Lagos social circles were jolted by the dramatic downfall of Alhaja Funmilola Arike Ogbuaya, widely known as Ariket, who has now begun serving a prison sentence following her conviction for cocaine trafficking.
Justice Dehinde Dipeolu of the Federal High Court in Ikoyi, Lagos, sentenced the socialite to a total of 45 years’ imprisonment on three counts—conspiracy, possession, and unlawful exportation of cocaine. Each count attracted a 15-year term. However, the sentences are to run concurrently, meaning she will serve 15 years in total, effective from May 19, 2017, the date of her arrest.
The case, marked FHC/L/124C/2017, traces back to February 23, 2017, when Ogbuaya’s associate, Odeyemi Omolara—also known as Ariyo Monsurat Olabisi—was apprehended at the Murtala Muhammed International Airport, Lagos, while attempting to traffic 1.595 kilograms of cocaine to Saudi Arabia. During interrogation, Omolara reportedly identified Ogbuaya as the supplier of the illicit substance.
Omolara had earlier pleaded guilty and was sentenced to 25 years’ imprisonment by Justice Hadiza Rabiu Shagari, now of the Court of Appeal.
Throughout the trial, prosecution witnesses painted a detailed picture of the operation. Iyabode Shonibare, the arresting officer, testified that upon being apprehended, Omolara cried out in distress, accusing Ogbuaya of orchestrating her ordeal. Additional testimony confirmed that Ogbuaya had allegedly handed over the bag containing the drugs and even transported Omolara to the airport on the day of her arrest.
A security guard attached to Ogbuaya’s residence further revealed that Omolara had spent the night at the residence prior to her arrest, and that the bag used in the trafficking operation had been delivered earlier by unidentified individuals.
With the court finding her guilty on all counts, the once-prominent socialite now faces the stark reality of incarceration—a sobering end to a case that underscores the far-reaching consequences of drug trafficking.
From High Society to Hard Time: The Fall of Alhaja Arike
