The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) has apprehended an suspected drug baron known as Temo, whose real name is Sulaimon Jimoh Olowoidiogede. Temo was arrested on Monday, July 22, 2024, around 10 a.m. and is currently being held at the NDLEA NAHCO Command on Airport Road.

The NDLEA had previously raided a location in Idi-Oro, Mushin LGA, Lagos State, where Temo was suspected of conducting his drug business, but he managed to evade capture at that time. During the raid, four of his accomplices, including Saheed Sholola from Ogun State, Suleiman Shehu from Akoko Edo, Edo State, and a woman whose name was not disclosed, were arrested.

NDLEA spokesperson Femi Babafemi had declared the alleged Temo wanted following the initial raid. He stated, “We are on the track of the kingpin, called Temo, who narrowly escaped from the scene during the raid. The long arm of the law will soon catch up with him.”

A source within the NDLEA confirmed Temo’s arrest and expressed concerns about the agency’s silence regarding the high-profile arrest. “I can confirm that he was arrested on Monday, July 22, 2024, at about 10 a.m. but he’s negotiating himself out,” the source said.

The source also provided photographs of alleged Temo in handcuffs and mentioned that the NDLEA has not announced his arrest more than 24 hours later, which is unusual for such a high-profile case. “We are following developments. It’s curious that the NDLEA has not announced the high-profile suspected drug baron they declared wanted last year. He’s currently in handcuffs and here’s the picture. I am in the station where he’s being held,” the source added.

There are concerns that the alleged Temo might be released if he settles with the NDLEA for N100 million, as he is allegedly negotiating his way out. “There are fears he will be freed if he settles them N100m as he is negotiating,” the source said.

Attempts to reach Blessing Job PRO NDLEA MMIA and Mr Femi Baba femi NDLEA National Spokesperson for comments were unsuccessful.