The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency have arrested a traditional chief priest of the Igunuko Shrine, Bariu Aliu, in the Alpha Beach area of Ajah, Lekki, following a three-month manhunt.
Bariu, who is popularly known as “Malo,” was arrested after 2,760 kilograms of skunk were recovered from his shrine on October 25, 2024.
In a statement released by the spokesperson of the agency on Sunday, Femi Babafemi, revealed that two of Bariu’s colleagues had been arrested, charged, and convicted last year, the chief priest was identified as the leader of the drug syndicate operating from the shrine.
Babafemi stated, “In Lagos, the traditional chief priest of the Igunuko shrine at Alpha Beach, Ajah Lekki, where 2,760 kg of skunk was recovered on October 25, 2024, Bariu Aliu (alias Malo), has been arrested by NDLEA operatives after a three-month manhunt.
“Though two of his accomplices were arrested at the shrine last year and subsequently charged and convicted in court, Bariu was identified as the syndicate leader.”
He also disclosed that operatives intercepted a 40-foot trailer loaded with 2,217.6 kilograms of skunk, a strain of cannabis, during an intelligence-led operation in the Kagini area of Kubwa, Abuja.
Babafemi said, “A 40-foot trailer loaded with skunk, weighing 2,217.6 kilograms, was intercepted by NDLEA operatives while being distributed into six vehicles at an abandoned fuel station in Kagini, Kubwa, Abuja, for onward distribution to some northern states.
“The intelligence-led operation, which took place at 1:20 a.m. on Saturday, January 11, 2025, led to the seizure of the large illicit consignment, the trailer, six vehicles—comprising a Toyota Van, Toyota Camry, Toyota Sienna, a JAC 4-wheel-drive Hilux, a Toyota Corolla, and a Vento Passat—and the arrest of a suspect, 42-year-old Isaac Monday Desmond.
“The consignment was loaded onto the trailer at Uzebba in the Owan Local Council Area of Edo State.”
