NDLEA Nabs Former Ibeju-Lekki Councillor with 40kg of Skunk in Lagos Residence

Lagos, March 8, 2026 – In a shocking development that has sent ripples through political circles in Lagos State, operatives of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) have arrested Sheleru Sadiq Olalekan, a former two-term councillor at the Ibeju-Lekki Local Government Council, over his alleged involvement in illicit drug trafficking. The 45-year-old, who currently serves as a legislative aide, was apprehended following an intelligence-led operation at his residence in Ilado, Ibeju-Lekki.

According to a statement released on Sunday by NDLEA spokesperson Femi Babafemi, the arrest took place on Monday, March 2, 2026. During a meticulous search of the premises, anti-narcotic officers recovered 40 kilograms of skunk – a highly potent strain of cannabis – concealed in one of the rooms in his home. Skunk is known for its strong psychoactive effects and is increasingly becoming a concern in Nigeria’s fight against drug abuse.

In a voluntary statement provided after his arrest, Sheleru admitted ownership of the recovered drugs and the property where they were found. He further disclosed his political history, confirming that he had served two terms as a councillor representing the Orimedu community in the Ibeju-Lekki Local Government Area. “In his statement, Sheleru admitted ownership of the exhibit and the property where it was recovered,” Babafemi stated. “He said he had previously served two terms as a Councillor representing Orimedu community in Ibeju-Lekki local government council.”

This arrest comes amid intensified efforts by the NDLEA to clamp down on drug trafficking networks across the country. As previously reported by NaijaChoice News, the agency has been making significant strides in intercepting illicit substances in various disguises, including recent cases where drugs were hidden in baby diapers and even components for improvised explosive devices (IEDs) en route to terrorist groups. In the same operational sweep, NDLEA operatives intercepted other consignments, highlighting the diverse methods employed by traffickers to evade detection.

Sources close to the investigation suggest that the intelligence leading to Sheleru’s arrest was gathered over weeks, pointing to his alleged links to broader drug distribution rings in Lagos. The former councillor’s transition to a legislative aide role has raised questions about potential vulnerabilities in public service recruitment and oversight.

NaijaChoice News understands that Sheleru is currently in NDLEA custody, where further interrogations are ongoing to uncover any accomplices or supply chains connected to the seizure. The agency has reiterated its commitment to eradicating drug-related crimes, urging Nigerians to report suspicious activities.

This incident underscores the persistent challenge of drug trafficking in Nigeria, particularly in urban areas like Lagos, where economic pressures and political influences can sometimes intersect with criminal enterprises.