Operatives of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) have arrested a female drug kingpin, Shodunke Yetunde Simbiat, in Lagos, recovering 23.5 kilograms of cocaine concealed in her children’s room, as the agency intensified nationwide operations against drug trafficking networks.
The arrest comes about 20 months after NDLEA dismantled a cocaine trafficking cartel led by Bolanle Lookman Dauda and his wife, Olayinka Toheebat Dauda, in Lagos and Ogun states. Shodunke, identified as a key member and stash keeper of the syndicate, had reportedly gone underground since May 2024 following the initial crackdown.
According to the agency, Shodunke, 39, was tracked to her residence at 31 Onasanya Street, Surulere, Lagos, where she was arrested on Tuesday, December 9, 2025. A search of her home led to the recovery of blocks of cocaine weighing 23.5kg hidden inside a black suitcase in her children’s room. She reportedly admitted ownership of the drugs, estimated to be worth over ₦5 billion in street value.
The earlier operation that exposed the syndicate took place on Saturday, May 25, 2024, when NDLEA operatives arrested Bolanle Lookman Dauda and his wife along the Lagos-Badagry Expressway while attempting to cross into Ghana. At the point of arrest, 47.5kg of cocaine were found on them, while a follow-up search of their residence in Agbara, Ogun State, yielded an additional 10kg, bringing the total seizure from the couple to 57.5kg.
Commending officers involved in the operations, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of NDLEA, Brig. Gen. Mohamed Buba Marwa (Rtd), urged personnel nationwide to remain vigilant during the festive season and maintain the highest standards of professionalism in both drug supply and demand reduction efforts.
