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NDLEA arrests 8 over Lagos, Abuja, Enugu airports Cocaine busts

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NDLEA arrests 8 over Lagos, Abuja, Enugu airports Cocaine busts

NDLEA arrests 8 over Lagos, Abuja, Enugu airports Cocaine busts

By: Michael Mike

Operatives of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) have arrested six men and two women over attempts to import hundreds of cocaine pellets into Nigeria and export thousands of tramadol 255mg tablets among other illicit drugs to Europe via the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport, Abuja; Akanu Ibiam International Airport, Enugu, and Murtala Muhammed International Airport, Lagos.

According to the spokesman of the anti-narcotics agency, Femi Babafemi, the streaks of arrests and seizures began on Sunday 17th July when a 52-year-old father of three, Okwo Okechukwu, was arrested upon his arrival from Addis Ababa, Ethiopia via an Ethiopian airline flight at the Abuja airport for ingesting 76 pellets of cocaine.

Babafemi said during preliminary interrogation, Okechukwu said he was into selling women’s wigs and hair attachment before veering into the drug trade. Okechukwu excreted all the 76 wraps of the drug he swallowed while under observation at the NDLEA’s facility in Abuja.

In the same vein, another father of three, Lawrence Chijioke, 42, was arrested at the Abuja airport same day in an operational synergy between NDLEA and Nigeria Customs Service at the airport, Chijioke, was arrested during an inward clearance of Ethiopian Airline flight from Addis Ababa with 529 pellets of cocaine weighing 11.70 kilogrammes concealed in his bag. 

Chijioke, in his statement to anti-narcotic officers, claimed he was promised N2 million, which he planned to use to boost his business, upon successful delivery of the cocaine consignment in Abuja.

Babafemi said the NDLEA operatives also last Saturday arrested 29-year-old Ms. Onuorah Onyinye at the Enugu airport upon arrival on Ethiopian airline flight from Addis Ababa, during a search of her luggage, it was discovered that 2.192 kilogrammes of cocaine was concealed in two designer’s women handbags with false linings.

Also Read: Kashim Shettima: From the steps of the Senate to power

The spokesman also disclosed that attempts by drug traffickers to export different illicit drugs through the NAHCO export shed at the Lagos airport to Europe and United Arab Emirate were also frustrated by officers and men of the agency. He said operatives on Monday 18th July intercepted some illicit substances concealed in a consolidated cargo going to Dubai, UAE, noting that apart from 24 parcels of Loud, a variant of cannabis, which is largely grown in the United States and Canada, other substances recovered from the cargo include a precursor for methamphetamine, BMK glycidic acid; tablets of designer drug MDMA and another five parcels of cannabis. 

He said no fewer than four freight agents were arrested in connection with the seizure. They include: Balogun Olamilekan; Sulaimon Yetunde; Benjamin Joel; and Omoniyi Abraham.

He disclosed that same day, Monday 18th July, the bid by an Italy-bound passenger Tony Osas to export 10,250 tablets of tramadol 255mg to Europe through the Lagos airport was foiled by NDLEA operatives who intercepted him at Gate B departure hall during outward clearance of passengers on a Turkish airline flight to Milan.

He said during a search of his luggage, Osas was found with the illicit substance that weighed 5.70 kilogrammes concealed inside gari, a local cassava product tucked in his black handbag.

In other clampdown across the country, in Kaduna, a driver Jamilu Lawal, was arrested on Sunday 17th July along Abuja-Kaduna express road, with 157,000 tablets of diazepam weighing 37.5 kilogrammes. A follow up operation same day led to the arrest of the actual owner of the consignment, Abubakar Isiyaku, in Katsina. 

Another suspect, Isah Mohammed, was equally arrested same day in Kano during a follow up operation, after the interception of his consignment, 2,500 kilogrammes rubber solution (solvent) locally called Shalisha in Kaduna.

In Abuja, no fewer than four persons were arrested over 345.4 kilogrammes cannabis seizures in the FCT. While Mohammed Auwal, 37; Godspower John, 34, and Chukwuma Odeh, 35, were arrested in Jabi Park over a 77.7 kilogrammes drug consignment on Monday 18th July.

Isah Yusuf, 25, was nabbed with 267.7 kilogrammes cannabis when operatives raided DeiDei area of the FCT last Saturday

In Sokoto state, operatives on stop and search operation along Gusau-Sokoto road arrested one Tochukwu Oranusi with 20,100 tabs of Rohypnol inside a commercial bus coming from Onitsha, Anambra state. Bottles of Codeine Syrup weighing 15.2 litres and 400grams of Rohypnol tabs whose owner, Buhari Sambo was later arrested, were also recovered from the vehicle.

In Anambra state, a suspect Azubuike Ogbanu was arrested with 76 cups of Arizona, 172 sachets of skunk, 82 pinches of methamphetamine, 20 sachets of Loud, and 10 wraps of Colorado when his base, Loren hostel, Ifite, Awka, was raided by operatives on Thursday 21st July.

Meanwhile, the Chairman/Chief Executive Officer of NDLEA, Brig. Gen. Buba Marwa (Retd) while commending the officers and men of the MMIA, NAIA, AIIA, Kaduna, Sokoto, FCT and Anambra Commands for the arrests, seizures and their tenacity, urged them and their colleagues across the country to remain steadfast in pursuit of the agency’s goal of ridding all parts of Nigeria of illicit substances

NDLEA arrests 8 over Lagos, Abuja, Enugu airports Cocaine busts

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Delta Police Arrest Notorious Kidnapper, Recover AK-47 in Rivers State

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Delta Police Arrest Notorious Kidnapper, Recover AK-47 in Rivers State

By Zagazola Makama

The Delta State Police Command has recorded another breakthrough in its fight against kidnapping and gun-running, following the arrest of a fleeing gang member and the recovery of an AK-47 rifle.

According to police sources, the operation was a follow-up to the earlier apprehension of Mohammed Bello, a notorious kidnapper and arms dealer.

Acting on intelligence obtained from Bello’s confession, the police extended their investigation to Rivers State, where they tracked down and arrested one Chedeye Mohamed.

Mohamed, a native of Kogi State, had been hiding in the Trailer Park Area of Onne, Port Harcourt. Upon interrogation, he led detectives to a bush near the trailer park, where an AK-47 rifle loaded with 13 rounds of live ammunition was recovered.

The suspect confessed to carrying out kidnappings and armed robberies in Ughelli, Agbarho, and other parts of Delta State before retreating to Port Harcourt for cover after each operation.

Delta Police Arrest Notorious Kidnapper, Recover AK-47 in Rivers State

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Man Arrested for Killing His Mother and Sister in Ekiti State

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Man Arrested for Killing His Mother and Sister in Ekiti State

By: Zagazola Makama

A 21-year-old man, Victor Lorjaal, has been arrested for allegedly macheting his mother and elder sister to death at Aba Ele Camp, Itaji Ekiti.

Sources told Zagazola Makama that the incident occurred at about 12:30 p.m. on March 25, 2025.

The suspect’s brother, David Ioyzain, reported to the police that Victor attacked their mother, Mrs. Victoria Lorjaal, and their sister, Brenda Lorjaal, while they were picking charcoal on the farm.

David stated that he heard his mother screaming for help and rushed to the scene, only to find both victims lying lifeless with deep machete wounds. After the attack, the suspect fled but was later found at home with blood stains on his forehead, nose, and legs.

The community members apprehended Victor and handed him over to the police. Officers visited the crime scene, documented evidence, and recovered the bodies, which were deposited at General Hospital, Ayede.

Police sources said that the suspect has been transferred to the State Criminal Investigation and Intelligence Department (SCIID) for further investigation.

Man Arrested for Killing His Mother and Sister in Ekiti State

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Afri-Caribbean Investment Summit Charts Path for Stronger Economic Ties, Shared Prosperity

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Afri-Caribbean Investment Summit Charts Path for Stronger Economic Ties, Shared Prosperity

By: Michael Mike

The Afro-Caribbean Investment Summit, have marked a significant step in strengthening the ties between the two regions; Africa and the Caribbean, with a focus on sustainability, economic diversification, and collaboration for shared prosperity.

The historical event which took place in Abuja Nigeria, was organised by Aquarian Consult, in partnership with the government of Saint Kitts and Nevis, with theme, ‘bridging continents: Africa and the Caribbean, a partnership for prosperity.’

The event brought together political, business, and academic leaders from both Africa and the Caribbean to discuss the potential for deeper economic partnerships and long-term development.

Prime Minister of St. Kitts and Nevis, Dr. Terrence Michael Drew while delivering his keynote address highlighted the deep-rooted connection between Africa and the Caribbean.

He described Africa not just as a distant relative to the Caribbean but as the “mother” of the region.

He called for a shift from occasional discussions to a more structured, sustained collaboration in economic, cultural, political, and spiritual areas.

Drew emphasized that both regions must chart a course toward greater cooperation, recognizing their shared stories, challenges, and potential.

He highlighted the importance of addressing climate change, noting that the Caribbean, like many parts of Africa, has already felt the devastating effects of global warming.

Drew presented the geothermal energy project in Nevis as a model for sustainable energy, aiming to reduce the region’s dependency on fossil fuels and promote renewable energy solutions. He proposed that this effort could serve as a model for both African nations and small island developing states across the globe.

“The COVID-19 pandemic exposed the vulnerabilities of global supply chains, especially in the food sector. In response, St. Kitts and Nevis has been investing in modernizing its agricultural systems with a focus on climate-resilient crops and sustainable farming techniques.

“We call on Africa’s agricultural expertise to partner in these efforts, joint research, farm exchanges, and technology partnerships could revolutionize food production for both regions.

“We need reform in our financial systems to support innovation and economic growth. Young entrepreneurs, women, and small businesses often struggle to access the capital needed to bring their ideas to life. It is importance we create innovative financial instruments, such as diaspora bonds and microfinance programs, which could foster economic independence and growth across the Afro-Caribbean bloc.”

Former President of Mauritius, Dr. Ameenah Gurib-Fakim, also emphasized on the structural challenges facing Africa. She noted that while Africa is home to vast natural resources and a growing youthful population, it accounts for a disproportionately small share of global trade and GDP.

Gurib-Fakim highlighted the Africa Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) as a critical step toward creating a unified market that could unlock Africa’s manufacturing potential.

However, she warned that Africa’s economic transformation would only be possible if the continent invests in science and technology and addresses its skills gap in order to meet the demands of the modern economy.

Gurib-Fakim also stressed the importance of education reform to drive innovation and entrepreneurship. She criticized the continent’s educational systems, which she argued “limits the development of critical thinking and problem-solving skills necessary for success in knowledge-based economies.”

For her part, Ms. Aisha Maina, General Managing Director of Aquarian Consult, emphasized the concept of a “Global Africa,” referring to the shared identity and common heritage of people of African descent around the world.

She declared that the time has come for the Global South to invest in itself, reject externally imposed development metrics, and create its own standards for growth.

Maina called for greater collaboration between Africa and the Caribbean, not just in trade but in innovation and entrepreneurship.

She stressed that “both regions must come together, leveraging their collective strengths, to overcome historical divisions and forge a path toward mutual prosperity.”

Also, Prof. Benedict Okechukwu Oramah, President of the Africa Export-Import Bank (Afrexim Bank), reinforced the need for institutionalized cooperation between Africa and the Caribbean.

He highlighted the shared history of colonization and displacement, but also the immense potential for the two regions to collaborate on a global scale.

Oramah emphasized the role of Afreximbank in facilitating trade and investment, urging both regions to harness their natural resources and intellectual capital to build industries that can compete on the global stage.

Oramah concluded by stating that the unity of Africa and the Caribbean could form one of the world’s most powerful political and economic blocs, with the capacity to shape global affairs.

The summit, he said, “was a step toward creating a structured, organized framework for Afro-Caribbean collaboration, with the goal of increasing trade, innovation, and sustainable development.”

Afri-Caribbean Investment Summit Charts Path for Stronger Economic Ties, Shared Prosperity

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