Prominent Lagos businesswoman and socialite, Mrs. Funmilola Arike Ogbuaya, popularly known as “Ariket,” has been sentenced to 45 years in prison for her alleged involvement in a major narcotics trafficking network.
The conviction was delivered by the Federal High Court sitting in Lagos following a prolonged trial prosecuted by the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA).
Ogbuaya, who is associated with D Square Event Centre and Zu-Ket Homes, was convicted on multiple counts bordering on conspiracy, unlawful possession, procurement, and aiding and abetting the trafficking of illicit drugs.
The court ordered that the various prison terms run concurrently.
How the Case Began
The case dates back to February 2017, when NDLEA operatives at the Murtala Muhammed International Airport, Ikeja, Lagos, intercepted one of Ogbuaya’s alleged couriers, Odeyemi Omolara, also known as Ariyo Monsurat Olabisi.
The courier was reportedly arrested while attempting to board a flight to Saudi Arabia.
Investigations by the anti-narcotics agency subsequently linked the arrested courier to Ogbuaya, whom the prosecution identified as a key figure behind the alleged drug trafficking operation.
The case later developed into a multi-year legal battle, culminating in Ogbuaya’s conviction and sentencing.
From Socialite to Prison
Ogbuaya had built a prominent public profile through her involvement in the events and real estate sectors and was known for her lavish lifestyle and association with influential figures in Lagos.
Her conviction marks a dramatic reversal of fortune for the businesswoman and highlights the NDLEA’s ongoing efforts to dismantle major drug trafficking networks operating under the cover of legitimate businesses.
The 45-year prison sentence ranks among the significant convictions secured by the agency in its intensified campaign against illicit drug trafficking and organised narcotics networks in Nigeria.
