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 Raid Criminal Hideouts, Arrest 10 Suspects in Plateau
By: Zagazola Makama
Troops of Sector 1 of Operation Safe Haven have conducted coordinated raid operations on suspected criminal hideouts in Bassa Local Government Area of Plateau State, leading to the arrest of 10 suspects.
Security sources said the operation was carried out at about 9:00 p.m. on May 19 at Gurum and Mista-Ali communities as part of ongoing efforts to deny criminal elements freedom of action within the area.
The troops reportedly stormed identified hideouts and arrested the suspects during the operation without incident.
A total of 10 suspects were taken into custody and are currently undergoing profiling and preliminary investigation.
Security sources said the raid forms part of sustained clearance operations aimed at curbing criminal activities, including banditry, kidnapping, and other related offences across Plateau State.
They added that security patrols and intelligence-driven operations would continue in vulnerable communities to restore lasting peace.
Troops Raid Criminal Hideouts, Arrest 10 Suspects in Plateau
Troops Disrupt Illegal Mining Activities in Plateau
By: Zagazola Makama
Troops of Sector 4, Sub-Sector 41 of Operation Enduring Peace have disrupted suspected illegal mining activities in Barkin Ladi Local Government Area of Plateau State.
Security sources said the troops responded at about 7:00 p.m. on May 19 following reports of illegal mining operations between NTV and Hirpiya villages.
On arrival at the location, the suspected illegal miners reportedly fled the scene upon sighting the troops.
The troops subsequently secured the area and recovered items believed to have been used for the illegal activities, including one long pipe, one generator, and one pumping machine.
The recovered items have been taken into custody for further investigation and necessary action.
Security sources said the operation formed part of ongoing efforts to curb illegal mining and other criminal activities contributing to insecurity and environmental degradation in Plateau State.
Troops Disrupt Illegal Mining Activities in Plateau
Troops Arrest Wanted Kidnap Suspect Linked to Abduction of Retired Colonel in Plateau
By: Zagazola Makama
Troops of Sector 3 of Operation Safe Haven have arrested a wanted kidnap suspect linked to the abduction of a retired military officer in Plateau State.
Security sources said the suspect, identified as Abubakar Ahamadu, 35, was apprehended at about 4:00 p.m. on May 20 during an intelligence-led operation.
He was reportedly linked to the kidnapping of retired Col. Ajanaku (rtd), which occurred on Jan. 4 along Rukuba Road in Bassa LGA.
Sources said the arrest followed sustained efforts by troops to track and dismantle kidnapping networks operating within the area.
The suspect is currently in custody and undergoing further investigation and profiling.
Troops Arrest Wanted Kidnap Suspect Linked to Abduction of Retired Colonel in Plateau
Troops Raid Criminal Hideouts, Arrest 10 Suspects in Plateau
Troops Disrupt Illegal Mining Activities in Plateau
Troops Arrest Wanted Kidnap Suspect Linked to Abduction of Retired Colonel in Plateau
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