The arrest of 25-year-old Nigerian citizen, Ifeoluwa Akinwunmi, in India has sparked renewed concerns about the growing number of young Nigerians becoming entangled in international drug trafficking rings, most especially under dubious circumstances.
Akinwunmi, described as a hairstylist and nail technician, was apprehended last Tuesday by India’s Central Crime Branch Anti-Narcotics Wing in Bengaluru.
She was intercepted at Tarahunase village, along Rajanukunte Main Road, shortly after arriving from Delhi carrying a suspicious bag.
Upon inspection, officers discovered 5.325 kilograms of MDMA crystals, a powerful synthetic drug commonly known as ecstasy, concealed within 11 newly purchased churidars, a traditional Indian outfit.
Authorities disclosed that the drugs have an estimated street value of over N1.8 billion.
According to Indian police, Akinwunmi was acting as a courier and was scheduled to hand over the illicit consignment to an unidentified group of African nationals believed to be part of a wider drug network.
Surveillance teams reportedly spotted four men on two scooters in the vicinity, but the exchange never occurred.
She was arrested at the scene while still in possession of the drugs.
Investigators said the suspect claimed she traveled to India with the intention of starting a beauty salon business.
However, her arrest has now led to charges under India’s Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances (NDPS) Act of 1985 and the Foreigners Act of 1946.
Under Section 23 of the NDPS Act, those found with commercial quantities of banned substances face a minimum of 10 years and up to 20 years in prison, along with heavy financial penalties.
The Foreigners Act also empowers Indian authorities to deport non-citizens involved in criminal activities after serving their sentences.
Akinwunmi’s case comes shortly after another Nigerian national, Emmanuel Bediako (alias Maxwell), was arrested in Telangana for alleged involvement in a separate drug trafficking operation—deepening concerns among Nigerian communities abroad about the exploitation and criminalization of young migrants.
Advocacy groups have expressed alarm over the frequency of such arrests and the possibility that some of the individuals involved may have been coerced, deceived, or trafficked under false pretenses.
They are urging the Nigerian government to intensify awareness campaigns and support systems for citizens seeking opportunities abroad.
