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 Foil Kidnap Attempt, Rescue Four Victims in Bauchi
By Zagazola Makama
Troops of Sector 8, Sub-Sector 82, Operation Enduring Peace (OPEP), have foiled a kidnap attempt in Jigi village, Lere District of Bauchi Local Government Area, Bauchi State, rescuing four abducted persons.
Security sources said the incident occurred at about 1:05 p.m. on April 28 when troops deployed at Bafawa Balewa responded to intelligence on a kidnapping incident in the area.
The sources disclosed that on sighting advancing troops, the kidnappers abandoned their victims and fled into nearby bushes.
According to the sources, the four rescued victims were immediately secured and later handed over to the Chairman of Miyetti Allah, Lere District, for identification and further necessary action.
They added that troops have intensified patrols in the area to track down the fleeing suspects and prevent further criminal activity along the axis
Troops Foil Kidnap Attempt, Rescue Four Victims in Bauchi
Troops Arrest Impostor Operating Illegal Checkpoint in Nasarawa
By Zagazola Makama
Troops of Sector 2, Operation Whirl Stroke (OPWS), have arrested an impostor allegedly posing as a soldier while operating an illegal checkpoint in Obi Local Government Area of Nasarawa State.
Security sources said the suspect was apprehended at about 5:40 p.m. on April 27 at Iyorugwa community following credible intelligence.
The sources disclosed that the suspect was found extorting members of the public while impersonating military personnel and mounting an unauthorised checkpoint in the area.
According to the sources, items recovered from the suspect included a camouflage jacket, two waist belts, and other sundry materials.
They added that the suspect and recovered items are currently in military custody for further investigation and necessary action.
Troops Arrest Impostor Operating Illegal Checkpoint in Nasarawa
Troops Foil Kidnap Attempt, Rescue Four Victims in Enugu
By Zagazola Makama
Troops of 82 Division, Nigerian Army, have foiled a kidnap attempt and rescued four victims along Akama–Iwollo Road in Ezeagu Local Government Area of Enugu State.
Security sources said the incident occurred at about 6:30 a.m. on April 28 when troops deployed at Roadblock Akama responded to credible intelligence on suspected kidnapping activities along the axis.
The sources disclosed that on arrival at the scene, troops found an abandoned vehicle and a motorcycle believed to have been used by the attackers.
According to the sources, the troops engaged the suspected kidnappers, forcing them to flee and abandon four abducted victims at the scene.
The rescued victims, along with recovered items, were handed over to relevant authorities for further investigation and necessary action.
They added that troops have intensified patrols and surveillance in the area to track down the fleeing suspects and prevent further criminal activity along the route.
Troops Foil Kidnap Attempt, Rescue Four Victims in Enugu
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