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 destroy illegal mining sites in Niger
By: Zagazola Makama
Troops of Operation Savannah Shield have destroyed illegal mining sites during a fighting patrol in Borgu Local Government Area of Niger State.
A military source said the operation was carried out at about 3:45 p.m. on March 27 by troops of 22 Brigade, Sector 1, in conjunction with personnel of 221 Battalion.
The source disclosed that the troops conducted the patrol to Daban Woko area following intelligence on illegal mining activities in the locality.
“On arrival, troops discovered illegal mining sites, which were subsequently destroyed and set ablaze,” the source said.
He added that the illegal miners fled the area on sighting the troops.
According to the source, the operation was completed successfully without any incident.
The source reaffirmed the commitment of the military to clamp down on illegal mining and other criminal activities undermining economic and environmental security.
Troops destroy illegal mining sites in Niger
Troops foil kidnap attempt, repel gunmen in Sokoto community
By: Zagazola Makama
Troops of Operation FANSAN YANMA have foiled a kidnap attempt and repelled suspected terrorists in Gesa village, Illela Local Government Area of Sokoto State.
A military source said the troops of 248 Reconnaissance Battalion, deployed at Forward Operating Base Sauna, responded to a distress call at about 10:30 a.m. on March 27.
The source disclosed that on arrival, troops discovered that two armed men on a motorcycle had stormed the village, firing sporadically in an attempt to abduct a nurse who was in the community for a medical outreach.
“On sighting the troops, the terrorists fled the scene, abandoning their mission,” the source said.
He added that troops subsequently dominated the general area to forestall further attacks.
The source also said the troops warned residents on the need to provide timely and credible information to security agencies for prompt response.
Troops foil kidnap attempt, repel gunmen in Sokoto community
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 destroy illegal mining sites in Niger
Troops recover over 300 rustled livestock after clash between bandit factions
Troops intercept vehicle, recover 850 litres of fuel in Yobe
Roger Federer’s Shock as DNA Results Reveal Myla and Charlene Are Not His Biological Children
THE PLIGHT OF FARIDA
FAILED COUP IN BURKINA FASO: HOW TRAORÉ NARROWLY ESCAPED ASSASSINATION PLOT AMID FOREIGN INTERFERENCE CLAIMS
-
News2 years agoRoger Federer’s Shock as DNA Results Reveal Myla and Charlene Are Not His Biological Children
-
Opinions4 years ago
THE PLIGHT OF FARIDA
-
News11 months agoFAILED COUP IN BURKINA FASO: HOW TRAORÉ NARROWLY ESCAPED ASSASSINATION PLOT AMID FOREIGN INTERFERENCE CLAIMS
-
News2 years agoEYN: Rev. Billi, Distortion of History, and The Living Tamarind Tree
-
Opinions4 years agoPOLICE CHARGE ROOMS, A MINTING PRESS
-
ACADEMICS2 years agoA History of Biu” (2015) and The Lingering Bura-Pabir Question (1)
-
Columns2 years agoArmy University Biu: There is certain interest, but certainly not from Borno.
-
Opinions2 years agoTinubu,Shettima: The epidemic of economic, insecurity in Nigeria
