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India-bound drug trafficker bags 25 years imprisonment

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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

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Two Impostors in Military Uniform Arrested in Kaduna

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Two Impostors in Military Uniform Arrested in Kaduna

By Zagazola Makama

Security operatives have arrested two suspected impostors dressed in military camouflage in Jema’a Local Government Area of Kaduna State.

Security sources said the suspects were apprehended at about 8:30 p.m. on May 1 along Bauchi Street in Kafanchan town by troops of Sector 7 of Operation Safe Haven.

The sources disclosed that the suspects were found wearing military uniforms, raising suspicion among security personnel on patrol.

According to the sources, preliminary investigation revealed that the camouflage uniforms allegedly belonged to a serving soldier who is currently on pass.

They added that the suspects are in custody for further investigation to determine their motives and possible involvement in criminal activities.

The sources further said efforts are ongoing to unravel the circumstances surrounding the incident and ensure appropriate action is taken.

Two Impostors in Military Uniform Arrested in Kaduna

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Troops Raid Another Suspected IPOB/ESN Hideout in Enugu Forest

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Troops Raid Another Suspected IPOB/ESN Hideout in Enugu Forest

By Zagazola Makama

Troops of the Nigerian Army have conducted an offensive operation in a forest in Ezeagu Local Government Area of Enugu State, targeting suspected hideouts of IPOB/ESN members.

Security sources said the operation was carried out at about 6:30 a.m. on May 1 by troops comprising personnel of 82 Division Garrison, 103 Battalion and 197 Special Forces Battalion, supported by air components, police operatives and forest guards.

The sources disclosed that the operation followed intelligence reports on suspected activities of IPOB/ESN elements around the Ajali Forest.

According to the sources, troops located and searched a cave believed to have been used by the group as a holding facility for kidnapped victims.

They, however, noted that nothing of significant value was recovered during the search.

The sources added that security operations are ongoing in the area to sustain pressure on criminal elements and prevent further activities within the forest.

Troops Raid Another Suspected IPOB/ESN Hideout in Enugu Forest

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Army Hands Over Arrested Blogger to Civil Authorities Over Alleged Subversion Activities

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Army Hands Over Arrested Blogger to Civil Authorities Over Alleged Subversion Activities

By Zagazola Makama

The Nigerian Army has said that a blogger and social media influencer, Justice Mark Chidiebere, also known as Justice Crack, has been handed over to relevant civil authorities for investigation over alleged subversive activities.

In a statement issued on Friday by Appolonia Anele, Acting Director of Army Public Relations, the Army said the action followed ongoing investigations into interactions between the blogger and some soldiers.

According to the statement, preliminary findings indicate that the blogger engaged the soldiers on a range of issues, including discussions that allegedly bordered on incitement and attempts to create discontent within the system.

“The matter is being investigated for breach of the Armed Forces’ Social Media Policy and an attempt to misinform the public,” the Army said.

It added that concerns were raised after complaints by some soldiers regarding feeding and welfare issues were circulated on social media.

The Army noted that while the affected soldiers are currently in military custody, the blogger has been transferred to appropriate civil authorities for further investigation and possible prosecution.

It stressed that any attempt by civilians to influence military personnel towards acts capable of undermining discipline poses serious implications for national security.

The statement reaffirmed the Army’s commitment to the rule of law and due process, adding that it would continue to collaborate with relevant agencies in addressing the matter.

“The Nigerian Army remains committed to safeguarding national sovereignty within the ambit of the law,” it said.

Army Hands Over Arrested Blogger to Civil Authorities Over Alleged Subversion Activities

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