The National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) has arrested Lazarus Onwukwe, suspected to be the largest importer and dealer of expired drugs in the South-East zone, at his residence in Aba.
According to Vanguard, a joint operation involving NAFDAC, the Nigerian Army, Nigeria Police, and the Department of State Services (DSS) was launched following a tip-off. The team raided Onwukwe’s property in Umuocheala, Osisioma Ngwa area of Aba, uncovering what authorities described as the largest fake and expired drug factory and depot in South-East Nigeria.
During a February raid, NAFDAC discovered a mini drug factory on the premises where expired drugs were reportedly repackaged, revalidated, rebranded, and distributed into the market.
In an interview with Vanguard at the suspect’s home, Pharmacist Omoyeni Babatunji, Deputy Director in charge of Investigation and Enforcement for NAFDAC in the South-East and South-South regions, revealed that Onwukwe was apprehended while attempting to leave the premises.
Babatunji further disclosed that following the February operation, NAFDAC confiscated 14 trucks filled with tons of fake and expired drugs from Onwukwe’s twin two-storey duplex, which included boys’ quarters and additional bungalows. The building was sealed, and the suspect had been evading arrest since then.
“Those who were here in February will recall the gate was broken during the raid; we had to repair it and seal the premises. Two vehicles— a Highlander and a Camry—were also impounded and remain at the Area Command Headquarters in Aba,” Babatunji said.
He added that despite surveillance, Onwukwe attempted to return, wrongly believing the government had forgotten about him.
“During our initial inspection, the entire house was filled with expired drugs, which we took for laboratory analysis. Now, the building is occupied by tenants, and no drugs were found today. However, our surveillance team apprehended the suspect this morning as he tried to leave with a Siena vehicle loaded with drugs,” Babatunji confirmed.
He emphasized that scientific testing will be conducted on the confiscated drugs, and the evidence will be presented in court.
In his own statement, Onwukwe admitted ownership of the buildings and confirmed they were used as warehouses for his drug dealings, insisting the products were foreign, not expired drugs as alleged by NAFDAC.
He denied knowledge of the building being sealed after the February raid, explaining that his wife had rented out the spaces to tenants due to his prolonged illness.
“I have been very sick for over three months and recently just recovered. My family has been communicating with the authorities on my behalf, but I was unable to present myself until now,” Onwukwe said.
He also denied awareness that one of his employees was involved in revalidating expired drugs at the premises.
Mrs. Nwamaka Chidiebere, Onwukwe’s wife, confirmed she was home during the February raid but denied the building had been sealed.
“I rented out the apartments to tenants because I could not find my husband for months. I had no choice but to rent the vacant spaces,” she explained.
When asked about the expired drugs, she said, “I am aware of the security operation because I was here, but I am not involved in his business. He told me not to be part of it. He deals in foreign drugs, mostly from the US. I work in local government and know nothing more. I gave a statement to the police and stand by it.”
Tenants living in the building also expressed surprise at the situation. Engineer Lawrence Nwankwo, who moved in June 2025, said he was unaware the building was sealed or under surveillance.
“I had no idea. I wasn’t from the area and was just looking for a place to stay. I made all payments to the landlady,” he said.
Another tenant, Chioma Innocent, confirmed she was not aware of any restrictions on the property.
