent strain of cannabis, weighing 128 kilograms

Additionally, three suspects — Osinachi Nwachukwu, Tochukwu Okafor Christian, and John Ugochukwu Mbakwe — were arrested at Mosalasi Junction, Mushin, with 301,600 pills of tramadol and other opioids.