Crime
3 kingpins, 16 other convicts bag 302 years jail term for drug trafficking
3 kingpins, 16 other convicts bag 302 years jail term for drug trafficking
By: Michael Mike
The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) has obtained a total of 302 years imprisonment for three kingpins and 16 other offenders for trafficking and dealing in illicit drugs such as cocaine, heroin, methamphetamine, cannabis and opioids.
A statement on Friday by the spokesman of the anti-narcotics agency, Femi Babafemi said the 19 convicts top the list of 414 drug traffickers and dealers convicted by the Federal High Court in Benue, Bauchi, Edo, Lagos, Ogun, Gombe and the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Abuja between July 1st – 31st 2024 based on charges filed against them by the NDLEA.
According to him, one of the three kingpins, 50-year-old Bolanle Dauda was arrested in an intelligence-led raid by operatives of a special operation unit in NDLEA at Ibiye, along Lagos-Badagry expressway while attempting to cross the land border to deliver the consignment in Ghana on Saturday 25th May 2024.
Babafemi said at the point of his arrest, 42 blocks of cocaine weighing 47.5 kilogrammes were found on him, adding that a swift follow up operation in his residence at Plot 24/25 OPIC extension, Petedo road, Agbara, Ogun state, led to the recovery of additional eight blocks of the same drug weighing 10 kilogrammes, bringing the total weight of the cocaine seized from him to 57.5 kilogrammes.
He was subsequently arraigned before Hon. Justice Ambrose Allagoa of the Federal High Court, Lagos in charge number FHC/L/537C/2024, and was convicted and sentenced on 19th July 2024 to 21 years imprisonment or payment of an option of N30 million fine.
Another kingpin that was put behind bars is 34-year-old Ikeh Ifeanyi who was arrested at the popular Idumota market in Lagos Island, where no fewer than 1,100 ampoules of lethal synthetic opioid, fentanyl, weighing 6.48 kilogrammes were recovered from him.
According to Babafemi, the dangerous opioid is 100 times more potent than heroin and currently responsible for over 70% overdose deaths as well as a major contributor to fatal and nonfatal overdoses in the United States.
He was later arraigned before Justice Kehinde Ogundare of the Federal High Court Lagos in charge number FHC/L/433C/2024. Delivering his judgment on 4th July 2024, the trial judge convicted Ifeanyi on the two counts charge and sentenced him to 14 years in jail or an option of N2 million fine.
In his own case, Christian Anyanwu was arrested on Saturday 26th November, 2022 with 1.4 kilogrammes of methamphetamine concealed inside custard tins packed among cosmetics and foodstuffs going to Brazil via Doha on a Qatar Airways flight. He was subsequently docked before Justice Yellin Bogoro of the Federal High Court Lagos, and later convicted on 12th July 2024. In his ruling, the trial judge sentenced Anyanwu to 16 years in jail, four of which is a mandatory imprisonment without an option of fine.
Babafemi revealed that others who bagged mandatory imprisonment in July for drug trafficking include: Moses Yakubu sentenced to 25 years in prison on 22nd July by Justice Rita Ajumogobia of the Federal High Court Abuja; Oluosun Okikiola who was convicted and sentenced to 15 years in jail on 17th July by Justice A. A Okeke of the Federal High Court Abeokuta, Ogun state. In the same vein, Justice R.J Abubakar of the Federal High Court, Makurdi, Benue state convicted and sentenced Chanchan Terpase to seven years in prison on 9th July while Justice C.O. Obiozor of the Federal High Court, Benin, Edo state convicted and sentenced Beauty Gani to 30 years in prison or payment of an option of N8million fine on 3rd July 2024.
Meanwhile, while commending the officers and men of the various commands involved in the arrest and prosecution of the cases as well as the judiciary for speedy adjudication, Chairman/Chief Executive Officer of NDLEA, Brig. Gen. Buba Marwa (Rtd) said the sentencing of the convicts will further give bite to the drug supply reduction efforts of the agency.
3 kingpins, 16 other convicts bag 302 years jail term for drug trafficking
Troops Clear Terrorist Enclaves, Recover Items in Katsina Operation
By: Zagazola Makama
Troops of Operation FANSAN YAMMA have cleared suspected terrorist enclaves and recovered items during a coordinated offensive in Matazu Local Government Area of Katsina State.
Security sources said the operation was conducted at about 8:00 a.m. on April 22 by troops of 17 Brigade in collaboration with members of the Katsina State Community Watch Corps (KSCWC), with support from the Air Component of the operation.
The troops reportedly cleared identified enclaves at Radawa, Farin Tafki and Kuka Damisa during the operation.
Items recovered include one empty AK-47 magazine, two motorcycles, a horse and a vehicle.
The recovered items are currently in the custody of the troops for further action.
The sources added that the operation is part of ongoing efforts to dismantle terrorist hideouts and restore security across Katsina State.
Troops Clear Terrorist Enclaves, Recover Items in Katsina Operation
Troops Respond to Attack in Zamfara, IED Incident Recorded Without Casualties
By: Zagazola Makama
Troops of Operation FANSAN YAMMA have responded to a terrorist attack around Zamfarawa outpost in Tsafe Local Government Area of Zamfara State, while an improvised explosive device (IED) incident was also recorded along a nearby route.
Security sources said the troops of 1 Brigade, deployed at Forward Operating Base (FOB) Danjibga, responded at about 10:10 p.m. on April 21 after receiving reports of gunfire around the outpost.
Following the engagement, a vehicle conveying grains to Danjibga reportedly triggered an IED along the Danjibga–Kunchin Kalgo axis.
The sources said no casualties were recorded from the explosion.
They added that troops have intensified patrols and monitoring along the axis to forestall further incidents and ensure the safety of residents and road users.
Troops Respond to Attack in Zamfara, IED Incident Recorded Without Casualties
Troops Arrest Three Suspected Collaborators in Niger Offensive Operation
By: Zagazola Makama
Troops have arrested three suspected terrorist collaborators during a joint offensive operation in Borgu Local Government Area of Niger State.
Security sources said the operation was conducted at about 6:17 a.m. on April 22 by troops deployed at Forward Operating Bases (FOB) Audu Fari and Babana.
The troops carried out coordinated operations across multiple locations including Kuble–Lumma–Swahi, Saminaka–Kanu, Sokomba–Kabe–Kerengi–Mirami, and the Babana general area.
According to the sources, the operation was aimed at dominating the area and denying criminal elements freedom of action within the Area of Responsibility.
During the exercise, three suspected collaborators were apprehended and are currently in military custody for further action.
The sources added that troops will sustain offensive operations to dismantle criminal networks and enhance security across the area.
Troops Arrest Three Suspected Collaborators in Niger Offensive Operation
Troops Clear Terrorist Enclaves, Recover Items in Katsina Operation
Troops Repel Terrorist Infiltration in Kanama, Neutralise Four Insurgents
Troops Respond to Attack in Zamfara, IED Incident Recorded Without Casualties
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