From Musa Muhammad Kutama, Calabar
The Cross River State Command of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) has arrested a 52-year-old teacher, Mr. Onun Ikoli, and his wife, Mrs. Itam Onun, for allegedly possessing 360 bags of marijuana weighing 4.706 tonnes in Yakurr Local Government Area of the state..
Briefing journalists on Tuesday in Calabar, the NDLEA State Commander, Mr. John Anteyi, said the couple claimed that the drugs belonged to a tenant who has since fled.
When questioned on why she was in custody, Mrs. Onun said, “I was arrested and brought here because I am the landlady. My husband and I collected the sum of N50,000 for a single room from a tenant, unknown to us that he was a drug dealer.”
Commander Anteyi confirmed that the suspects denied involvement, insisting they had no knowledge that their tenant was using the premises for drug storage.
“As I speak, investigation is still ongoing,” Anteyi said. “The NDLEA Chairman, Rtd. Brigadier General Buba Marwa, is determined to bring this illicit trade to an end. Our ears are still on the ground to arrest more suspects.”
He also commended the Cross River State Governor for his continuous support to the agency, noting that the assistance has strengthened their operations in the state.