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NDLEA smashes cross-border drug syndicates, arrests 6 kingpins, recovers cocaine, opioids


. Lekki software engineer, Chadian, others nabbed over tons of illicit drugs seized in Lagos, FCT, Taraba, Kwara, Plateau, Kano, KadunAfter months of intelligence gathering and painstaking surveillance, operatives of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency, NDLEA, have smashed two major cross-border drug trafficking syndicates with cocaine and opioids worth billions of naira recovered from them while six leaders of the cartels were arrested in different parts of the country.


The syndicates, which comprise Nigerians based in Mubi, Adamawa state; Onitsha, Anambra state, and Lagos state as well as Cameroonians came under NDLEA radar after they were suspected of being major suppliers of drugs to terror groups operating in Nigeria and Cameroon.


Leaders of the syndicates so far arrested include: Ibrahim Bawuro, Najib Ibrahim, Ibrahim Umar, Nelson Udechukwu Anayo, Ezeh Amaechi Martin and Adejumo Elijah Ishola.

Intelligence gathered revealed that some psychoactive substances including tramadol were often sourced by Ibrahim Bawuro and Ibrahim Najib from a notorious drug dealer in Onitsha: Nelson Udechukwu Anayo and thereafter packed and concealed in vehicles in the premises of Ezeh Amaechi Martin, an associate of Udechukwu.


The duo of Ibrahim Bawuro and Ibrahim Najib will thereafter transport the drugs from Onitsha to Yola and subsequently to other parts of the North and Cameroon in specially constructed false compartments of vehicles, which travel from the East to the North at night.

On 7th October 2024, Bawuro and Najib were trailed from Onitsha where they had gone to buy another consignment and eventually arrested in Taraba the following day 8th October while a total of 276,500 pills of tramadol were recovered from a Toyota Avensis saloon car marked DKA 57 TT, which they abandoned on the Jalingo-Yola expressway when they noticed NDLEA operatives were on their trail.


Follow up operations were subsequently carried out in Delta and Anambra states where Ezeh Amaechi Martin and Udechukwu Nelson Anayo were arrested by operatives of the NDLEA Directorate of Intelligence, which coordinated the whole effort with their counterparts in Taraba, Adamawa, Delta and Anambra.


Another leader of a different syndicate, Adejumo Elijah Ishola, 37, was arrested by operatives of a special operation unit of the Agency on Tuesday 5th November at Seme border in Lagos on his way from Ghana with 3.3 kilograms of cocaine and 600grams of synthetic cannabis.

This followed months of intelligence and surveillance on his cross-border criminal activities.


Meanwhile, NDLEA operatives in Apapa seaport Lagos on Wednesday 6th November intercepted Thirty-One Million, Seven Hundred and Fifty Thousand (31,750,000) pills of 240mg Voltron, a controlled opioid, packaged and concealed in a container imported from India, as diclofenac sodium 100mg tablets.

The discovery was made during a joint examination of the container with men of Customs Service and other security agencies.


At the Murtala Muhammed International Airport, MMIA, import shed Ikeja Lagos, NDLEA officers on Tuesday 5th November intercepted a 700grams consignment of Loud, a strong strain of cannabis.

A software engineer, Olu Marshal who showed up to collect the package was promptly arrested and a follow up search of his home in Lekki led to the recovery of some drug paraphernalia, including a cannabis crusher.


Attempt by another suspect, Orji Ogbonna Nnaorji to send 32.50kg bottles of codeine syrup and 5.70kg cannabis to London, UK, concealed in tiger nuts cargo through the export shed of the Lagos airport was frustrated by NDLEA operatives on Friday 8th November.

A follow up operation led to the arrest of Orji at his warehouse in Ajao estate, Lagos.


In Kwara state, not less than 162,800 pills of opioids were seized by NDLEA operatives from four suspects during interdiction operations in parts of the state. While 112,200 tablets of tramadol were recovered from Wahab Alao Saliu, 18,900 tablets of same opioid were recovered from Dalha Musa both at Eiyenkorin area of Ilorin; 29,000 pills of tramadol, 200 ampoules of diazepam and 99 bottles of codeine syrup seized from Ahmed Isiaka, just as 2,500 tabs of tramadol were seized from Ahmed Garba, both at Bode Saadu in Moro local government area of the state on Friday 8th November.


In Abuja, NDLEA operatives in the Federal Capital Territory on Thursday 7th November intercepted a truck along Abaji- Kwali road with 755.50kg cannabis concealed under empty cartons of noodles.

The truck driver, Lukman Rasheed, 41, claimed that bags of the psychoactive substance were loaded into the trailer in Ogbese, Ondo state after departing Lagos with only empty cartons of noodles.


A suspect, Yusuf Abubakar, 43, was arrested by operatives on Monday 4th November at Ibi, Taraba state while conveying to Kano 361 compressed blocks of cannabis weighing 156.95kg in a commercial bus marked WKR 772 XA. Not less than 245 blocks of same substance with a total weight of 121kg were recovered by NDLEA officers on patrol along Wukari – Ibi road on Thursday 7th November.


Two suspects: Hamza Yakubu, 30, and Abdulra’uf Danjuma, 23, were on Wednesday 6th November arrested at Gidan Manjagab area of Jos, Plateau state with 113 blocks of cannabis sativa weighing 141kg, while a Chadian, Hassan Muhammad Ali, 31, was nabbed on Tuesday 5th November at Gadar Tamburawa, Zaria-Kano road, Kano, with 3,000 pills of tramadol 225mg.


While a suspect Ibrahim Adamu was arrested at Jere area of Kaduna state with 35 sacks of cannabis sativa weighing 338.8 kilograms, NDLEA operatives in Edo state on Friday 8th November recovered 1,078kg cannabis at Okhuokhuo – Isi forest and 228kg of same substance at Sabo- Auchi.


In Ondo state, four suspects: Friday Daniel, Patrick Felix, Samuel Agada and Igwe Chukwuka were arrested at Emure Ile with 672kg cannabis sativa, while 513kg of same substance was seized at Gbodo camp, Ikun Akoko and a total of 4, 908kg cannabis recovered from a suspect Musibau Kosama at Alabi Yellow, Ijoka area of Akure on Wednesday 6th November.


Across the country, NDLEA Commands continued their War Against Drug Abuse, WADA, sensitization lectures and advocacy visits to worship centres, schools, workplaces, palaces of traditional rulers and communities all through the past week.

Instances include: WADA sensitization lecture to students and staff of Park Royal College, Apapa Lagos; Government Secondary School, Atu, Cross River; Ladigbolu Grammar School 2, Oyo, Oyo state; Iman Secondary School, Arkilla, Sokoto; Rosary Girls College, Nise, Anambra; Havilah Gold Secondary School, Odomola, Epe, Lagos state; while the Edo State command of NDLEA paid a WADA advocacy visit to HRM Oba of Benin, Omo N’Oba N’Edo, Uku Akpolokpolo Oba Ewuare II, among others.


While commending the officers and men of DI, SIU, Apapa, MMIA, FCT, Taraba, Kwara, Plateau, Kano, Kaduna, Edo, and Ondo Commands of the Agency for the arrests and seizures of the past week, Chairman/Chief Executive Officer of NDLEA, Brig. Gen. Mohamed Buba Marwa (Rtd) also applauded their compatriots in all the commands across the country for intensifying the WADA sensitization lectures and advocacy messages to every part of their areas of responsibility.

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Scrabble: History maker, Oluwatimilehin Doko to attention JAMSC

The recently crowned African champion, Oluwatimilehin Doko is the latest high profile wordsmith who will be attending the Wooden edition of the Janet Adowei Memorial Scrabble Classics (JAMSC).

The Kigali history maker and Ultimate Scrabble Showdown contender told your authoritative and award-winning news channel FIRST ZEALMEDIACAST BLOG, that he his is ready for the competition scheduled to hold on the 16th and 17th of this month (November), at the Chevron Recreational Club Gbagada, Lagos, Nigeria.

Another former African champion and the youngest captain of Team Nigeria, Enoch Nwali is another heavyweight player who will grace the Janet Adowei Memorial Scrabble Classics which is the last major competition in the ephemeris of the Nigeria Scrabble Federation.

Over 150 players are expected to compete for honours in three different categories, Masters, Intermediate and Opens at the Classics with over 3.5 million naira as prize money.

Registration window for the event officially closes midnight today the 13th of November, and it will not be extended according Khaleel Adedeji a key member of the Organizing Committee of the Classics.

It’s an 18 rounds of games competition rated by Nigeria Scrabble Federation (NSF) and will run for two days, games start by 10am daily with the 2021 Collins Scrabble Dictionary as the reference material.

750,000 Naira is the top prize money for the Masters category and lots of spot prizes will be up for grabs at the Classics that is supported by Nigeria Scrabble Federation, Mind Games Incorporated and Lekki Scrabble Club.

Ryan Jacob who is the defending champion in the Masters category has promised to make any player seeking or desirous, wrestle the Adowei Memorial Crown from him and sweat profusely all through the 18 rounds of games.

The President of Nigeria Scrabble Federation (NSF), Engineer Toke Aka, is leading a high powered, passionate cast of mind game stakeholders and dignitaries to the competition that is gradually building a formidable reputation for itself among a plethora of competitions in the NSF circuit.

Instituted by Engineer Ebikeme Adowei in honour of his mother, the Classics has become a fertile ground for the game of words in Nigeria to grow on.

The JAMSC which began five years ago, has assumed a national status where players from across the country find true satisfaction and fulfilment participating in.

Engineer Adowei, immediate past President of the Lekki Scrabble Club said this year’s edition is bigger in prize and will be better in the area of organization.

Meanwhile, the Ultimate Scrabble Showdown Solutions Limited owners of the famous Ultimate Scrabble Showdown have promised to reward Oluwatimilehin Doko with the sum of 250,000 naira for winning the 15th edition of the African Scrabble Championship concluded last month in Kigali, Rwanda.

The chairman of the Ultimate Scrabble Showdown Solutions Limited, Olatunde Oduwole explained that the company is rewarding the new African Scrabble King because of his dedication, hard work and commitment to the sport.

The CEO of Ultimate Scrabble Showdown Solutions Limited, Olatunde Oduwole, described the young Oluwatimilehin Doko as an enigma, a conquer, potentate and all these attributes makes him a complete scrabble player.

Doko, the contender at the maiden edition of the Ultimate Scrabble Showdown in Nigeria is currently the second highest ranked African player in the world at number 9 behind Enoch Nwali at number 6.

“Oluwatimilehin Doko is unique, talented, gifted and most of all very humble. He’s passionate about the game of words, reads and studies a lot, he’s friendly, always willing to learn. That’s the mark of a true champion,” Oduwole stated.

“I’m very elated and excited with this massive achievement by Doko, it sends the right signal and message to young players and students that hard work, commitment and dedication coupled with divine blessings and favour will elevate you as well as reward you too,” Olatunde Oduwole, the multiple national champion added.

He said, the money is a token of appreciation and promise to continually encourage and support young talented and dutiful players who adds value to the game of scrabble in Nigeria and the continent.

“Our goals and objectives at the Ultimate Scrabble Showdown Solutions Limited is to add value to scrabble, reward excellence, encourage youths to embrace and combine sports with education as well as compete for honours with fairness and honesty.” Oduwole explained.

It’s noteworthy to state that, Ultimate Scrabble Showdown Solutions Limited has provided two comprehensive sponsorship deals for Enoch Nwali to the Governor Douye Diri National Championship and also sponsored Oluwatimilehin Doko to the Lekki Scrabble Classics this year.

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Obsolete meters: FCCPC to punish DisCos who violate consumers’ rights

The FCCPC has warned it will punish DisCos who violate consumers' rights on the issue of obsolete meters

The Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Commission (FCCPC) has warned that it will punish electricity distribution companies (DisCos) who violate consumers’ rights on the issue of obsolete meters.

The FCCPC issued the warning on Wednesday in a statement signed by the Director, Corporate Affairs, Ondaje Ijagwu, pursuant to Sections 17(j), (l) (s), 116 (2), 124, 125, 138 and 155 of the Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Act (FCCPA) 2018.

“The Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Commission (FCCPC) notes with concern recent rumours that its directive to Ikeja and Eko electricity distribution companies (IKEDC and EKEDC) to immediately cease all activities related to the planned replacement of Unistar meters may be flouted,” Ijagwu said.

“The directive remains in full force, and any attempt by these DisCos to proceed in contravention of it will attract severe consequences.”

Ijagwu said contrary to recent rumours, the approval of new meter prices by the Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission (NERC) has no connection with the proposed replacement of Unistar meters by the IKEDC and EKEDC.

According to the statement, the planned replacement has been invalidated by both the FCCPC and NERC, and there is no indication that the affected DisCos have breached the commission’s directives.

As such, Ijagwu said it is essential to clarify that Ikeja and Eko DisCos cannot proceed with the withdrawal or replacement of the Unistar meters unless they fully comply with NERC’s Order on Structured Replacement of Faulty and Obsolete End-user Customer Meters in the Nigerian Electricity Supply Industry (Order No. NERC/246/2021).

He stated that the order mandates that meter replacements must be prompt, without disrupting service and at no cost to the consumer; and ensuring that consumers are not subjected to estimated billing due to delayed installations.

“The FCCPC’s position remains clear: non-compliance with these directives by Ikeja and Eko DisCos will not be tolerated,” Ijagwu said.

“Any breach of this directive will attract stiff penalties in line with the provisions of existing consumer protection laws.”

Consumers have been advised to contact the FCCPC on the commission’s line, 08119877785, dedicated to electricity issues, should they encounter any attempts by Ikeja or Eko DisCos to disobey this directive.

The FCCPC added that it remains unwavering in its commitment to safeguarding the rights of Nigerian consumers against unfair practices by service providers.

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Okpebholo Suspends Revenue Collection in Edo, Issues Arrest Orders for Defaulters

Okpebholo Suspends Revenue Collection in Edo, Issues Arrest Orders for Defaulters

The Governor of Edo State, Senator Monday Okpebholo, announced on Wednesday the immediate halt of all revenue collection activities across the state, especially in motor parks and similar locations, until further notice.

Okpebholo and his deputy, Dennis Idahosa, took their oaths of office on Tuesday, administered by the state’s Chief Justice, Daniel Okungbowa, at Samuel Ogbemudia Stadium.

According to a statement from the governor’s Chief Press Secretary, Fred Itua, the governor has instructed the state Commissioner of Police to apprehend anyone who violates this directive.

The statement read, “The Edo State Governor, Senator Monday Okpebholo, has ordered the immediate and indefinite suspension of all revenue collections in Edo, especially in motor parks and similar areas, until further notice.

“The governor stated that he would review the issues surrounding the collections soon and decide on the way forward.

“The collection of revenues in the state has been suspended indefinitely.”
The governor warned that anyone found collecting revenue on behalf of the state government would face arrest.

“The Commissioner of Police is hereby ordered to arrest anyone who flouts the order and collects any kind of revenue on behalf of the state government.

“The governor will soon address the issues and concerns raised. He will issue new directives shortly. Until then, no one is authorised to collect revenue on behalf of the state government,” the statement stated.

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NDLEA Seizes 709.9kg of Illicit Drugs in Major Operation in Kano

NDLEA Seizes 709.9kg of Illicit Drugs in Major Operation in Kano

In October, the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) in Kano confiscated 709.979kg of illegal drugs in the state.

This information was provided in a statement issued by the agency’s Kano Command spokesperson, ASN Sadiq Muhammad-Maigatari, on Wednesday.

According to the statement, the State Commander of the agency, Mr. Abubakar Idris-Ahmad, also reported the arrest of 129 individuals.

“All the 129 suspects are males.

“The total illicit substances recovered under the period is 709.979kg, which is made up of  309.991kg of cannabis sativa.

”Others are 394.835kg of various psychotropic substances,comprising 741,600 tablets of Tramadol, 2.789kg of pregabalin and 0.027kg of methamphetamine, among others,” he said,

He stated that during this time, the command achieved 22 convictions.

“These convictions serve as a deterrent to those involved in drug-related activities and underscores the agency’s dedication to enforcing the law.

“The suspects arrested have been profiled, and those who deserve prosecution have been charged to court, while others have been referred to the counseling unit for support and rehabilitation,” Idris-Ahmad said.

He praised the Chairman/Chief Executive Officer of the NDLEA, Brig.-Gen. Mohammed Marwa (Rtd), for his steadfast support and motivation, which have played a crucial role in these successes.

The commander also acknowledged the Kano State Government and all other partners for their cooperation and contributions to the ongoing battle against drug abuse.

“The command will continue to work tirelessly in collaboration with all other stakeholders to combat drug trade and promote awareness of the dangers associated with drug abuse” he said

Idris-Ahmad urged the public to contribute to the battle against drug abuse and trafficking by sharing any relevant information with the agency via its dedicated hotlines “0800 1020 3040.”

“Together, we can build a healthier and safer society,” he said.

NAN

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Bobrisky: Tunji-Ojo Vows to Address Institutional Issues, No One Will Be Shielded

Bobrisky: Tunji-Ojo Vows to Address Institutional Issues, No One Will Be Shielded

The Minister of Interior, Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, has commented on the controversy surrounding well-known cross-dresser, Idris Okuneye, commonly referred to as Bobrisky.

The situation, which revolves around accusations of special treatment during Bobrisky’s time in detention, has ignited conversations about broader systemic problems within Nigeria’s institutions.

The widely shared audio clip sparked public outrage and ignited concerns regarding corruption and the lack of accountability in the correctional system.

Tunji-Ojo, during his appearance on Tuesday’s episode of Channels Television’s Politics Today, emphasized the wider consequences of the event, describing it as a“reflection of institutional issues.”

He explained the disciplinary procedures involved in addressing such allegations, stating, “There are disciplinary procedures; you have to go through the board; you don’t just take action. Of course, somebody as high as an ACG who was found culpable of giving those verbal instructions in this regard has been suspended. This is because we said we are not going to shield anybody.”

The minister verified that a report has been handed over to the relevant board, with a copy forwarded to the NCoS to begin disciplinary proceedings.’

“The report is with the board; we have sent a copy to the service themselves because disciplinary actions must start,” he stated.

Tunji-Ojo emphasized that reforming institutions is crucial to avoid the recurrence of similar problems in the future.

“We cannot transfer today’s problem to the future,” he remarked.

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NIWA Clears Lagos Waterways of Hyacinths to Ease Yuletide Traffic

NIWA Clears Lagos Waterways of Hyacinths to Ease Yuletide Traffic

To prepare for a surge in water transportation during the Christmas season, the National Inland Waterways Authority (NIWA) has begun removing water hyacinths from the waterways in Lagos.

In a statement issued on Wednesday, NIWA explained that the effort is designed to facilitate smoother transportation and improve safety for those using the waterways.

Sarat Braimah, the Lagos Area Manager for NIWA, stated that the ongoing work will target key Lagos channels with heavy boat traffic, starting with the Omu Creeks and Ikorodu Water Channels.

NIWA Clears Lagos Waterways of Hyacinths to Ease Yuletide Traffic
NIWA officials at work

She further clarified that the Omu Creeks have been fully cleared, while the Ikorodu channels will require approximately one week of concentrated clearing, which includes removing waste and managing invasive aquatic plants.

Braimah emphasised that the effort aligns with the agency’s key operational mandate “to ensure smooth and safe navigation for boat operators and other stakeholders, particularly as traffic on the waterways is expected to increase during the Yuletide season.”

“As we approach the Christmas season, with an anticipated rise in boat traffic, we want to ensure everything is in order,” Braimah added.
She noted that the season also sees the resurgence of water hyacinths along the waterways in Lagos.

“It’s best to clear them proactively, even though the weeds can reappear. Our goal is to maintain safe passage for boat operations during and beyond the Yuletide,” she added.

The Lagos Area Manager of NIWA also mentioned that the project will be expanded to cover the Badagry and Apapa water channels, although the Ikorodu channel is currently the main focus, as weeds are spreading from there to other coastal areas of Lagos.

“We are working around the clock to sustain this effort, especially with our river marshals deployed to monitor boating operations during this period. It’s a costly and demanding project, but we are fully committed, with our staff out there daily to ensure its success,” Braimah added.

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