Nigerian Footballer nabbed in India for possession of drugs

A 32-year-old Nigerian man, Jones Michael, who once worked as a professional footballer, has been arrested in India for being in possession of methamphetamine reportedly worth ₹15 lakh, which is about ₦27.9 million.

News360 Nigeria reports that Michael was caught last Saturday near the Vijayamangalam toll gate in Erode, Tamil Nadu.

He was arrested by officers from the Prohibition Enforcement Wing after they received a tip-off. The operation was led by Inspector Sivahami Rani.

Further investigation showed that Michael had been living in India without valid immigration papers. His passport had already expired since 2023, and officials believe he might have entered the country illegally through the sea.

“His passport had expired in 2023, and it is likely that he illegally entered the country by sea,” Rani said.

He has been charged under the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances Act as well as the Foreigners Act and is currently in judicial custody at Coimbatore Central Prison.

Police also arrested a local resident, Melvin, 49, from Perundurai, for renting accommodation to the Nigerian without verifying his identity or legal status.