By Our Reporter
The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) announced on Wednesday the arrest of Sulaiman Jimoh, also known as Temo, the leader of a drug cartel operating in Mushin, Lagos. Temo, who had been on the agency’s wanted list, was apprehended after evading arrest for a considerable period.
The arrest follows the recent capture of another drug baron, Joachin Mbonu, who was apprehended in his mansion in Imo State on July 12 after fleeing from South Africa.
NDLEA spokesperson Femi Babafemi reported that Temo was arrested at his hideout after initially resisting arrest along with his associates. Babafemi noted that Temo, also known by the alias Olowoidiogede, had long been considered untouchable but was finally captured at the age of 57.
Babafemi also revealed that NDLEA operatives had previously seized drugs worth billions of naira linked to Temo. In the past two years, the agency intercepted large quantities of illicit drugs attributed to him, leading to several gunfights between NDLEA operatives and Temo’s armed gangs in the Mushin area.
Additionally, two truckloads of the same substance weighing 8,852 kg were intercepted at Eleko Beach, Lekki, Lagos, on May 4, 2023, and 252 kg of Loud was seized from Temo’s hideout in Mushin on July 26, 2023.
Temo was eventually tracked to Igbarere Street in Mushin and apprehended on July 22. NDLEA operatives had to call for reinforcements when he attempted to escape in a Mercedes Benz SUV. Despite trying to mobilize local hoodlums to aid his escape, Temo was overpowered and arrested, and the vehicle was seized.
NDLEA Chairman/Chief Executive Officer Brig. Gen. Buba Marwa (retd) commended the officers and men involved in Temo’s arrest for their dedication and professionalism. He urged them to continue their efforts against drug cartels across the country.