Crime
India-bound drug trafficker bags 25 years imprisonment
India-bound drug trafficker bags 25 years imprisonment
By: Michael Mike
A Federal High Court in Lagos has sentenced Freeman Charles Ogbonna, to 25 years imprisonment for drug trafficking.
Ogbonna was sentenced three months after vomiting and excreting 80 wraps of cocaine following his arrest by operatives of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), at the screening point of terminal 2 of the Murtala Muhammed International Airport, Lagos.
He was arrested on Sunday 31st March while attempting to board his flight to Delhi, India via Doha on Qatar Airways, with a Liberian international passport, bearing the name: Carr Bismark. He was taken for body scan, which tested positive for ingestion of illicit drugs.
Preliminary checks revealed his real identity as Freeman Charles Ogbonna and was subsequently placed under observation in NDLEA custody where he started to manifest signs of discomfort. Obviously choked by the volume of illicit drugs in his stomach and another substance taken to hold back excretion, the suspect soon began to retch before starting to vomit and excrete wraps of cocaine he ingested almost simultaneously.
The suspect who claimed he was recruited into drug trafficking by one of his relatives eventually passed out a total of 80 wraps of cocaine weighing 889 grams through his mouth and anus over a period of four days.
Ogbonna said he was given the drugs to swallow at a hotel in Ipodo area of Ikeja with a promise to reward him with N300,000 cash if he successfully delivers the consignment in India.
He was subsequently arraigned before Justice Dipeolu Isaac of the Federal High Court, Lagos in charge number FHCL/378/2024 for committing an offence contrary to section 20(1)(b) and punishable under section 20(2)(a) of the NDLEA Act Cap N30 LFN 2004.
Delivering his judgement on the case on Monday, Justice Dipeolu sentenced Ogbonna to 25 years in prison without an option of fine.
Reacting to the outcome of the case, Chairman/Chief Executive of NDLEA, Brig Gen Buba Marwa (Rtd) commended the MMIA Command and the prosecution team for a fast and diligent handling of the case, adding that the judiciary remains a strong pillar in the coordinated and concerted effort to curb the scourge of substance abuse and illicit drug trafficking in Nigeria.
He said Ogbonna’s conviction will further send a strong signal to his ilk that there will be no hiding place for drug barons and their mules.
India-bound drug trafficker bags 25 years imprisonment
One killed in post-reconciliation clash in Kano
By: Zagazola Makama
The Kano State Police Command has arrested several suspects following a clash between rival groups of armed thugs in Kano that left one person dead.
According to sources, the incident occurred at about 10:30 p.m. on March 17 in Jaen Unguwar Lalle quarters after a failed reconciliation meeting. A distress call from a resident prompted the Divisional patrol team to swiftly respond.
Police said the patrol engaged the thugs, restored order, and arrested the ringleaders, identified as Abubakar Abdullahi, 22, of Sabuwar Madina quarters, and Abubakar Bello, also known as Babuji, 18, of Unguwar Lalle quarters.
Three of the thugs sustained serious injuries and were rushed to Murtala Muhammad Specialist Hospital. One, Aliyu Abdullahi, 22, of Unguwar Lalle, who suffered a neck injury, was pronounced dead, while the others are receiving treatment.
Further police raids on suspected hideouts led to the arrest of eight additional suspects. Items recovered include a cutlass, a sword, and charms.
Sources from the Kano State Police Command said investigations are ongoing, and further updates will be communicated.
One killed in post-reconciliation clash in Kano
Troops arrest suspect as rival Sara-Suka factions clash in Jos
By: Zagazola Makama
Troops of Operation Safe Haven have arrested a suspect following a clash between rival factions of the Sara-Suka group in Jos North Local Government Area of Plateau State.
Security sources said the incident occurred at about 3:00 a.m. on March 16 at Zololo Junction, where the rival groups engaged in a violent confrontation.
Troops of Sector 1 swiftly responded to the distress call and apprehended one suspect, while others fled on sighting the security personnel.
The suspect is currently in custody for further investigation and necessary action.
Troops have continued to maintain presence in the area to prevent further breakdown of law and order.
Troops arrest suspect as rival Sara-Suka factions clash in Jos
One killed as customs officers allegedly shoot driver in Osogbo
By: Zagazola Makama
A suspected murder involving customs officers occurred on March 15 in Dada Estate, Osogbo, Osun State, leaving one person dead.
Sources said the incident took place at about 10:00 a.m. when some officers attached to the Nigeria Customs Service, Osun Command, dressed in mufti, were intercepting an unregistered vehicle locally referred to as Tokunbo.
According to the sources, one of the officers allegedly shot at the driver of a Toyota Highlander, who later died. The name and address of the deceased are yet to be confirmed.
Two customs officers, Superintendent Kolawole Suuti and Superintendent Danjuma Samuel, were involved in the operation. One officer was apprehended, while the other was rescued from an angry mob.
At the scene, authorities recovered the private Toyota car used by the customs officers, the deceased’s Toyota Camry, a Beretta pistol (breech number 125024) with 11 rounds of 9mm live ammunition, and one expended shell.
The vehicles and recovered items have been taken to the state headquarters, while investigations into the incident are ongoing.
Residents have been urged to remain calm as authorities probe the circumstances surrounding the shooting.
One killed as customs officers allegedly shoot driver in Osogbo
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