Compiled By: Malami Haruna Dogon daji
14 OCTOBER, 2026
Operatives of Nigeria’s anti-narcotics agency have re-arrested an 83-year-old woman in Abia State for alleged possession of illicit drugs, marking a stunning return to crime less than a year after her previous conviction.
The Re-Arrest in Abia State
The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) announced the re-arrest of Uloma Uchechi Sunday at her home in Ite-Uzo, Umuaguma, located in the Obingwa Local Government Area of Abia State on October 7, 2026. According to the agency, officers found quantities of methamphetamine and Colorado, a synthetic cannabinoid, concealed around her waist. The agency did not disclose the exact weight of the substances.
The NDLEA stated that intelligence reports triggered the operation, revealing that the elderly suspect was operating an active drug joint that allegedly harboured criminal characters terrorizing the local community. The arrest details were made public in a statement issued by the NDLEA Director of Media and Advocacy, Femi Babafemi.
A Familiar Path to Custody
This recent enforcement action follows a prior arrest on May 17, 2025, at the exact same residence, where she was nabbed alongside her 32-year-old daughter, Chisom Uchechi. During that initial raid, authorities recovered 50 grams of methamphetamine, 522 grams of skunk, 260 grams of fresh cannabis leaves, and 12 grams of tramadol.
Both women previously pleaded guilty in court and received 12-month prison sentences or an alternative fine of 200,000 naira each. The NDLEA confirmed that they paid the fines and secured their release, only for the principal suspect to allegedly resume illicit trade.
Official Statements and Context
NDLEA representatives expressed shock at the suspect’s persistence in the illegal trade given her advanced age.
“At 83, most grandmothers are asking for rest. Not Mrs Uloma Uchechi Sunday, who was arrested again… barely a year after she was nabbed, prosecuted and convicted for the same offence. Undeterred, the notorious old woman promptly returned to the criminal trade and escalated the scale by setting up a drug joint where she harbours dangerous characters.” — Femi Babafemi, NDLEA Director of Media and Advocacy
Note on Reporting: Official agency statements describe the seized materials as “quantities” without publishing exact weight figures for this specific 2026 operation. Available wire reports describe the substances without providing confirmed weight totals.
Context Box: Case Quick Facts
- Suspect: Uloma Uchechi Sunday (83 years old)
- Location: Ite-Uzo, Umuaguma, Obingwa LGA, Abia State
- Substances Involved: Methamphetamine and Colorado (synthetic cannabinoid)
- Previous Conviction: May 2025 (fined 200,000 naira in lieu of imprisonment)
- Agency Handling: National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA)
The Social Call-to-Action (CTA): What measures should local communities and law enforcement take to tackle repeat drug offences and protect vulnerable neighbourhoods? Share your thoughts on NTA’s digital channels! Facebook, X (Twitter)TikTok and Instagram – @NTANetwork
