NDLEA Arraigns Two Mexicans, Four Nigerians over Oyo Methamphetamine Laboratory

…Court remands six defendants in correctional centre, fixes trial for January 2027

By: Michael Mike

The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) has arraigned two Mexican nationals and four Nigerians over their alleged involvement in the establishment and operation of a clandestine methamphetamine laboratory in a forest in Tapa village, Ibarapa North Local Government Area of Oyo State.

The six defendants were arraigned before Justice Nkeonye Evelyn Maha of the Federal High Court, Ibadan, on a four-count charge bordering on conspiracy, establishment of an illicit drug laboratory and the unlawful handling of chemicals for the production of methamphetamine.

The defendants are Mexican nationals Jose Villa Ochoa, 56, and Carrera Loaiza Arturo, 40, alongside four Nigerians identified as Maxwell Uche Nevoh, 30; Olatunji Yusuf, 37; Bankole Akeem Owolabi, 45; and Ganiu Monsiu, 43.

According to a statement by NDLEA’s Director of Media and Advocacy, Mr Femi Babafemi, on Friday, Villa Ochoa and the four Nigerians were arrested on June 17, 2026, by operatives of the agency in a forested area of Tapa village.

Arturo was subsequently tracked and arrested on August 19 while allegedly attempting to flee the country through the Lagos airport.

The charge alleged that the defendants conspired to operate a drug trafficking organisation and established a clandestine laboratory for the production of methamphetamine between December 2025 and June 2026 at different locations in Lagos and Oyo States.

They were also accused of unlawfully transporting and distributing chemical substances intended for the manufacture of the psychotropic drug, contrary to Section 20(1)(f) and punishable under Section 20(2)(a) of the NDLEA Act.

All six defendants pleaded not guilty after the charges were read to them in a language they understood.

Following their pleas, Justice Maha ordered their remand at the Correctional Centre in Ibadan and adjourned the case until January 26, 27, 28 and 29, 2027, for trial.

The Oyo operation is coming months after NDLEA operatives arrested three other Mexican nationals and seven Nigerian collaborators over the alleged establishment of a similar methamphetamine laboratory in a forest hideout in Ogun State.

The 10 defendants in the Ogun case were also arraigned before a Federal High Court in Lagos, where their bail application was rejected and the court ordered an accelerated hearing.

The agency said the two operations involved foreign nationals and Nigerian collaborators allegedly linked to clandestine methamphetamine production facilities in forest locations in the South-West.

NDLEA Arraigns Two Mexicans, Four Nigerians over Oyo Methamphetamine Laboratory

Governor Buni urges citizens to emulate Justice Uwani

By: Yahaya Wakili

Yobe State governor, Hon. Mai Mala Buni CON, COMN, has called on the people of the state to emulate the former supreme court judge, Justice Uwani Abba Aji CFR, as good ambassadors of the state.

Governor Buni stated this today while attending the valedictory session in honour of the retirement of supreme court judge and distinguished daughter of the state, Justice Uwani Abba Aji CFR.

The governor was accompanied by the Yobe state APC gubernatorial candidate, Alhaji Baba Malam Wali mni, his running mate, Barr. Saleh Samanja, and Senator Mohammed Ibrahim Bomai, Yobe South Senatorial District.

Others dignitaries accompanied the governor include the State Commissioner for Justice, Prof. Abubakar Kagu; the Chief of Staff to the Governor, Buni; Alhaji Abdullahi Gashu’a, Special Adviser on Religious Affairs; and some permanent secretaries.

Similarly, Alhaji Saleh Abubakar DG Great Green Wall, Alhaji Muhammadu Wali Nguru, Barr. Bala Haladu, Engr. Ahmed Amshi and other prominent sons and daughters of the state were at the supreme court to celebrate the glorious exit of the legal luminary from the service.

The Chief Judge of Nigeria, Hon. Justice Kudirat Kekere-Ekun GCON, alongside His Excellency Governor Mai Mala Buni, the Minister of Justice, the Nigeria Bar Association and others, applauded Justice Uwani for her commitment and humility.

Governor Buni prayed to Almighty Allah to grant her a long life and a happy and peaceful life in retirement, Ameen.

Governor Buni urges citizens to emulate Justice Uwani

Private schools play a strategic role in expanding access to education—NAPPS Chairman

By: Yahaya Wakili

The Chairman of the National Association of Proprietors of Private Schools (NAPPS) Potiskum chapter, Yobe state, Mohammed Sambo Adamu, has revealed that private schools play a significant role in expanding access to education, creating employment opportunities, developing talents, and preparing our children for the challenges of the future.

Mohammed Sambo Adamu made this known today at the 2026 NAPPS Day celebration, organised by the National Association of Proprietors of Private Schools (NAPPS) Potiskum chapter.

“We must continue to improve our teaching standards, provide a conducive learning environment, embrace innovation, and ensure that our schools produce children who are academically sound, morally upright, disciplined, and responsible citizens.

According to the chairman, it provides an opportunity to celebrate education, recognize the contributions of private schools, encourage healthy academic competition, and strengthen our commitment to providing quality education for our children.

The chairman further maintained that the importance of NAPPS Day is to reflect on our responsibilities as educators and renew our commitment to excellence, discipline, creativity, and moral development, adding that our responsibility is not merely to teach children how to read and write; it is also to prepare them to become useful members of society.

Adamu revealed that today we are proud to organize spelling bees, reading, and other academic competitions to showcase the talents and abilities of our pupils and students and call on the proprietors and directors that the future of private education in Potiskum local government depends on our unity and cooperation.

The highlight of the occasion was the presentation of prizes to winning schools. S. S. Classes have impromptu speech competitions. First position, Nehonia Vector from Baptist College. Spelling B. Senior class competition. In the first position, Sadiya Abubakar from Zenith School of Excellence, and in the J.S.S. class category, impromptu speech competition, first position, Ahmed Mohammed Sani from Alminna International Academy.

Others include the Spelling B j s s category, first position, and Khadija M. Muhammad from Almadina Academy. Reading passages, primary category, first position, Aisha Abdulhafiz from Universal Brain College, and spelling, B, primary category, first position, Abubakar Yusuf from Potiskum Care Excellence.

Private schools play a strategic role in expanding access to education—NAPPS Chairman