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 cult members, recover locally made pistol in Ebonyi state
By: Zagazola Makama
Troops of Operation UDO KA have arrested three suspected cult members and recovered a locally made pistol during a swift response to a distress call at the Federal University Ndufu-Alike, Ikwo in Ebonyi State.
Security sources said the operation was carried out at about 9:25 p.m. on March 25 by troops deployed at Forward Operating Base Ikwo, following reports from the Chief Security Officer of the university about gunshots suspected to be linked to cult activities around the campus.
The sources said troops moved immediately to the scene, where they apprehended three suspects found in possession of knives and scissors.
During preliminary interrogation, the suspects allegedly disclosed that another accomplice was in possession of an illegal firearm.
Acting on the information, troops proceeded to the suspect’s accommodation; however, he was said to have fled before their arrival.
A subsequent search of the room led to the recovery of one locally made pistol, concealed inside a handbag placed in the suspect’s wardrobe.
The sources added that efforts are ongoing to track and arrest the fleeing suspect, while the three arrested individuals remain in custody for further investigation and possible prosecution.
Troops arrest suspected cult members, recover locally made pistol in Ebonyi state
Troops neutralise terrorist, recover arms in ambush near Nigeria–Cameroon border
By: Zagazola Makama
Troops of Operation Hadin Kai have neutralised a Boko Haram/ISWAP terrorist and recovered arms and logistics during an ambush operation along the Nigeria–Cameroon border axis.
Security sources said the ambush was conducted by troops of 3 Battalion (Mechanised), 24 Task Force Brigade, following ongoing operations across the Madari–Segeme axis in Cameroon.
The sources disclosed that at about 11:40 p.m. on March 24, the ambush team made contact with fleeing terrorists along the Abari axis, leading to the neutralisation of one insurgent.
Items recovered from the scene included one M-19 assault rifle, assorted rounds of 7.62mm ammunition, two mobile phones, one GSM battery, two Airtel SIM cards, five sachets of mebendazole tablets, a tactical gear bag, and one motorcycle.
According to the sources, the operation forms part of sustained efforts to track and eliminate fleeing terrorist elements along border corridors.
Troops neutralise terrorist, recover arms in ambush near Nigeria–Cameroon border
Troops arrest suspected Boko Haram logistics supplier in Borno
By: Zagazola Makama
Troops of Operation Hadin Kai have arrested a suspected Boko Haram logistics supplier in Kaga Local Government Area of Borno State.
Security sources said the arrest followed credible intelligence on the movement of a suspect conveying items believed to be meant for terrorists.
The sources disclosed that at about 6:00 p.m. on March 25, troops of 233 Tank Battalion, in collaboration with members of the Yobe State Hunters Group, intercepted the suspect, identified as Modu Sharif, 23, while moving from Damaturu to Kadau village near Goniri axis.
Items recovered from the suspect included 11 brake liners, four carburetors, one bunch of springs, 17 spark plugs, one crankshaft, three packets of oil seals, 18 cable wires, and eight clutch handles, all suspected to be motorcycle spare parts.
According to the sources, the suspect confessed during preliminary interrogation that he was sent by Boko Haram elements to deliver the items.
The suspect is currently in custody, while efforts are ongoing to apprehend other collaborators and dismantle the logistics network supporting terrorist activities in the region.
Troops arrest suspected Boko Haram logistics supplier in Borno
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