Anambra Police Arrest Man Disguised as Mentally Unstable While Running Secret Cannabis Farm in Awka

Authorities seize large quantities of cannabis and arrest 54 additional suspects in statewide anti-crime crackdown.

The men of Nigerian police officers, Anambra State Police Command has arrested a 43-year-old man, Patrick Ojele, who allegedly disguised himself as mentally unstable while secretly cultivating a cannabis farm in Awka, the state capital.

Police spokesman Tochukwu Ikenga revealed that the arrest took place on Wednesday, September 17, 2025, during a routine patrol along the Awka–Enugu Expressway near Ngozika Estate. Officers from the Operations Department apprehended Ojele, who later led investigators to his concealed farm, where large quantities of suspected cannabis sativa were discovered and seized.

Confirming the development, Commissioner of Police CP Ikioye Orutugu said the arrest reflects the Command’s ongoing strategy to dismantle criminal networks by targeting drug dealers who contribute to cultism and violent crimes in the state. Ojele has since been transferred to the Special Anti-Cultism Squad in Enugwu-Ukwu for further investigation aimed at exposing his buyers and disrupting the wider drug distribution chain.

In a related crackdown, the police carried out coordinated raids in Ogidi (Idemili North LGA) and Ifitedunu (Dunukofia LGA), resulting in the arrest of 54 suspects—39 males and 15 females. The suspects were picked up for various offenses, including kidnapping, cultism, and trafficking of hard drugs and banned substances.

Ikenga stressed that the operations are part of renewed efforts to combat crime, particularly targeting youths aged 18 to 26, who remain vulnerable to cult activities and drug abuse. The Command reaffirmed its commitment to restoring peace and order in Anambra State.

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