Feb 22 • 00:37 UTC 🇳🇬 Nigeria Punch

Suspended Amotekun operative arrested over illicit drugs

A suspended Amotekun operative, Julius Ekujumi, has been arrested for being linked to the recovery of approximately 90 kilograms of illicit drugs in Ondo State, Nigeria.

Julius Ekujumi, a suspended member of the Ondo State Security Network known as Amotekun, was arrested by the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) due to his involvement in the trafficking of illicit drugs. This arrest occurred in Akure and is part of a larger investigation connected to a raid conducted in December 2025, which had already identified substantial illegal drug activities. During this raid, law enforcement officials discovered a variety of illicit substances, primarily cannabis sativa, hidden in several containers at Ekujumi’s shop.

The December operation reportedly unearthed around 84 kilograms of a liquid mixture of drugs, along with an additional four kilograms of cannabis, which was found in a bag during a search that included Ekujumi's wife, Modupe. Her presence during the discovery indicates the family ties and potential complicity in this case of drug trafficking. The NDLEA's spokesperson, Femi Babafemi, emphasized that Ekujumi’s arrest was a follow-up to these earlier significant drug seizures, showcasing the ongoing efforts of the agency to combat drug-related crimes in the region.

This case raises concerns about the influence of individuals within security networks like Amotekun in illegal activities, which can undermine public trust in such institutions. Ekujumi's status as a former operative adds another layer of complexity, as it questions the effectiveness of mechanisms in place to screen individuals in security positions against criminal activity. As investigations continue, this incident may lead to widespread scrutiny of drug enforcement and security collaborations in Nigeria as well as increased calls for reform in handling security personnel involved in criminal acts.

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