84-year-old pensioner and 75-year-old shop owner accused of supplying opioids to minors, recruiting teenagers as distributors

The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) has uncovered a disturbing drug network in Umuahia, arresting two elderly men accused of supplying illicit substances to secondary school students and drawing them into drug distribution.

The suspects—84-year-old Godfrey Orji and 75-year-old Godwin Obulunbiya Obiora—were apprehended in separate operations that have sent shockwaves through the community.

Orji, a pensioner, was reportedly caught on June 18 within the premises of Saint Silas Secondary School in Old Umuahia, where he was allegedly supplying banned substances directly to students. Authorities say the arrest followed a tip-off and swift action by school security.

Less than 24 hours later, NDLEA operatives raided Obiora’s patent medicine store located on Club Road, Umuahia. During the operation, officers recovered 4.64 kilograms of suspected opioids, including Tramadol and Diazepam.

Investigations revealed that some of the affected students had been drawn into drug distribution. One 15-year-old student reportedly told authorities he had been given substances not only for personal use but also to pass on to classmates. The student, along with others identified in the case, is now undergoing rehabilitation and receiving professional support.

NDLEA officials say both suspects will be prosecuted in line with the law, reaffirming the agency’s commitment to cracking down on networks that target young people.

The arrests highlight growing concern among authorities over the evolving tactics of drug traffickers, particularly the exploitation of minors within school environments.