Entertainment
Wanted drug kingpin, Nollywood filmmaker arrested over huge illicit drug shipments
Wanted drug kingpin, Nollywood filmmaker arrested over huge illicit drug shipments
By: Michael Mike
Operatives of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency, NDLEA have arrested a wanted drug kingpin and Lagos socialite, 61-year-old Alhaja Aishat Ajoke Elediye on new year day in her mansion at Okota area of Lagos following the interception of a truckload of illicit drug consignment from her staff same day.
Alhaji Ajoke known in the drug underworld and social circle as “Iya Ruka”, has her true identity shrouded in mystery for years while she remained on the wanted list of NDLEA for leading one of the drug cartels operating from Mushin area of Lagos. The lid was however blown off her invincibility last Wednesday when NDLEA operatives acting on intelligence intercepted a white Izuzu truck carrying 44 jumbo sacks containing 1,540 kilogrammes of imported cannabis and driven by one of her staff, 41-year-old Abideen Adio.
The operatives subsequently stormed her hideout at 33 Adebayo Oyewole street, off Ago Palace way, Okota, where she was arrested.
According to the spokesman of the NDLEA, Femi Babafemi in a statement on Sunday, on the surface, Alhaja Ajoke is a businesswoman who imports fabrics and shoes from China but beneath is a massive illicit drug trade. She is also recognized as the Iyalaje of Blessing Sisters, an influential club of society women in Lagos.
Babafemi said in another major operation, NDLEA officers on Friday 27th December 2024 arrested a US-trained Hollywood and Nollywood filmmaker, Emeka Mbadiwe, who is also a motivational speaker at his Lekki Hotel room following the arrest of his partner, Uzoekwe Ugochukwu, earlier same day at a warehouse in Ajao estate Ikeja, where he was sent by Mbadiwe to collect a shipment of 33 parcels of Loud, a strong strain of cannabis weighing 17.3 kilogrammes, which arrived the Import shed of the Murtala Muhammed International Airport, Lagos on 24th December 2024 from the United States on a Delta Airline flight, concealed in large wooden boxes.
In Kwara state, a fresh graduate Khadijat Abdulraheem, 24, and a 20-year-old student of the University of Ilorin, Ayomide Morakinyo were on Sunday 29th December 2024 arrested by NDLEA operatives at Tanke-University of Ilorin road, Oke Odo, Ilorin based on credible intelligence that they were producing and selling drug laced cupcakes to students in the community. When their apartment was searched, 42 pieces of drugged cakes were recovered from them.
Babafemi also said an ex-convict, Sodade Eniola, who was arrested by operatives of the Tincan Command of NDLEA in June, 2024, for drug trafficking, prosecuted and sentenced to four years in prison has been arrested again by officers of the MMIA Strategic Command of the agency for passport racketeering. Earlier, when he was convicted by a Federal High Court in Lagos on 14th June 2024, the trial judge gave him an option of paying N750,000 fine, which he paid and was let go.
The spokesman said however, in series of operations in December 2024, NDLEA operatives at the export shed of the Lagos airport intercepted no fewer than 52 passports of different countries from shipments going to Canada, Russia, and other countries concealed in shoe soles and food items. Further investigations led to the arrest of four members of three syndicates involved in the racket.
The arrested suspects include: Sodade Eniola; Ayinde Awwal; Salaudeen Ayode; and Sheriff Bamigbade. Both the exhibits and the suspects were last Monday handed over to the Zonal Command of the Nigerian Immigration Service in Lagos for further investigation and possible prosecution.
Babafemi said not less than 316, 800 bottles of codeine-based syrup were recovered from two containers by NDLEA officers at the Port Harcourt Ports Complex, Onne Rivers state during a joint examination of the shipments with men of Nigeria Customs and other security agencies last Tuesday. He disclosed that the seizure followed credible intelligence processed by the Port Harcourt Port Command of the agency.
In Kano, NDLEA operatives last Tuesday 31st December 2024 raided Mafarki, Dan Dishe area of Dala LG where they recovered 149,090 pills of tramadol and exol-5 from a local dealer, 45-year-old Ismail Muhammad.
Babafemi said with the same vigour, commands and formations of the agency across the country continued their War Against Drug Abuse (WADA) sensitization activities to schools, worship centres, work places and communities among others in the past week.
Meanwhile while commending the officers and men of MMIA, Lagos, Kano, PHPC and Kwara Commands of the agency for the arrests and seizures, Chairman/Chief Executive Officer of NDLEA, Brig. Gen. Mohamed Buba Marwa (Rtd) stated that their operational successes and those of their compatriots across the country especially their balanced approach to drug supply reduction and drug demand reduction efforts are well appreciated.
Wanted drug kingpin, Nollywood filmmaker arrested over huge illicit drug shipments
Thumbs up to my Bini brothers in the Nigerian music industry,
By: Augustine Osayande
The monumental impact of Bini boys on the dynamic landscape of the Nigerian music industry is a testament to the rich tapestry of talent, creativity, and cultural influence that emanates from this vibrant community. These talented individuals have not only shaped the musical landscape of Nigeria but have also played a pivotal role in celebrating and preserving the heritage of Benin culture.
From the pioneers of Afrobeat to the current crop of contemporary stars, the journey of Bini talents in the music industry has been nothing short of remarkable. Their melodies, rhythms, and lyrics resonate across generations, providing a soundtrack to the evolving narrative of Nigerian society. Bini boys have not merely entertained; they have become torchbearers, guiding the nation through different eras with their music.
The cultural significance of Bini music extends beyond mere entertainment; it serves as a powerful platform for celebrating Benin culture and heritage. Through their art, Bini musicians have become ambassadors, fostering awareness and appreciation for the traditions and language of their people. They’ve used their creative expression to address social issues, providing a voice to the Bini language and contributing to a broader cultural dialogue.
A shining example of this commitment to tradition and culture is the fast-rising Nigerian singer, Crown Uzama, popularly known as Shallipopi. His upcoming homecoming music concert is not just a musical event; it’s a cultural extravaganza that promises to showcase the traditional way of life intertwined with the contemporary. Shallipopi’s dedication to his roots reflects a broader trend among Bini boys who see their success as a means to uplift and celebrate their cultural heritage.
In the grand mosaic of Bini talents, figures like Divine Ikubor (Rema), Santan Dave, Johnny Drille, and Harry Carter stand out as beacons of versatility and creativity. Rema’s international acclaim with his hit song ‘Calm Down remix’ on the American Billboard Hot 100 is a testament to the global appeal of Bini talent. Santan Dave, with his distinctive rap style, and Johnny Drille, with his melodious singles, have added diverse Flavors to the Bini musical legacy.
The commitment of the Edo State Government to support creative talents is a welcome development. The assurance of continued support not only fosters the growth of individual artists but also lays the foundation for the evolution of the state’s cultural identity. The suggestion to transform Shallipopi’s homecoming music concert into an annual state music event is a brilliant initiative. This will not only provide a sustainable source of income for artists but also serves as a powerful platform to promote the rich cultural heritage of the Benin people to a global audience.
In essence, the story of Bini boys in the Nigerian music industry is not just about melodies and rhythms; it’s a narrative of resilience, cultural pride, and the unwavering commitment to shaping a future where the echoes of their music reverberate through generations to come.
●Augustine Osayande, PhD, contributed this article through austinelande@yahoo.com
Thumbs up to my Bini brothers in the Nigerian music industry,
FG Expresses Delight Over Spain’s Interest in Nigeria’s Music Industry
By Michael Mike
The Federal Government has expressed delight over Spain’s interest in Nigeria’s music industry.
The Spanish government on Tuesday through it’s ambassador to Nigeria, Juan Sell indicated willingness to invest in Nigeria’s music industry following from earlier collaboration in the country’s creative art industry.
The Director-General, Nigerian Tourism Development Authority, Folorunsho Coker said Nigeria is indeed glad that the Western European country has shown introduce in investing in Nigeria’s music industry.
Speaking at a press conference on VIS A VIS, a flagship professional meeting between the African music industry and Spanish music producers which is also aimed at the internationalization of African music, Coker said with Nigeria as a creative hub in Africa, Spain has recognized the importance of the Nigerian music industry to its Gross Domestic Product.
He noted that: “This project will open up the potentials in the creative industry in Nigeria. So I would expect that shortly after this project, I will not be surprised to see Spanish businesses in this creative industry deciding to come and invest in the critical infrastructure for the music industry such as the recording studios, film studios etc.
“Spain recognises the importance of this creative industry to their GDP. If we can mutually benefit from this project, I think it will be a wonderful thing. Nigeria is the creative hub of Africa in music, film and fashion. I try as much as get the interest in all the mediums of our cultural expression on this one outing because I know this is a good way for me to project Nigeria not just music but using her music to project much more to Spain.”
“I think Nigeria could create a very important component of the festivals in Spain. It will attract even more Europeans to head to Spain on a continuous annual basis.”
Also speaking, the Ambassador of Spain to Nigeria, Juan Sell, said “I am particularly proud of this programme because it brings together a lot of things that we care a lot about.”
He said: “We truly believe this project can create a good collaboration between Nigeria and Spain in the field of music, and that would provide us with a very good platform to build upon it.”
FG Expresses Delight Over Spain’s Interest in Nigeria’s Music Industry
Veteran Actor, Femi Ogunrombi known as Papa Ajasco Is Dead
A theatre practitioner Shaibu Husseini has confirmed the death of Femi Ogunrombi popularly as Papa Ajasco in Wale Adenuga’s Comedy Series.
Although the details given by Husseini are quite sketchy, he,, however confirmed that the seasoned Thespian breathed his last on Saturday.
“I have just been reliably informed that the ethnomusicologist, former Music Instructor with the National Troupe Of Nigeria and oone-timestand ior the ‘Papa Ajasco’ character on the popular WAP Comic Series ‘Papa Ajasco’ MMrFemi Ogunrombi is DEAD.
I am told that the actor, singer, highlife and trained Nurse whom we fondly called ‘Uncle Ogurombo’ (not to his hearing though) passed on this evening”, he wrote on his social media pages.
MMrFemi Ogunrombi took over the character, Papa Ajasco when the former character, Abiodun Ayoyinka pulled out of the show and he carried on with the role while it lasted.
Veteran Actor, Femi Ogunrombi known as Papa Ajasco Is Dead
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