Ora Arinze, a Lagos-based auto spare parts dealer, has been sentenced to two and a half years in prison for attempting to export 300 grams of cocaine to Congo Brazzaville. He was arraigned before a Federal High Court in Lagos.
On Wednesday, September 11, 2024, operatives of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) intercepted a shipment at the export shed of Murtala Mohammed International Airport in Lagos. The cargo, which was being sent to Congo Brazzaville via Ethiopian Airlines, contained cartons of auto spare parts and Checkers Powder Custard.
A thorough search of the shipment led to the discovery of 300 grams of cocaine concealed inside the containers of the custard powder, which was packed alongside the auto parts.
A follow-up operation subsequently led to the arrest of the consignor, Ora Arinze, who operates an auto parts business at Shop 12, Block 7, Aspanda Trade Fair Auto Parts Wing, Amuwo Odofin, Lagos.
The charge, filed by NDLEA prosecuting counsel Barrister Bibiana Anagu, stated:
“That you, ORA ARINZE, Male, Adult, on or about the 11th day of September 2024, during the examination and clearing of cargo for export to Congo Brazzaville at the SAHCO Export Shed, a Customs area of Murtala Mohammed International Airport, Ikeja-Lagos, within the jurisdiction of this Honourable Court, did, without lawful authority, export 300 grams of cocaine, thereby committing an offence contrary to and punishable under Section 11(b) of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency Act, CAP N30, Laws of the Federation of Nigeria, 2004.”
Upon being read the charge, Arinze pleaded guilty. His defense counsel urged the court to show mercy, citing that the defendant had not wasted the court’s time by pleading guilty.
After consideration, the court sentenced Ora Arinze to two and a half years in prison.
