A Nigerian national identified as Ezeonyili Franklin Uchenna, also known as Kaleshi, has been captured by Indian authorities after eluding arrest for more than a year in connection with drug trafficking.
According to the Times of India, the Telangana Anti-Narcotics Bureau apprehended Uchenna at Ibrahimbagh, following intelligence that he had returned from Bengaluru. Despite initially denying any involvement with illegal drugs, police reportedly discovered 17 grams of MDMA in his possession.
Further investigation led to the recovery of a pen drive from Uchenna, containing critical information such as names and photos of 411 African nationals and transaction records tied to narcotics deals worth approximately Rs 9.50 crore.
Officials allege that Uchenna was brought into the drug distribution ring in 2022 by fellow Nigerian, Divine Ebuka Suzee, and his partner, Uche Happiness.
He was said to have received drug supplies from other traffickers, including Joana Gomes—also known as Blessing—who is already in police custody.
Following Gomes’ arrest, Uchenna reportedly relocated to Bengaluru, where he continued illicit drug activities and maintained digital records, which he shared with Ebuka.
His arrest was ultimately made possible through leads provided by two previously detained suspects, Ugwu Ikechukwu and Chukwu Ogbonna.
Authorities confirmed that Uchenna is facing four criminal cases, one of which is registered in Bengaluru.
This arrest comes months after a December 9, 2024, PUNCH Metro report detailed the apprehension of three other Nigerians in Delhi for allegedly scamming an Indian woman of more than Rs 2.62 lakh.
