Okonkwo Kingsley Nwabuike (46), a Nigerian National was re-arrested at OR Tambo International airport by members of the Hawks’ Serious Organised Crime Investigation unit on Thursday, 21 January 2021.
His arrest followed information received from INTERPOL about the suspect who was circulated as wanted in August 2017 for dealing in drugs, said to be arriving at the airport in Johannesburg from Nigeria. The Hawks pounced on him shortly after his arrival.
He was initially arrested along with Cypriah Joshua Emeka (31) on the 31 August 2017, at Blouberg street in Secunda during a search and seizure operation. They were found in possession of Crystal meth, Kat and uncut rock drugs valued at R300 000-00. They were both released on bail.
Emeka continued with his court appearances while Nwabuike failed to appear in court and skipped bail. He fled to his country and a warrant of arrest was issued against him and he was flagged and circulated as a wanted suspect.
Nwabuike appeared before the Secunda Magistrate’s Court on Friday 22 January 2021 and the case was postponed to the 26 January 2021 for a formal bail application.
The Provincial head of the Directorate for Priority Crime Investigation, Major General Zodwa Mokoena applauded the team for the swift response and a collaborative working relationship between the local police and INTERPOL which led to this arrest.
