Crime
NDLEA arrests drug baron with 103 bank accounts, indicts Abba Kyari’s team
NDLEA arrests drug baron with 103 bank accounts, indicts Abba Kyari’s team
The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) has arrested a suspected drug baron, Afam Emmanuel Ukatu, said to be behind the N3billion Tramadol deal involving the embattled suspended Deputy Commissioner of Police, Abba Kyari-led Intelligence Response Team.
Aside from the N3 billion tramadol deal, the suspect is said to be operating 103 bank accounts, most of which are used to launder money.
The NDLEA spokesperson, Femi Babafemi, disclosed this in a statement on Monday, titled, ‘NDLEA arrests drug baron behind N3billion Tramadol linked to Abba Kyaris team’.
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Babafemi said the suspect owns pharmaceutical and plastic manufacturing companies, which he used as a cover to import illicit drugs into Nigeria. This is in addition to operating 103 bank accounts, most of which are used to launder money.
He noted that the NDLEA officials arrested Ukatu on Wednesday 13th April on board a flight to Abuja at the MM2 terminal of the Lagos airport, Ikeja.
Babafemi explained that Ukatu is the Chairman of Mallinson Group of Companies.
The statement read, “Investigations reveal he’s been a major importer of large consignments of different brands and high dosages of Tramadol Hydrochloride, ranging from 120mg, 200mg, 225mg and 250mg, all of which are illicit. Ukatu owns pharmaceutical and plastic manufacturing companies, which he used as a cover to import illicit drugs into Nigeria. This is in addition to operating 103 bank accounts, most of which are used to launder money.
“Ukatu came under watch last year after five cartons of Tramadol 225mg were seized from his staff on 4th May 2021 when he sent them to sell to undercover police officers (unknown to Ukatu) from the then Kyari-led IRT of the Nigeria Police, Ikeja Lagos. The price of a carton of Tramadol was negotiated at N17million each as against the then black market value that ranged between N18million and N20million a carton in Lagos.
“After the arrest of Ukatu’s staff: Pius Enidom and Sunday Ibekwete, Kyaris men were then led by the suspects to Mallinson’s warehouse at Ojota in Lagos where 197 additional Cartons of Tramadol 225mg were seized by the IRT Team. The monetary value of the 202 cartons of Tramadol seized from Mallinson in one day was over N3billion.
“Three weeks after the seizure, the Kyaris IRT team transferred only 12 Cartons of the Tramadol with one truck and a suspect to the Lagos Command of the NDLEA, leaving 190 cartons unaccounted for.
“After over eight months of following the lead, anti-narcotic officers of the Agency eventually arrested Ukatu at the Lagos airport on 13th April 2022. Kyari and four top members of his team are already facing trial for a different but similar offence at a Federal High Court in Abuja.”
One killed in post-reconciliation clash in Kano
By: Zagazola Makama
The Kano State Police Command has arrested several suspects following a clash between rival groups of armed thugs in Kano that left one person dead.
According to sources, the incident occurred at about 10:30 p.m. on March 17 in Jaen Unguwar Lalle quarters after a failed reconciliation meeting. A distress call from a resident prompted the Divisional patrol team to swiftly respond.
Police said the patrol engaged the thugs, restored order, and arrested the ringleaders, identified as Abubakar Abdullahi, 22, of Sabuwar Madina quarters, and Abubakar Bello, also known as Babuji, 18, of Unguwar Lalle quarters.
Three of the thugs sustained serious injuries and were rushed to Murtala Muhammad Specialist Hospital. One, Aliyu Abdullahi, 22, of Unguwar Lalle, who suffered a neck injury, was pronounced dead, while the others are receiving treatment.
Further police raids on suspected hideouts led to the arrest of eight additional suspects. Items recovered include a cutlass, a sword, and charms.
Sources from the Kano State Police Command said investigations are ongoing, and further updates will be communicated.
One killed in post-reconciliation clash in Kano
Troops arrest suspect as rival Sara-Suka factions clash in Jos
By: Zagazola Makama
Troops of Operation Safe Haven have arrested a suspect following a clash between rival factions of the Sara-Suka group in Jos North Local Government Area of Plateau State.
Security sources said the incident occurred at about 3:00 a.m. on March 16 at Zololo Junction, where the rival groups engaged in a violent confrontation.
Troops of Sector 1 swiftly responded to the distress call and apprehended one suspect, while others fled on sighting the security personnel.
The suspect is currently in custody for further investigation and necessary action.
Troops have continued to maintain presence in the area to prevent further breakdown of law and order.
Troops arrest suspect as rival Sara-Suka factions clash in Jos
One killed as customs officers allegedly shoot driver in Osogbo
By: Zagazola Makama
A suspected murder involving customs officers occurred on March 15 in Dada Estate, Osogbo, Osun State, leaving one person dead.
Sources said the incident took place at about 10:00 a.m. when some officers attached to the Nigeria Customs Service, Osun Command, dressed in mufti, were intercepting an unregistered vehicle locally referred to as Tokunbo.
According to the sources, one of the officers allegedly shot at the driver of a Toyota Highlander, who later died. The name and address of the deceased are yet to be confirmed.
Two customs officers, Superintendent Kolawole Suuti and Superintendent Danjuma Samuel, were involved in the operation. One officer was apprehended, while the other was rescued from an angry mob.
At the scene, authorities recovered the private Toyota car used by the customs officers, the deceased’s Toyota Camry, a Beretta pistol (breech number 125024) with 11 rounds of 9mm live ammunition, and one expended shell.
The vehicles and recovered items have been taken to the state headquarters, while investigations into the incident are ongoing.
Residents have been urged to remain calm as authorities probe the circumstances surrounding the shooting.
One killed as customs officers allegedly shoot driver in Osogbo
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