The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) has launched a manhunt for Sowunmi Ayodeji Kayode, a Lagos-based drug dealer in the Lekki area, who is reportedly evading authorities after injuring one of its officers during an attempt to evade arrest.
According to Femi Babafemi, the NDLEA spokesperson, the incident happened when operatives conducted a search and potential arrest at Kayode’s residence in Lekki on August 18, following intelligence indicating his involvement in illicit drug activities.
“Anti-narcotics officers of the agency had on Friday 18th August stormed the residence of the wanted drug dealer located at 2/3 Adetola Ayeni close, Lekki, Lagos for a search and possible arrest following credible intelligence that he was dealing in illicit drugs in his house,” Babafemi said in a statement.
“Although he was not in the house when operatives got into his compound, he however returned while a search of his apartment was ongoing.
“In a dramatic twist, as soon as he drove into the premises and sighted NDLEA officers, he engaged his car in reverse gear, knocked down one of the officers, pulled down his gate before plunging the vehicle into the fence of the opposite compound.
“The force of his car’s speed also pulled down the concrete wall of his neighbour’s compound and from there he dived out of the vehicle to escape,” Babafemi said.
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He further said a thorough search of his apartment however led to the recovery of 10.5kgs of Loud, while the operative knocked down suffered multiple injuries all over his body and compound fracture on his two legs, for which he is currently on hospital admission for treatment.
In response to this incident, NDLEA’s Chairman/Chief Executive Officer, Brig. Gen. Mohamed Buba Marwa (Retd), ordered the deployment of operational assets to locate and apprehend the fugitive suspect.
Marwa also approved comprehensive medical care for the injured officer to ensure a swift recovery.
