Newlywed Arrested With 72 Cocaine Wraps, Says He Wanted To Offset Wedding Expenses

A 25-year-old businessman has been arrested by operatives of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) at the Akanu Ibiam International Airport in Enugu while allegedly attempting to smuggle cocaine to Portugal.

The suspect, identified as Lovely Chukwulobelu, was intercepted on Thursday, September 25, at the airport’s departure hall while preparing to board an Ethiopian Airlines flight to Portugal through Addis Ababa.

According to the NDLEA, officers discovered that Chukwulobelu had ingested the suspected cocaine. He was subsequently placed under observation, during which he expelled 72 wraps of the drug.

Suspect Links Alleged Crime To Wedding Expenses

Chukwulobelu reportedly told investigators that he previously operated a car decoration business around the Trade Fair Complex in Ojo, Lagos, before relocating to Portugal in May 2023.

He had recently returned to Nigeria and married on September 13, 2026.

According to the agency, the suspect said he became involved in the alleged drug trafficking in an attempt to recover expenses incurred during his wedding.

The NDLEA has not indicated the next stage of legal proceedings against him.

The case comes as the agency continues operations targeting attempts to move illicit drugs through Nigeria’s airports and other transportation routes.