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
Troops arrest suspected ISWAP member while attempting to infiltrate Maiduguri
By: Zagazola Makama
Troops of Operation Hadin Kai have arrested a suspected member of Boko Haram/ISWAP in Borno while attempting to infiltrate Maiduguri.
Sources told Zagazola Makama that the fighter known as Saina, was apprehended at about 4:42 p.m. on March 29 at a checkpoint in Kilo Papa area.
The arrest was carried out by troops of 21 Special Armoured Brigade and allied security operatives deployed at the checkpoint.
According to the sources, the suspect was intercepted while on transit to Maiduguri in a civilian vehicle and was found wearing a woodland camouflage trouser, raising suspicion.
Preliminary interrogation revealed that the suspect initially claimed to be a member of hybrid forces operating in Kumshe.
However, further questioning indicated that he is an active member of a terrorist group and was suspected to be on a reconnaissance mission.
The suspect has been handed over to military intelligence for detailed investigation.
Troops arrest suspected ISWAP member while attempting to infiltrate Maiduguri
Troops arrest suspected gunrunner, intercept 200 rounds of ammunition in kaduna
By: Zagazola Makama
Troops of Operation FANSAN YAMMA have arrested a suspected gunrunner and intercepted 200 rounds of ammunition in Zaria Local Government Area of Kaduna State.
A security source disclosed that the suspect was apprehended at about 3:15 a.m. on March 29 during a joint intelligence-led operation involving troops of 2 Battalion and a team from the Office of the National Security Adviser (ONSA).
The source said the operation followed credible intelligence on the movement of the suspect, who was reportedly en route to Kaduna from Jos through Dambo community in Zaria.
“Troops swiftly established a snap checkpoint at Dambo, where the suspect was intercepted in possession of 200 rounds of 7.62 x 39mm ammunition,” the source said.
He added that the suspect has been handed over to ONSA for further investigation and necessary action.
The source noted that the arrest is part of ongoing efforts to curb the proliferation of illegal arms and ammunition, as well as disrupt criminal networks operating across the North-West and North-Central regions.
Troops arrest suspected gunrunner, intercept 200 rounds of ammunition in kaduna
Troops intercept vehicle conveying suspected terrorist logistics in Borno
By: Zagazola Makama
Troops of Operation Hadin Kai have intercepted a vehicle conveying suspected logistics supplies meant for Boko Haram terrorists along Maiduguri–Mafa road in Borno State.
A military source disclosed that the vehicle, with registration number GZA 359 XA, was intercepted during a stop-and-check operation conducted by troops of 195 Battalion (Mechanised) at a checkpoint.
According to the source, the interception followed a thorough search of the vehicle, which revealed several cartons of assorted medical drugs, motorcycle tubes, and brand-new motorcycle tyres concealed in sacks.
Other items recovered include mosquito nets, rolls of mats, cartons of air brake cylinders for heavy-duty trucks, and cartons of detergent.
Preliminary investigation indicated that the items lacked proper clearance and were being transported to Kusuri, a border town en route to Chad.
“All efforts to trace the owners of the items proved abortive,” the source said.
He added that the vehicle, recovered items, and the civilian drivers would be handed over to the appropriate military intelligence unit for further investigation and necessary action.
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