Drug suspect breaks through glass wall to evade arrest at Abuja airport

National Drug Laws and Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) on Monday rearrested a drug suspect Michael Nwobodo Alli, 31, after breaking through a glass wall in an attempt to escape at the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport (NAIA) Abuja.

He was found in possession of 81 pellets of hard drugs packed in a clean Parker Whisky carton along with boxes of chocolates in a duty free bag, spokesman of the anti-narcotic agency Ofoyeju Mitchell said in statement.

The arrest took place during screening of passengers on an Emirates airline flight from Dubai.

As soon as the drug was detected, the suspect took to his heels breaking through a glass wall but was pursued by narcotic officers and apprehended with the help of security officials at the airport. Preliminary investigation revealed that the suspect resides in Dubai where he works as a technician.

NDLEA commander at the Abuja airport, Mr. Hamisu Lawan said that the suspect sustained minor injuries in the process.

“During routine screening of passengers, the suspect Michael Nwobodo was found with drugs. He immediately started running and broke through a glass wall in an attempt to escape justice. Our officers ran after him and caught him with the help of other security officials at the airport. It is amazing that he could break through a glass wall but fortunately, he sustained minor injuries and had been treated,” Hamisu stated.

The suspect told investigators that he ran away because he was afraid of arrest. “I live and work in Dubai. I came to Nigeria for my father’s burial but decided to bring the drugs because I needed money. When the drug was discovered, I ran because I was afraid of arrest. I am ashamed of myself and do not know how to face my friends and relatives”. He hails from Enugu State.

NDLEA Chairman/Chief Executive, Col. Muhammad Mustapha Abdallah thanked the officers and members of the airport community for their efforts that led to his re-arrest. “I am pleased with this arrest. I thank the officers and members of the airport community for their support. We are prepared to track down drug traffickers and scuttle the activities of drug trafficking organizations,” Abdallah stated.

The suspect will soon be charged to court, the statement said.