Crime
NDLEA intercepts ex-convict with over N4.6 billion worth of cocaine at Lagos airport
NDLEA intercepts ex-convict with over N4.6 billion worth of cocaine at Lagos airport
By: Michael Mike
Barely 16 months after he was arrested and convicted for ingesting 93 pellets of cocaine, a 48-year-old businessman Christian Ogbuji has been intercepted by operatives of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) at the Murtala Muhammed International Airport, Lagos for importing 817 wraps of the same Class A drug weighing 19.4 kilogrammes with an estimated street value of over N4.6 billion.
According to a statement by the spokesperson of the anti-narcotics agency, Femi Babafemi, Ogbuji was first arrested at the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport, Abuja, on Wednesday 10th May 2023 upon arrival from Uganda via Addis Ababa, onboard Ethiopian Airlines flight ET 951 for ingesting 93 pellets of cocaine with a gross weight of 1.986 kilogrammes. He was subsequently arraigned before Federal High Court 12 Abuja presided over by Hon. Justice Mobolaji Olajuwon in charge no: FHC/ABJ/CR/192/2023 and convicted on 13th July 2023. Ogbuji was sentenced to two years imprisonment with an option of paying a fine of N3 million, which he paid and was set free.
Babafemi said Ogbuji on the court order also forfeited the seized 1.986 kilogrammes cocaine, his international passport, 14 US dollars and 9000 Uganda shillings found on him at the time of his arrest.
The spokesman said: “Not done with crime, Ogbuji was again arrested at the Lagos airport on Wednesday 18th September 2024 during an inward clearance of Ethiopian Airlines flight passengers from Addis Ababa to Lagos. The suspect had approached the joint examination table with a black travelling bag which was searched by an NDLEA operative who cleared the luggage. In a dubious move, Ogbuji sneaked back to the carousel area to put inside the cleared bag a black backpack he left on the conveyor’s belt.
As he made his way out of the arrival hall, vigilant NDLEA officers intercepted him and subjected him to a second search. It was then large wraps of excreted cocaine were found concealed inside the backpack hidden in the black travelling bag that was earlier found with the suspect.
He said a total of 817 pellets of cocaine excreted by many traffickers in Addis Ababa weighing 19.4 kilogrammes belonging to different members of a drug cartel were recovered.
Babafemi said during interrogation of the suspect, he stated that he initially left the backpack containing the drug at the carousel area as a strategy to beat NDLEA operatives, adding that he never knew there could be a “secondary search” since he had presented his bag for search previously and nothing incriminating was found. He claimed he had to procure a new international passport to continue his criminal trade.
The spokesman said investigations revealed Ogbuji is an unrepentant kingpin within the network of drug cartels operating between Brazil, Ethiopia, Nigeria and others in the West African sub-region like Benin, Togo, Ghana, Liberia, and Cote d’Ivoire.
In his reaction to the arrest of Ogbuji, Chairman/Chief Executive Officer of NDLEA, Brig. Gen. Buba Marwa (Rtd) commended the officers and men of the MMIA Strategic Command for an excellent job done, adding that the seizure of such a large consignment of cocaine at the airport is a milestone that will send a strong message to the international drug cartels trying to find footholds in Nigeria.
He however assured that the agency will continue to work to disrupt the activities of drug cartels operating in the country.
Ends
NDLEA intercepts ex-convict with over N4.6 billion worth of cocaine at Lagos airport
Crime
Eight police personnel injured in road accident in Borno
Eight police personnel injured in road accident in Borno
By: Zagazola Makama
Eight police personnel and eight other passengers sustained varying degrees of injuries in a motor vehicle accident along the Rann–Maiduguri axis in Borno State.
Zagazola Makama report that the incident occurred at about 5:00 p.m. on Sunday at Musene village in Ngala Local Government Area.
The source said the accident involved a Toyota Hilux patrol vehicle conveying police personnel escorting electoral materials and officials of the Borno State Independent Electoral Commission (BOSIEC) from Rann to Maiduguri, and a Sharon car.
According to the source, the vehicles had a head-on collision due to poor visibility caused by heavy dust along the road.
The injured police personnel were all attached to Kal-Balge Division.
The source added that eight passengers in the Sharon car, including an immigration officer whose identity was not disclosed, also sustained injuries.
Following the incident, the Divisional Police Officer (DPO) in Ngala led a Motor Traffic Department (MTD) team to the scene, where photographs and relevant measurements were taken.
The sources said that all the injured victims were evacuated to the General Hospital, Ngala, where they are currently receiving treatment and responding positively, the source said.
The case is under investigation.
Eight police personnel injured in road accident in Borno
Crime
10 livestock shot dead 12 inured in attack on Fulani in Gero village as another reprisal in Plateau deepen
10 livestock shot dead 12 inured in attack on Fulani in Gero village as another reprisal in Plateau deepen
By: Zagazola Makama
Tension heightened in Gero village, Jos South Local Government Area of Plateau, following the killing and injury of livestock in an attack against Fulani allegedly carried out by Berom militias, an incident residents warned could trigger another round of reprisals across the state.
Sources told Zagazola Makama that the incident occurred on Sunday when armed men stormed grazing areas around Gero village and opened fire on cattle belonging to Fulani herders.
According to the sources, no fewer than 10 cattle were killed on the spot, while 12 others sustained fatal injuries and were later abandoned.
Community leaders described the attack as part of a growing pattern of unreported violence against pastoral communities in Jos South and adjoining local government areas.The attack at Gero is not an isolated incident. Similar cases have been happening quietly, a community leader, who spoke on condition of anonymity, said.
The sources alleged that repeated complaints to authorities had yielded little response, accusing the Plateau State Government of reacting mainly to incidents from one side of the conflict.

Zagazola reports that the Gero incident came amid heightened tension following a series of violent episodes across Plateau in recent days, particularly in Barkin Ladi, Riyom and Jos East Local Government Areas.
In one of the most disturbing incidents, four children were killed on Thursday in Dorong village, Foron District of Barkin Ladi LGA, in a reprisal attack linked to earlier assaults on pastoral communities and large-scale cattle rustling.
The victims were identified as Precious Joshuah, 17; Isa’ac Joshuah, 9; Mary Joshuah, 7; and Eve Sambo, 3.
The reprisal followed coordinated attacks in which more than 160 cattle were reportedly rustled in Barkin Ladi and Jos East LGAs, while several others died after grazing on poisoned substances in Riyom LGA.
Zagazola report that concern of recent narratives suggesting bandits were planning fresh attacks ahead of the Christmas season failed to reflect the realities on the ground. Many of these reprisals are being triggered by killings, cattle rustling and livestock poisoning that go largely unreported, some allegedly involving government-supported militias,” another source said.
Zagazola warned that unless the government intervened decisively by investigating all attacks, arresting perpetrators irrespective of affiliation and addressing grievances on all sides, Plateau would continue to slide into more violence.
“We fear another round of reprisals if these issues are ignored. Innocent people, especially women and children, who dont know anything always pay the price,” the source added.
As of the time of filing this report, the Plateau State Government and security agencies were yet to issue an official statement on the Gero village incident.
10 livestock shot dead 12 inured in attack on Fulani in Gero village as another reprisal in Plateau deepen
Crime
Gunmen kill police inspector, two others in Nassarawa, cart away rifle
Gunmen kill police inspector, two others in Nassarawa, cart away rifle
By: Zagazola Makama
Gunmen have killed a police inspector and two civilians during an attack on a patrol team in Doma Local Government Area of Nasarawa State, the police have confirmed.
Zagazola gathered that the incident occurred on Dec. 14, 2025, at about 6:30 p.m. along Ajimaka Village road en route to Rukubi town.
According to the sources, the patrol team, attached to Operation Restore Peace and led by Inspector Jampi Mbursa, was ambushed by a group of unidentified gunmen while on routine patrol alongside vigilante members.
“The assailants shot Inspector Jampi Mbursa, as well as two other persons identified as Julius Igbogh and Raphaeal Julius, all from Ajimaka Village,” the sources said.
The attackers reportedly carted away the inspector’s AK-47 rifle containing 30 rounds of live ammunition before fleeing the scene.
The victims were rushed to Rukubi General Hospital, where they were confirmed dead by medical personnel. Their remains have been deposited at the hospital’s mortuary.
The police said efforts were ongoing to recover the stolen firearm and arrest those responsible for the attack.
End
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