In a significant crackdown on illicit drug operations, the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) has simultaneously dismantled a clandestine laboratory producing synthetic cannabis in Lagos and arrested a rising Afrobeats musician, Godspower George Osahenrumwen, popularly known as Steady Boy. The operations, which concluded around early November 2025, highlight a growing trend of local synthetic drug production and sophisticated concealment methods used by drug syndicates.
Synthetic Cannabis Lab Busted in Ajao Estate
Following months of intensive intelligence gathering and surveillance, NDLEA operatives on October 30, 2025, raided a residential building in Ajao Estate, Isolo, Lagos. The premises had been converted into a laboratory for the production of ‘Colorado,’ a potent synthetic strain of cannabis. The raid led to the arrest of the 30-year-old lab owner, Stephen Kelechi Imoh, and the seizure of substantial quantities of freshly produced ‘Colorado’ alongside crucial precursor chemicals. Among the recovered items were 16.2 kilograms of ‘Colorado’, 1.7 kilograms of ADB-CHMNACA Cannabinol, 4.5 kilograms of Potassium Carbonate, and 91 litres of Dibromobutane. This discovery is particularly noteworthy as it confirms the local manufacturing of synthetic drugs that were previously imported into Nigeria, a development indicated by earlier interceptions of similar substances in March and May 2025.
Afrobeats Musician ‘Steady Boy’ Arrested in Airport Bust
In a parallel operation that underscores the diverse methods employed by drug traffickers, NDLEA operatives on October 30, 2025, apprehended 20-year-old Afrobeats artist Godspower George Osahenrumwen, widely known as Steady Boy. The arrest occurred as the musician attempted to receive a large consignment of ‘Loud’ cannabis, weighing approximately 77.2 kilograms. The illicit substance was ingeniously concealed within three cartons of bathtubs, which were part of a shipment imported from New York, United States. The shipment had arrived at the import shed of the Murtala Mohammed International Airport (MMIA), Ikeja, Lagos, via a DHL flight on October 28, 2025. Preliminary investigations suggest that Steady Boy was acting as the consignee for a drug syndicate, allegedly including his manager, Zion Osazee Omigie (alias Zee Money), who is currently at large.
Broader Crackdown on Drug Trafficking Networks
These significant busts in Lagos are part of a wider, nationwide effort by the NDLEA to combat drug trafficking. On November 1, 2025, NDLEA operatives also raided the hideout of a 28-year-old suspected dealer, Afeez Salisu (alias Malu), in Mushin, Lagos. During this raid, 16 compressed blocks of ‘Ghana Loud’, another strain of cannabis, along with designer sachets and bottles of ‘Colorado’, totaling 16.4 kilograms, were recovered.
Further nationwide operations have led to substantial seizures and arrests. In Ogun State, three suspects were apprehended with 1,779 kilograms of cannabis. Other states, including Kaduna, Edo, Kwara, Bauchi, and Taraba, have also seen significant drug seizures and arrests, involving substances such as tramadol, methamphetamine, and various strains of cannabis.
The NDLEA, under the leadership of Chairman Brig. Gen. Mohamed Buba Marwa (Rtd), has consistently emphasized its commitment to dismantling drug syndicates and ensuring that proceeds from criminal activities are forfeited. These recent operations serve as a stark reminder of the ongoing challenges in combating the drug trade and the innovative tactics employed by criminal networks, even within the trending music industry.
