Obi Cubana alleged of drug trafficking by NDLEA

The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency questioned socialite Obi Iyiegbu, also known as Obi Cubana, on Thursday for his alleged involvement in the illegal narcotics trade.

The Chairman of the Cubana Group of Companies was questioned for about five hours at the NDLEA headquarters in Abuja before being granted bail and asked to return at a later date.

According to reliable sources, three convicted drug dealers from Malaysia, Nigeria, and India made suspicious payments into Cubana’s account.

The NDLEA and the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission have expanded their investigation into Cubana and his business network on the basis that he may be involved in the drug trade.

The NDLEA and the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission have expanded their investigation into Cubana and his business network on the basis that he may be involved in the drug trade.

“Obi Cubana arrived at the NDLEA office around 9 a.m. and took questions for several hours before being granted bail at 2 p.m.” He is suspected of being a drug trafficker. Some convicted drug dealers deposited money in his account.

“Three of these payments have been established.” One of those who deposited money into his account was convicted in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia; another was convicted in New Delhi, India; and a third was arrested at the Murtala Muhammed International Airport, Lagos and convicted in 2017, also paid money into Cubana’s account,” said a source.

Cubana, who has been in the nightclub industry since 2006, made international headlines last July when he organized a lavish funeral for his mother, Ezinne Iyiegbu, in Oba, Anambra State’s Idemili South local government area.

Several entertainers and well-known politicians from across the country attended the event, including embattled Nigerian supercop Abba Kyari. Davido, D’banj, Kcee, Poco Lee, and Ubi Franklin were among the other performers at the event. Kanayo O. Kanayo, Alex Ekubo, and Williams Uchemba were among the early callers and Nollywood stars on the guest list.

The ostentatious display of wealth, as evidenced by the donation of approximately 400 cows to Cubana as well as the ‘naira rain,’ was the event’s highlight.

Cubana’s associates sprayed him with bundles of new naira notes in an apparent attempt to outdo one another. Two guests were seen in one of the viral videos having a playful cash fight, throwing wads of money at each other while other guests laughed.

Wads of N50,000 are thrown at Cubana in another viral video, and he juggles them like a football. As it trended on social media for several months, the event became the most talked about party of 2021. Following the funeral, Cubana continued to flaunt his wealth, posting photos of his private jet trips to exotic locations.

As his celebrity status blossomed, he was honoured by several dignitaries. In October last year, he was a guest at the Nigerian Army Resource Centre to launch a book titled, ‘ Leadership Principles for Junior Commanders in the Military’ authored by Col. Chukwu Obasi.

He also built a church, The Good Shepherd Anglican Church in his hometown late last year.

When asked about the source of his wealth, Cubana told the BBC that he came to Abuja in 1999 for his National Youth Service Corps program and served in the National Assembly.

He claimed to have entered the real estate business, where he obtained a contract to furnish houses. The socialite went on to say that he got a contract with the Pipelines and Product Marketing Company and later ventured into the hospitality industry, where he earned billions of naira.

Since then, the 46-year-old has opened Cubana Club branches in five states, including Imo, Lagos, Rivers, Enugu, and Abuja. The authorities, however, were unsatisfied with his explanation.

Cubana, who had previously kept a low profile, was later investigated by the Nigerian government.

He was detained by the EFCC for three days in November 2021 as part of investigations into alleged money laundering, tax fraud, and other financial crimes before being released on the condition that he continue to report back for questioning.

Other associates of the socialite who have been questioned by authorities for their flamboyant lifestyle include: Pascal Okechukwu, popularly known as Cubana Chief Priest, and Emeka Okonkwo aka E-Money, Chairman, Five Star Group.