A 25-year-old businessman, Lovely Chukwulobelu, was apprehended by the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) at Akanu Ibiam International Airport (AIIA) in Enugu for attempting to smuggle 72 wraps of cocaine to Portugal. This incident occurred just weeks after his wedding, which he claims led him to engage in drug trafficking to cover his expenses.

Chukwulobelu, who was intercepted on September 25, 2026, was preparing to board an Ethiopian Airlines flight to Portugal via Addis Ababa when he was stopped by NDLEA officers. The authorities noticed that he was wearing his wedding ring while attempting to travel, raising suspicions about his intentions.

After his arrest, Chukwulobelu was placed under observation to monitor his excretion process. Over the course of several hours, he expelled a total of 72 wraps of the illegal substance, which is classified as a Class A drug.

Prior to this incident, Chukwulobelu had been involved in the car decoration business at the Trade Fair Complex in the Ojo area of Lagos. He had relocated to Portugal in May 2023 but returned to Nigeria to marry on September 13, 2026. In a statement, he explained that the financial burden of his wedding prompted him to resort to drug trafficking as a means of offsetting the costs incurred during the ceremony.

The NDLEA continues to combat drug trafficking in Nigeria, and this case highlights the lengths some individuals may go to in order to alleviate financial pressures. Authorities are urging the public to remain vigilant and report any suspicious activities related to drug trafficking in their communities.