The Edo State Command of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) has announced the arrest of two suspected female social media influencers believed to be at the helm of an illicit operation that disperses cannabis-laced confectioneries online from Benin City.
The operation, described by NDLEA officials as an online drug cell, was dismantled following six weeks of targeted surveillance and intelligence gathering.
Identified as Praise Nwogu, 19, who goes by the alias “Candy,” and Ebong Emem Oghosa, 25, the suspects are alleged to specialize in contaminating edible treats with cannabis and promoting the products through various online channels.
NDLEA Director in Edo State, Dr. Mitchell Ofoyeju, stated that investigators intercepted the ring during a planned operation conducted on November 22, 2025.
When the operation unfolded, authorities recovered a range of confectioneries that tested positive for cannabis. In the case of Praise Nwogu, Ofoyeju claimed she is the principal promoter behind the online campaigns, with multiple videos and posts across different platforms driving awareness and consumer reach. He noted that she originates from Imo State and resides in Benin City, adding that her network appears to extend across several social media venues.
For Ebong Emem Oghosa, a resident of Akwa Ibom State who also lives in Benin City, investigators allege that she serves as the production expert within the ring. The arrest yielded several drug-related items, including 76 grams of cannabis sativa, 1.5 grams of a potent form of cannabis known as Colorado, a large cooking pan, and a plate of cannabis-infused brownies.
NDLEA officials stressed that the online drug peddling operation poses dangers not only to those who purchase and consume the products but also to the broader public, particularly impressionable youths who can encounter these items through social media promotion.
Ofoyeju warned that perpetrators using digital platforms to distribute illegal substances should expect swift and decisive action from law enforcement.
Investigators indicate that the case remains under active scrutiny, with formal charges anticipated to be filed in court shortly. The NDLEA emphasized its commitment to curbing drug-related offences and to enforcing the law against individuals who manufacture, distribute, or profit from illicit substances via online channels.
The agency also urged residents to maintain vigilance and report suspicious activities or drug-related concerns within their communities. Collaboration between the public and law enforcement is highlighted as a critical component of safeguarding communities from covert drug operations that exploit digital networks to reach vulnerable audiences.