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NDLEA busts UK-bound opioid shipment, arrests freight agent, businesswoman

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NDLEA busts UK-bound opioid shipment, arrests freight agent, businesswoman

Operatives of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency have arrested an Ibadan, Oyo State-based businesswoman, Mrs Adewunmi Adebola Dorcas, and an auto parts dealer, Arinze Ora, over attempts to export consignments of opioids and cocaine to London, United Kingdom, and Congo Brazzaville, respectively.

The Director of Media and Advocacy, NDLEA Headquarters, Femi Babafemi, made this known in a statement on Sunday.

He said, “NDLEA officers at the export shed of Murtala Muhammed International Airport, Lagos, on Friday, 6th September 2024, intercepted a cargo bound for the United Kingdom. A thorough search of the consignment revealed 924 bottles of codeine-based syrup weighing 135.70kg and 5,250 tablets of Rohypnol hidden in cartons of foodstuffs.

“The freight agent, Owojori Olanrewaju Sunday, who presented the cargo for export, was promptly arrested. Further investigation led to the arrest of another suspect, Adewunmi Akeem Temitope, who claimed that his mother, 58-year-old Mrs Adewunmi Adebola Dorcas, sent the consignment from Ibadan for him to deliver to the agent. A follow-up operation on Saturday, 7th September, led to the arrest of Mrs Adewunmi in Ibadan, where she deals in foodstuffs and cargo export.

“In his statement, the agent Owojori confessed that he had been working for Mrs Adewunmi to export cargoes to the UK, adding that he was paid ₦2,411,000.00 for the job and ₦2.1 million for a similar consignment he handled for the businesswoman earlier.”

In the same vein, NDLEA operatives at the export shed of Lagos Airport on Wednesday, 11th September, intercepted some cartons of auto spare parts and containers of checkers powder custard bound for Congo Brazzaville via Ethiopian Airlines. A diligent search of the cargo led to the discovery of 300 grams of cocaine concealed in the containers of checker powder custard packed together with some auto parts.

Babafemi said a follow-up operation led to the arrest of the sender of the consignment, Arinze Ora, who deals in auto parts at Shop 12, Block 7, Aspanda Trade Fair Auto Parts Wing, Amuwo Odofin, Lagos.

Meanwhile, operatives of the Special Operations Unit of NDLEA, on Tuesday, 10th September, arrested two brothers, Ikechukwu Ikeabba and Ugochukwu Ikeabba, who are sponsors of drug traffickers specialising in exporting drugs by ingestion to Vietnam. Their arrest followed a diligent investigation into the earlier arrest of Onitsha-based businessman, Ibeanusi Solomon Nosike, who excreted 68 wraps of cocaine weighing 1.282 kilograms after 12 days of excretion observation following his arrest at the local wing of Lagos Airport by NDLEA operatives.

The 36-year-old Ibeanusi was arrested in the early hours of Thursday, 8th August 2024, at the old domestic terminal of Lagos Airport while attempting to board the first flight out of Lagos to Abuja, where he was scheduled to join a Qatar Airways flight to Vietnam at Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport, Abuja, at about 10 a.m. the same day.

Another Vietnam-bound businessman, 54-year-old Paul Okwuy Mbadugha, was arrested by NDLEA operatives at Abuja Airport on Monday, 12th August 2024, during the outward clearance of Qatar Airways flight QR 1432 to Hanoi, Vietnam via Doha after he tested positive for ingestion of cocaine. After four days under observation, Mbadugha egested a total of 88 wraps of the illicit drug with a gross weight of 1.710 kilograms.

At the time of the arrest of the two kingpins, the Ikeabba brothers, they were caught with 87 wraps of cocaine dummies used in training intending swallowers.

In Gombe State, NDLEA operatives, acting on credible intelligence, on Saturday, 14th September, arrested three suspects: Auwal Abdullahi, Isah Rabiu, and Abubakar Da’u, along Bauchi-Gombe road while travelling in a DAF truck marked GME 552 ZU. A search of the vehicle led to the seizure of 2,490,000 tramadol pills concealed in bags of salt.

The statement further read, “A suspect, Idris Adamu, 23, was arrested with 41.5 kilograms of cannabis sativa in Kachia town, Kaduna State, on Tuesday, 10th September, while two suspects, Godiya Sekyen Jikuk, 36, and Yusuf Umaru, 65, were nabbed in Isinbode-Ekiti, Ekiti State, with a total of 73.6kg of cannabis on Wednesday, 11th September.

“In Bauchi State, no fewer than 208,920 tramadol and diazepam pills were seized from a suspect, Chinedu Asadu, 35, on Thursday, 13th September, while 104kg of cannabis was recovered from two suspects, Abba Abdullahi and Mustapha Yahaya, along the Lagos-Ibadan expressway on Tuesday, 10th September by operatives in Lagos State.

“Not less than 350,000 bottles of codeine-based syrup were discovered by NDLEA operatives in two containers shipped from India during a joint examination of the containers with Customs officers and other security agencies at Tincan Port, Lagos, on Tuesday, 10th September. The containers were part of those targeted by NDLEA for 100 per cent examination.”

With the same vigour, commands and formations of the Agency across the country continued their War Against Drug Abuse (WADA) sensitisation activities to schools, worship centres, workplaces, and communities, among others, over the past week. These include WADA enlightenment lectures to students and staff of Government Secondary School, Galamawa, and Government Junior Secondary School, Kaci, Dutse, Jigawa State; students of Kukudus Islamic School, Minna, Niger State; nurses and midwives at UBTH School of Nursing, Ugbowo, Benin City, Edo State; members of the Vulcanisers Association of Nigeria in Ibarapa Central LGA, Oyo State; Muslim faithful at Central Mosque, Demsa, Adamawa State, and a WADA advocacy visit to the Emir of Rano, Kano State, Alhaji Muhammad Isah Umaru, among others.

While commending the officers and men of the Special
Operations Unit, MMIA, Tincan, Lagos, Gombe, Kaduna, Bauchi, and Ekiti Commands of the Agency for their arrests and seizures, Chairman/Chief Executive Officer of NDLEA, Brig. Gen. Mohamed Buba Marwa (retd), stated that their operational successes, along with those of their compatriots across the country, are highly appreciated.

He urged them to continue intensifying ongoing drug supply reduction and drug demand reduction efforts.

Police probe killing of Enugu market chairman

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Police probe killing of Enugu market chairman

The Enugu State Police Command has stated that it has begun a probe into the suspected murder of the Chairman of Ogbete Main Market Traders Association, Stephen Aniago, who was shot by yet-to-be-identified assailants on Saturday.

The state Police Public Relations Officer, Daniel Ndukwe, disclosed this in a statement on Sunday.

Ndukwe stressed that a preliminary investigation by the police had revealed that the armed assailants had waylaid Aniago along the Amechi Road area of the state, shot at him, and escaped with his car.

He added that upon receiving a report of the incident, policemen stormed the scene and took the victim to a nearby hospital where he was confirmed dead.

The PPRO said, “The Enugu State Police Command Operatives are on the trail of the armed assailants that shot and murdered the Chairman of Ogbete Main Market Traders Association, Enugu, Stephen Aniago, at Topland, along Amechi Road, Enugu, around 8:20 p.m. of September 14, 2024.

“A preliminary investigation reveals that the unknown armed hoodlums, operating in a Toyota Corolla car, double-crossed and shot the victim, making away with his blue-coloured Toyota Corolla car.

“He was taken to the hospital by police operatives who hastened to the scene but was confirmed dead by doctors. His corpse was deposited in the mortuary for preservation and further investigative actions,” Ndukwe said.

He continued that a tactical team had been deployed to trail and arrest the suspects behind the killing of Aniago while assuring that justice would be served.

“The Commissioner of Police, Kanayo Uzuegbu, has ordered tactical squads of the Command that are on the trail of the assailants to deploy all the intelligence and operational resources at their disposal to hunt the criminals down.

“He also orders the Deputy Commissioner of Police in charge of the State CID to conduct a discreet investigation to unravel the circumstances of the incident.

“CP Kanayo assures the public that the police will leave no stone unturned in bringing the perpetrators of the dastardly act to book soonest,” Ndukwe concluded.

Fire guts Lagos Plank market

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Fire guts Lagos Plank market

Officials of the Lagos State Fire and Rescue Services and the Lagos State Emergency Management Agency are currently attending to a fire outbreak at the Oko Baba plank market in the Ebute Metta area of the state.

An X user, Adedeji Olalekan, tweeting as #Stylomedia, disclosed on Sunday that the fire also affected the shanties in the market.

Credit: X | #Stylomedia

He tweeted, “Okobaba Street is on fire now, all the shanties are burning.”

Confirming the incident in a terse message on WhatsApp, LASEMA’s spokesperson, Nosa Okunbor, said emergency responders are at the scene carrying out a search and rescue operation.

Okunbor said, “LASEMA Response Team, LRU Fire Unit, Lagos State Fire and Rescue Service in search and rescue operation at Oko Baba plank market by Ibadan Street, Ebute Metta.”

Details later…

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Typhoon grounds flights in China

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Typhoon grounds flights in China

All flights at Shanghai’s two main airports were cancelled on Sunday as authorities in the Chinese megacity prepared for a strong typhoon bringing high winds and heavy rain.

Typhoon Bebinca is expected to make landfall along a swath of China’s densely populated eastern seaboard between Sunday night and Monday morning, according to Beijing’s emergency management ministry.

State broadcaster CCTV reported that all flights at Shanghai’s two main airports would be cancelled from 8 pm on Sunday (1200 GMT) because of the storm.

“Affected by Typhoon Bebinca, the traffic capacity of Shanghai’s Pudong and Hongqiao airports has decreased today,” CCTV said.

“Flight adjustments at the two main airports will be promptly released to the public in accordance with the impact of the typhoon,” it said.

The emergency management ministry said in a statement on Saturday that Bebinca would cause “heavy to torrential” downpours with “local heavy or extremely heavy rainstorms” between Sunday and Tuesday.

Officials held a meeting on Saturday to “research and deploy flood and typhoon control work in key areas”, it said.

Bebinca’s expected landfall will come during the Mid-Autumn Festival public holiday.

China’s railway operator is expecting passengers to take 74 million trips during the holiday, state news agency Xinhua reported on Saturday.

The emergency management ministry said officials must “pay close attention to the development of the typhoon”, adding that “many people will be travelling, mobility will be high and safety risks will be prominent”.

The water resources ministry launched on Saturday a level-four emergency response — the lowest in a tiered system — for flooding in Shanghai and the provinces of Jiangsu, Zhejiang and Anhui, according to Xinhua.

The weather office issued orange typhoon warnings — the second-highest in a four-tier system — for several districts in Shanghai and areas of nearby provinces on Sunday.

It advised that people refrain from gathering in large numbers, boats return to port and rickety structures be strengthened against high winds.

Shanghai municipal authorities urged residents on Sunday to “strengthen efforts to guard against harmful effects of the typhoon on high-altitude work, transportation, infrastructure and agriculture”.

Passenger shipping lines were also scheduled to be suspended in Shanghai from Sunday, according to an official statement on the social media account of the municipal port and shipping development centre.

– Trail of destruction –
China is the world’s biggest emitter of the greenhouse gases that scientists say are driving climate change and making extreme weather more frequent and intense.

Another typhoon, Yagi, killed at least four people and injured 95 when it passed through China’s southern Hainan island this month, according to national weather authorities.

Bebinca passed through Japan’s Amami island overnight, carrying gusts of up to 198 kilometres (123 miles) per hour, the Japan Meteorological Agency said, warning of an increased risk of landslides due to heavy rain.

The storm also slammed into the central and southern Philippines on Friday.

Philippine officials said on Sunday that falling trees had killed six people as the tropical storm brought strong winds and floods.

AFP

Robbers raid Niger guesthouse, steal phones, cash, motorcycle

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Robbers raid Niger guesthouse, steal phones, cash, motorcycle

No fewer than 30 heavily armed robbers have raided a guesthouse and a residence in Minna, Niger State, attacking residents with machetes and allegedly stealing over 50 phones, N100,000, and a motorcycle popularly known as ‘rubber rubber’.

The incident occurred around 2 am on Thursday when the robbers stormed Eastern Bye-Pass Road in Tunga, Minna, and first broke into Ben Ja’am Guest House.

They attacked occupants in all the rooms and conducted a thorough search. The robbers succeeded in taking the phones of all the staff, while the guests handed over their belongings without resistance.

According to a source who wished to remain anonymous, when the robbers entered the room of a Civil Defence operative who was also staying at the guesthouse, they demanded his phone. He refused and attempted to keep his phone, insisting that it contained vital contacts.

One of the robbers used a machete and tried to strike the security guard on the head, but the officer raised his right hand to block the blow. The weapon inflicted a deep wound on his hand instead.

The source told According to that when the robbers gained entry into the guesthouse, they demanded the phones of the occupants, which they readily handed over.

“They were more than 30 in number. Some wore masks, while others did not cover their faces. They were dressed in black shirts and trousers like vigilantes. They ordered everyone to lie down flat and not look up, then started searching the rooms. They took any valuables they could find.

“When they entered the room of the security officer, they were issuing commands, and he asked them to take it easy.

He refused to give them his phone, and they tried to take it by force. One of them attempted to hit his head with the machete, but he raised his hand to protect his head, and the machete cut his hand instead.”

According to another source, while the robbers were occupying the guesthouse, one of them spotted a man watching from one of the houses on the street. He shone his torchlight on the man, who quickly ran back into the compound.

“Before the man could lock the door of his house, about five of the robbers from the guesthouse kicked open the door and entered the compound. They searched all the rooms, collecting over 10 phones and other valuables. They also took N100,000 from one of the tenants.

“However, they did not inflict injuries on any of the tenants because they all cooperated. The robbers also stole a brand-new motorcycle, popularly known as ‘rubber rubber,’ which was packed inside the guesthouse,” the source said.

According to contacted the Niger State Police spokesman, Wasiu Abiodun, for a response to the incident.

He confirmed the attack, noting that the report of the robbery was received late. As a result, the robbers had escaped before the police could pursue them.

“On 13 September, at about 05:00hrs, a report was received at Tudun-Wada Div that some hoodlums invaded a hotel at about 03:00hrs along Eastern Bye-Pass, Minna, and robbed about five guests of their handsets and other valuables. The robbers were also reported to have robbed some residents around the hotel.

“Unfortunately, the information was not received in time, and the robbers had left the scene before the report reached the police. However, the incident is under investigation with a view to arresting and prosecuting the fleeing robbers,” Abiodun stated.

Hit-and-run driver kills one in Lagos

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Hit-and-run driver kills one in Lagos

One person lost their life in a hit-and-run accident that occurred in the Onipanu area of Lagos State late on Saturday.

According to the Head of the Public Affairs Unit of the Lagos State Emergency Management Agency, Nosa Okunbor, the accident happened around 9 pm.

Okunbor noted that an eyewitness reported that the driver of the vehicle fled the scene after hitting the victim.
He added that upon receiving the report, the LASEMA team rushed to the scene to assist the victim, who had sustained a head injury.

However, despite the efforts of the Pre-Hospital Care Unit officials, the victim died due to severe injury.

Okunbor said, “Upon the arrival of the Agency’s Response Team at the scene, it was observed that an adult male had been hit by a vehicle with an unknown registration number, and the driver absconded immediately after the incident.

“The victim, an unidentified adult male, sustained head injuries and was given urgent medical attention by the Agency’s paramedics before being swiftly transported to the Trauma Centre, Gbagada, for further treatment.

“The unidentified adult male victim of the hit-and-run incident died while receiving urgent medical treatment at the Trauma Centre in Gbagada.”

The LASEMA spokesperson noted that the deceased’s body was handed over to officials of the State Environmental Health Monitoring Unit for further action.

“The body was bagged and handed over to the State Environmental Health Monitoring Unit office at Bolade Bus Stop,” he added.

According to Online recalls that on August 19, Lagos State Traffic Management Authority apprehended a trailer driver involved in a hit-and-run incident in the Anthony Oke area of the state heading towards Oshodi.

LASTMA Director of the Public Affairs and Enlightenment Department, Taofiq Adebayo, disclosed that the driver, operating a trailer owned by Honeywell Flour Mill Plc (registration number JJJ 764 XV), was apprehended after hitting a pedestrian who was attempting to cross the expressway.

The pedestrian sustained injuries, including a broken left leg, and was promptly attended to by personnel from the Lagos State Ambulance Service, who transported him to a nearby hospital for urgent medical treatment.

Election not war, IPAC tells candidates

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Election not war, IPAC tells candidates

The Inter-Party Advisory Council has urged stakeholders not to view the Edo State governorship election as a war.

IPAC stressed that the exercise is intended to select leaders who will promote good governance, accountability, and development.

The National Chairman of IPAC, Yusuf Dantalle, made this known in a statement made available to According Online on Sunday in Benin, the state capital, following a stakeholders’ meeting.

He stated that all those involved in the election must prioritise peace, equity, and justice. Damtalle also called on stakeholders in the off-cycle election to collaborate to create an environment conducive to credible elections.

He said, “To all stakeholders, let us remember, election is not war. It is simply an exercise in a democracy, where we choose leaders who will promote good governance, accountability, and development.

“As stakeholders, we must prioritise peace, equity, and justice. Let us work together to create an environment conducive to credible elections.

“I urge all stakeholders to adhere to the principles of democracy, respect the rights of others, and prioritise the interests of the Edo people and Nigeria in general. I call upon you to join us as we work towards deepening democracy in Nigeria.

“I call on voters in next Saturday’s governorship election in Edo State to come out en masse and exercise their civic duty without hindrance.”

IPAC also encouraged the electorate to vote for candidates based on their manifestos, track records, and leadership qualities.

The council further urged voters to reject any form of vote-buying, as it undermines the integrity of democracy.
It added, “We urge you to recognise that the will of the electorate is sacrosanct and must be respected.

“The decision to choose leaders rests squarely on the shoulders of the people, and that is what makes democracy unique.

“Leadership should be selfless service to the people, and if that is the case, no responsible leader would want to force themselves upon the people.”

The IPAC chairman also appealed to the Independent National Electoral Commission and security agencies to remain neutral and impartial, stressing that their roles are critical in maintaining the trust and confidence of the electorate.

10TH NASS REPORT CARD: Benue female reps sponsor no bill in 1 year – OrderPaper

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10TH NASS REPORT CARD: Benue female reps sponsor no bill in 1 year – OrderPaper

Honoured by the recognition of Philip Agbese 11 bills as the highest number of bills from Benue State, which spans from June 2023 to May 2024! A noteworthy fact is that his most recent bill, which he sponsored in July, was not even included in this figure.

Philip Agbese stated that he is proud of the work they have done so far and that his goal remains unchanged: to make a meaningful impact in the lives of his constituents and Nigerians at large. From education reform to healthcare improvement, economic empowerment, and more,

“I’m committed to working tirelessly for a better Nigeria.”

“Grateful for the support of my colleagues, constituents, and stakeholders who’ve contributed to the success of these bills. Let’s continue to work together to build a better Enone for ourselves and future generations!”

~ Enone Servant

Anambra community denies killing three over land dispute

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Anambra community denies killing three over land dispute

The Nawfia community in the Njikoka Local Government Area of Anambra State, under the banner of the Nawfia Progressive Union, has firmly denied allegations that its Vigilante Group was involved in the recent killing of three individuals at Agu-Isioye, in connection with a land dispute.

The ongoing land conflict involves the Nawfia community and its neighbouring towns, Enugwu-Ukwu and Agu-Isioye, all located within Njikoka LGA.

On Monday, reports surfaced that some youths and residents of Agu-Isioye were lured to the disputed land by unknown armed men pretending to be potential buyers.

Once gathered, the assailants reportedly opened fire, killing three people instantly, while others escaped with injuries.

The Anambra State Police Command, SP Tochukwu Ikenga, confirmed the incident, noting that three people were shot dead.

He also disclosed that the police recovered a Toyota Sienna van believed to have been used by the attackers.

Following the tragic event, speculation spread, with some accusing the Nawfia community of orchestrating the killings.

This accusation was largely based on the claim that the vehicle found at the scene was linked to the Nawfia vigilante group.

However, in a press statement issued in Awka on Saturday, the President-General of the Nawfia Progressive Union, Chief Daniel Okoye, expressed the community’s condolences to the victims’ families and called for a comprehensive investigation.

Okoye firmly denied the involvement of the Nawfia vigilante group, stating that the vehicle in question did not belong to their operatives.

“The Nawfia community fully supports the ongoing investigation and urges security agencies to uncover the truth behind the tragic events at Agu-Isioye,” the statement read.

Chief Okoye also criticized a report from a socio-traditional group known as Ezumezu Umunri, which claimed to have identified the culprits and their motives. He called the group’s accusations “troubling and misleading,” emphasising that the police investigation was still in its early stages and that no conclusions should be drawn prematurely.

Two feared dead as Rivers gunmen disrupt election

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Two feared dead as Rivers gunmen disrupt election

Two individuals are feared dead following a chaotic shooting during the Ijaw Youth Council election in the Abuloma area of Port Harcourt on Saturday.

The election, organised by the IYC central zone to elect new executives, had initially been postponed but was rescheduled for Saturday.

According to reports, the election was disrupted midway when gunmen stormed the venue and opened fire indiscriminately.

In the ensuing chaos, members of the council fled for safety, with two unidentified individuals reportedly struck by stray bullets. The election was abruptly halted.

In response to the incident, the Rivers State Police Command launched a manhunt for the gunmen involved in the invasion.

The state Police Public Relations Officer, Grace Iringe-Koko, condemned the shooting, describing it as “senseless” in a statement.

While she did not confirm any casualties, Iringe-Koko stated that the state Commissioner of Police, Olatunji Disu, had immediately dispatched tactical units to the scene.

However, by the time police arrived, the attackers had fled.

“The Rivers State Police Command is aware of the senseless and sporadic shooting in the Abuloma area during the Ijaw Youth Council Central Zone elections,” the police statement read. “The Commissioner of Police swiftly dispatched Tactical Teams to the scene, but the perpetrators had already escaped.”

Iringe-Koko further stated that the commissioner had ordered a full-scale crackdown to apprehend those responsible and bring them to justice.

“Normalcy has returned to the area, and law-abiding citizens are encouraged to continue their daily activities,” the statement added, urging residents to report any suspicious activity to the police.

When asked about the alleged casualties, Iringe-Koko said the command had not yet received confirmation, adding that investigations were ongoing.

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