Fake Lunatic Busted in Awka Over Secret Cannabis Farm

In a dramatic turn of events that has left residents of Awka, the Anambra State capital, in profound shock, the Anambra State Police Command has exposed a 43-year-old man, Patrick Ojele, who allegedly disguised as a lunatic for years to run a booming, secret cannabis farm. The sophisticated criminal operation, which was cleverly hidden in the heart of the state capital, came to an abrupt end on Wednesday, September 17, 2025, when eagle-eyed police operatives nabbed the suspect, unmasking a deception that had fooled an entire community for over two years. The arrest is a significant victory for the police, who are now linking the illicit drug trade to the rising cultism and violent crime that has plagued the state.

The drama began to unfold when sharp operatives attached to the Operations Department, Awka, spotted the suspect loitering suspiciously along the Awka–Enugu Expressway, near Ngozika Estate. The individual, who had been a familiar sight to passersby and residents, was acting in a manner that seemed to defy his assumed “madman” persona. Upon his arrest, Ojele reportedly confessed and led the police to his well-hidden farm where bags of weeds, believed to be cannabis sativa, were harvested and seized. Police sources say the suspect had been pulling off the act for a surprisingly long period, fooling residents and law enforcement alike with his fake mental illness while cultivating the illegal crop under the very noses of the community. This incident is a chilling reminder of how criminals exploit public perceptions, using the often-overlooked and marginalized state of those who are homeless or mentally ill as a perfect cover to carry out their illicit activities.

Speaking on the breakthrough, the Commissioner of Police, CP Ikioye Orutugu fwc MNIPS PhD, hailed his operatives for their vigilance and professional conduct, stressing that the Command had stepped up its war against illicit drug dealers. The Commissioner’s statement points to a deeper, more strategic approach to crime-fighting in Anambra. Security agencies have long recognized the strong and documented link between drug trafficking, cultism, and other forms of violent crime in Nigerian cities. The proceeds from the illegal drug trade are often used to procure weapons and fund the activities of cultists and violent gangs, creating a vicious cycle of violence and instability. By targeting a major drug supply source, the police are aiming to cut off a primary source of financing for criminal enterprises, a more proactive strategy than simply reacting to crimes after they have been committed. The Commissioner stated that the suspect would be handed over to the Special Anti-Cultism Squad (SPACS), a unit with a specific mandate to dismantle such networks, for a discreet investigation to trace his buyers and a potential wider syndicate.

The legal ramifications for Ojele are severe. Under Nigerian law, specifically the Indian Hemp Act, cultivating and trafficking cannabis is a very serious offense that can carry a sentence of up to 21 years in prison. This underscores the gravity of the crime the suspect is alleged to have committed. The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), the primary government agency responsible for combating drug trafficking, is expected to take over the case. Meanwhile, Ojele’s arrest has stirred heated discussions among Awka residents, many of whom expressed shock and disbelief at how they were outsmarted for so long by a “madman” who was secretly running a booming illegal trade. The incident has served as a powerful, albeit unsettling, lesson on the importance of community vigilance and the need to look beyond outward appearances. The Police Public Relations Officer, SP Tochukwu Ikenga, who confirmed the arrest, urged residents to remain alert and report any suspicious persons hiding under false pretenses. The police, on their part, have reiterated their unwavering commitment to rid the state of criminals and ensure the safety and security of all residents.