Nigeria, Qatar strengthen partnership against illicit drug trafficking

By: Michael Mike

Nigeria and Qatar have strengthened partnership in the area of combating illicit drug trafficking with the symbolic exchange of instruments of ratification between the two countries.

The exchange was made by the Chairman/Chief Executive Officer of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), Brig. Gen. Buba Marwa (Rtd) and the Qatar Ambassador Ali Bin Ghanem Al- Hajri.

The exchange followed the historic signing of a Memorandum of Understanding between President Bola Tinubu and the Emir of the State of Qatar, Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani, on 3rd March 2024 in Doha, on cooperation on combating illicit trade in narcotic drugs, psychotropic substances and their precursors.

Speaking at a brief ceremony at the Qatar Embassy in Abuja on Tuesday, Marwa expressed appreciation for the partnership between the two countries against a major threat to public health and security globally.

He assured that the NDLEA remains committed to collaborating with its counterpart in Doha “to protect our people and countries from the threat of substance abuse and illicit drug trafficking.”

He noted that in the last four years, NDLEA had intercepted over 1,000 kilograms of cocaine, heroin, methamphetamine, cannabis and others heading to Qatar.

While commending the Qatar government for its peace building efforts and tremendous humanitarian work across the world through the Qatar Foundation, the NDLEA boss sought the support of the Foundation in the area of provision of rehabilitation facilities for the treatment of people struggling with drug addiction.

In his response, Ambassador Ali Bin Ghanem Al- Hajri assured Marwa that he will present the request to the Qatar Foundation. He noted that the partnership between the two countries has improved greatly and of recent increased the number travels between the two countries.

Nigeria, Qatar strengthen partnership against illicit drug trafficking

Court Orders IGP to Present Defunct SARS Operatives for Prosecution

By: Michael Mike

An Abuja High Court has ordered the Inspector General of Police (IGP) to present for prosecution operatives of the Special Anti-Robbery Squad (SARS) found culpable in the 2017 abduction of John Anozie.

In a judgment delivered on the 24th day of September 2025 in Suit No: FHC/ABJ/865/2025 between: Mrs Nnenna Anozie v. Inspector General of Police, a Federal High Court sitting in Abuja has ordered the Inspector General of Police to furnish the applicant- Mrs Nnenna Anozie with reports of the investigation conducted by the Nigeria Police Force on petitions submitted to it on the abduction and disappearance of Mr. John Anozie, the applicant’s husband.

While ordering the Inspector General of Police to forward the case file and report of investigation to the Honourable Attorney General of the Federation, the Court further directed the IGP to handover the erring officers to the Honourable Attorney General of the Federation for prosecution.

Further, the court awarded the sum of N2 million as damages against the IGP for refusing the request of the plaintiff for the reports of investigations conducted by the police on her husband’s abduction and disappearance.

On the 17th day of June 2017, Mr. John Chukwuemeka Anozie was allegedly abducted from his Lekki, Lagos residence by officers of the defunct Special Anti Robbery Squad (SARS) from Akwuzu, Anambra State who also made away with two SUV vehicles, briefcases containing foreign and local currencies, international passports of his wife and children, ATM cards and sundry belongings.

An order of the Anambra State High Court which directed the police to either release him from custody or alternatively arraign him in court was flouted by the police as he was never arraigned.

The police later claimed he died in custody during interrogation. Another Order of the Anambra State High Court for his corpse to be released to his family for burial was again disobeyed as his corpse was never released to his family for burial till date.

In 2019, the traumatized wife of Mr. Anozie petitioned the Inspector General of Police over the matter pursuant to which the IGP caused an investigation to be conducted.

Some officers were indicted and indeed arrested for the egregious acts leading to the disappearance and presumed death of Mr. Anozie. The O/C Legal at the police force Headquarters then, Mr. Tuesday Emienbo had rightly in his legal opinion, recommended the officers- (1) ASP Anthony Obiozor Ikechukwu, (2) Sgt. Uzochukwu Emeana, (3) John Eze and (4) Oriole A.k.a T-boy for prosecution. However, nothing happened.

The case was also brought before the EndSars Investigative Panel during its proceedings which lastedu between 2020-2022, the Panel ordered the then Commissioner of Police Legal, one Mr. Ochogwu Ogbeh to appear before the Panel and produce the case file of the matter, he flouted the order of the panel and refused to appear before the panel despite the warrant of arrest issued against him.

In 2023, the law firm of Falana & Falana petitioned the IGP to reopen investigation into the matter, nothing was done.

Having waited endless without hope of getting justice for her husband, Mrs Anozie, through her lawyer, Vincent Adodo, made a request to the IGP under the Freedom of Information Act 2011 for copies of the investigation reports, case file and legal opinion issued by Mr. Tuesday Emeniebo to be furnished to her and to be forwarded to the office of the Honourable Attorney General of the Federation. The IGP failed to respond to the request prompting the filing of the instant suit before the Federal High Court in Abuja. Despite being served with processes and hearing notices, the police failed to appear to defend the case.

The Court in its judgement granted all the reliefs of the plaintiff and awarded the sum of N2 million against the IGP as damages for the failed attempts the Applicant made to exercise her right under the Freedom of Information Act to no avail.

With the Court having delivered judgement, it is expected that the Inspector General of Police will immediately set processes in motion to ensure the prosecution of the erring police officers responsible for Mr. John Anozie’s abduction and disappearance.

Court Orders IGP to Present Defunct SARS Operatives for Prosecution

Marwa: Nigeria’s Next Drug Control Master Plan Must Address Emerging Threat

By: Michael Mike

Chairman/Chief Executive Officer of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), Brig. Gen. Buba Marwa (Rtd) has charged all stakeholders involved in the ongoing development of the next National Drug Control Master Plan (NDCMP 2026-2030) to ensure that the strategy document addresses new and emerging threats that sustain the illicit drug trade in Nigeria.

Marwa gave the advice on Monday in Niger state in his opening remarks at a five-day workshop to develop the fifth National Drug Control Master Plan for the country. The residential retreat is funded by the ECOWAS Commission and supported by the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC).

According to him, “The task before us over the next few days is both strategic and historic. The drug problem continues to evolve, and so must our response. The NDCMP 2026–2030 must be visionary yet practical; comprehensive yet targeted; and nationally owned yet regionally and globally aligned. It must build on the achievements of the past while boldly addressing new and emerging threats, from synthetic drugs to dark-web trafficking, from poly-substance use to the illicit financial flows that sustain the drug trade.”

He reminded all the stakeholders that the workshop offers the rare opportunity to deliberate, analyse and agree on strategic priorities that will shape the trajectory of Nigeria’s response for the next five years. “It is here that we will identify what has worked, acknowledge the gaps, and design innovative pathways for the future.”

He urged all participants to bring to bear their expertise, experience and commitment, adding that the workshop is not just about producing another document but about charting a collective vision to safeguard the health, security and wellbeing of Nigerians.

Marwa reaffirmed the agency’s readiness to provide leadership, coordination and technical support to ensure that the new Master Plan is not only developed but also effectively implemented. He said: “I also pledge that we will continue to strengthen collaboration with our partners, both within Nigeria and across the ECOWAS sub-region, for we know that the drug challenge recognises no borders.”

He thanked ECOWAS Commission “for sponsoring this workshop, and all our partners — the European Union, UNODC, civil society organisations, professional bodies and the private sector — for their continued collaboration. Together, we are shaping a future where Nigeria and West Africa will be safer, healthier and more secure.”

Speaking at the workshop, UNODC Country Representative, Cheikh Ousmane who was represented by Dr. Akanidomo Ibanga commended Nigeria’s drug control efforts so far. “Yet, we are all aware that the drug situation continues to evolve. Global and regional dynamics — whether related to new psychoactive substances, organized crime networks, or the impact of conflict and economic pressures — all shape local realities. Our response must therefore be adaptive, coordinated, and inclusive. The Master Plan is the instrument through which this can happen.

“This workshop offers a unique opportunity to review the draft chapters, harmonize perspectives, and ensure that the priorities identified reflect both national realities and international standards, including those enshrined in the three international drug control conventions, the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development, and the African Union Plan of Action on Drug Control”, he stated.

While commending the leadership of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) and the Federal Ministry of Health, as well as all members of the inter-agency working groups, for the dedication and expertise they bring to the process, he said that their work will serve as a compass for coordinated action over the coming years.

Also speaking during the opening ceremony of the workshop, ECOWAS Commission Commissioner for Human Development and Social Affairs, Prof Fatou Sow Sarr represented by Dr. Daniel Amankwaah noted that Nigeria, as a key stakeholder in regional drug control efforts, has taken proactive steps to develop national strategies aligned with international best practices.

“The Nigeria’s current National Drug Control Master Plan (NDCMP) will expire this year and a new plan needs to be developed to address the emerging drug threats, trafficking patterns, and the increasing burden of substance use disorders. The new NDCMP will effectively respond to current and future drug-related challenges.

“The ECOWAS Commission, in line with its mandate to support Member States in addressing drug-related issues, is providing technical and financial assistance to Nigeria in the elaboration of the new NDCMP. This initiative aligns with the objectives of the ECOWAS Drug Prevention and Control Programme and the broader regional efforts to strengthen drug demand and supply reduction mechanisms.

“This support is a strategic step toward strengthening Nigeria’s drug control framework and aligning it with regional and international best practices. The ECOWAS Commission remains committed to supporting Nigeria in this effort, ensuring that the new National Drug Control Master Plan is robust, evidence-based, and effectively addresses the country’s drug-related challenges”, the ECOWAS Commission chief assured.

Other stakeholders who spoke at the ceremony include representatives of the Federal Ministries of Education, Health, Agriculture, Budget and Planning as well as NACA, NAFDAC, EFCC, and NFIU.

Marwa: Nigeria’s Next Drug Control Master Plan Must Address Emerging Threat