Mr Nkem Timothy who was arrested with a substance suspected to be cocaine said he was offered N500,000 to deliver the “stuff” in Algeria.
In an interview with newsmen in Sokoto, Mr Timothy said he was introduced into the business by a friend.
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He explained that, “It was a friend of mine that we were living together in Algeria that offered me the money to deliver the stuff for him.
“This was not my business. I was selling leather jackets and ladies’ shoes and bags.
“When I get to Algeria I buy them, come back to Nigeria, sell, collect my money and go back.
“He was just like mocking me that I am not getting anything. So, we met at a wedding party in Nigeria and he told me that if I would be able to take it (the stuff) to Algeria, he would give me N500,000.
“So, that was how it happened. I don’t want to go further, please.”
The acting Commander of the Sokoto Command of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), Mr Amos S. Bamidele, said on February 25, his men at the Illela border intercepted Mr Nkem Timothy who tried to smuggle cocaine into Niger Republic on a motorcycle.
He said, “His bag was searched and two bottles of yoghurt and an ECOWAS passport were found inside. The bottles contained 62 wraps of a substance suspected to be cocaine.
“The name on the passport read ‘Auwalu Audu’ but his real name is Nkem Timothy. I think he did this so that he would be allowed to live in Algeria because he is based there.
“After investigation, we will take the next step that is required by law and our regulations.”
