Fatoke
Abiodun, Nigeria’s veteran guitarist, who played alongside legendary musician,
King Sunny Ade for three decades, has been arrested with cocaine, the anti-drug
agency said on Saturday.
The
National Drug Law Enforcement Agency, NDLEA, said that Abiodun was arrested on
1 January while attempting to board an Air France flight to Italy at the Muritala
Muhammad International Airport in Lagos, southwest Nigeria.
“We
have made the first arrest in the new year. The suspect, a guitarist by name
Fatoke Abiodun was found with 1.575kg of cocaine. The drug was discovered in the
false bottom of his luggage during the outward screening of passengers to
Italy,” said ,NDLEA Commander the Lagos Airport, Mr Hamza Umar.
The
agency said the 62-year old grandfather with four wives and many children, is
helping narcotic investigators handling the case.
“Fatoke
has owned up to the alleged crime blaming his involvement on financial
hardship,” said the agency’s spokesperson, Mitchell Ofoyeju.
NDLEA
quoted Fatoke as saying: “I played for King Sunny Ade for 30 years before I was
unceremoniously retired in 2007. I was unprepared and without severance money I
saw the bitter side of life.”
He
said his drug trafficking attempt is his first as he did it out of frustration.
“Because
at my age I could not provide for my family. I am ashamed of myself,” he was
quoted as saying.
NDLEA
Chairman, Ahmadu Giade described the involvement of Fatoke in drug trafficking
as sad and disappointing.
“It
is sad and disappointing for a grandfather to be involved in drug trafficking.
This is a bad legacy to his children. This is a good start for the agency in
the year and a sign that the days ahead will be tough for drug traffickers. The
agency will continue to handle every case in accordance with the NDLEA Act,”
Giade was quoted as saying.
The
suspect will be charged to court for unlawful exportation and possession of
narcotics, NDLEA said.
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