Crime
Customs intercepts 299 cartons of codeine syrup in codeine syrup
By Seun Ibiyemi
The Ag. Comptroller General of Customs, Bashir Adewale Adeniyi on Wednesday said the Federal Operations Unit (FOU) Zone A of the Nigeria Customs Service has intercepted 299 cartons of codeine syrup in Ogun State at Ijebu-Ode worth N100 million.
Briefing Journalists at the unit’s office in Ikeja Lagos on Wednesday, the Acting General Controller said the Nigeria Customs Service in combating the illicit trade of drugs within our nation’s borders.
He said, “As part of our unwavering commitment to safeguarding our society and protecting the well-being of our citizens, the NCS has once again demonstrated its dedication to eradicating the menace of drug trafficking.
“Last week officers of the Federal Operating Unit Zone A, acting on credible intelligence, flagged down a DAF truck close to Ijebu-Ode Junction. An examination of the truck revealed the concealment of 299 cartons of codeine syrup along Lagos/Ibadan Expressway.
“NCS is yet again drawing national attention to the danger posed by unrestricted access to the use dangerous drugs. Codeine syrup is designated as a controlled item due to its rampant abuse by our delinquent youth. The misuse and illicit distribution of codeine-containing medications have given rise to grave security and public health concerns, contributing to a surge in addiction, adverse health effects, and societal challenges.
“In response, regulatory measures have been implemented to curb its availability and unrestricted access. This underscores the importance of addressing this issue as part of broader efforts to safeguard public health and well-being.
“On our part we will continue to partner with the NDLEA and other relevant government agencies to curb the spread of the menace and protect the future generations of Nigerians.”
Adeniyi Alao said, “Smugglers of rice and premium motor spirit continue to test our will to put them out of business. Smuggling of rice compromise our revenue and sabotage our food security. Despite the biting effects of fuel subsidy removal on our economy, smugglers still attempt to smuggle PMS across the border.
“They met their waterloo in different operations conducted by officers of NCS. The following seizures of both items were recorded, a total of 4, 252 bags of foreign Parboiled rice (50 kg each) at Dangote/Imashayi Ogun State, Saki Axis Oyo State, Owode/Ado Odo in Ogun state, Idiroko/Ohumbe Ogun State, Okoko Mile 2 Axis in Lagos State and Ado-Ekiti in Ekiti State. Similarly, 5,600 litres of premium motor spirit were intercepted and seized when smugglers attempted to takeout these strategic resource through Oja-odan axis in Ogun State.
“Other items seized in the last 2 weeks include: a. 291 Bales of Second-hand Clothing b. 57 Sacks and 4 Jumbo Sacks of Used Shoes Cc. 486 cartons of foreign frozen poultry products d. 190 Pieces of Rugs e. 5 Units of Vehicles f. 170 pieces of used tyres
“These seizures are a fallout of our uncompromising position to strictly enforce the law and protect the lives of our people. The codeine syrup, which is reportedly being abused by mostly young persons in society, is associated with addiction and, in the long-term, results in anxiety, depression, memory loss, and damage to the liver, kidneys and brain. It is pertinent to note that the damaging effects of drugs have led to preventable deaths for consumers taking them outside doctors’ prescriptions.
“The 340 pieces of used tyres seized within the first two weeks of August 2023 by this unit is not only limited to the implementation of import prohibition lists but also a giant stride to mitigate auto crashes caused by smuggled used tyres.
“These tyres are squeezed, compressed and tucked into themselves for ease of concealment, thereby causing them to crack. They are oftentimes expired, their rigidity and strength compromised. Drivers could experience a blowout or sudden rupture as the steel wire meant to keep the tyres in shape has been disorganised in the course of smuggling.”
Adeniyi advised that, “Any investment made into the smuggling business is meant to be a loss because we will keep battling these enemies of our country.
“I urge all patriotic Nigerians to continuously support the Nigeria Customs Service with helpful information that will aid our efforts to curb Smuggling and arrest suspects,” he said.
A Federal High Court in Abuja on Friday ordered final forfeiture of at least 20 property linked to the convicted former Chairman of the defunct Pension Reform Task Team (PRTT), Abdulrasheed Maina.
Justice Joyce Abdulmalik, in a judgment, held that the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) had proven its case beyond reasonable doubt that the property, located in deferent parts of the country, were acquired illegally.
According to Justice Abdulmalik, the applicant effectively discharged its responsibility, under the law, to establish that the property were acquired with proceeds of crime.
The judge also held that the “various individuals, who responded to an earlier interim forfeiture order, requiring interested parties to show cause why the properties should not be permanently forfeited, failed to establish their ownership of the affected properties with credible evidence.”
Out of the 23 property listed in the schedule, three of them were left out, which include Flat 42C, SMC Quarters, Unguwan Dosa, Kaduna; Plot 18, Road F, on TPO 462B C of O Kd5469 and Plot of C of O Bo/426 Beacon B5086, B5087, B5105, B5104, B5099 Cadastral Zone B05 Utako.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that Maina’s wife, Laila, who claimed to be a citizen of the United States, and some of his relatives and associates, including Uwani Usman, Alhaji Aminu Yakubu Wambai, Haruna Mu’azu Musa and Aliyu Abdullahi, had claimed ownership of the 23 property.
The anti-graft agency had earlier obtained an order of interim forfeiture of 23 property linked to Maina, currently on eight-year jail term for pension fraud to the tune of N2 billion.
Delivering the judgment on Thursday, Justice Abdulmalik agreed with lawyer to the EFCC, Farouk Abdullah, that those who claimed to owned the property failed to effectively establish the alleged ownership by producing credible evidence.
She said: “It is trite in law that civil cases in non-conviction forfeiture are hinged on the preponderance of evidence.
“Again, I hold that the respondents have failed woefully in tilting the scale of evidential weight in their favour.
“In all, sequel to the facts and documentary detailed evidence relied on by the applicant (the EFCC) in support of this application for final forfeiture, I do hold that the evidential burden of proof indeed shifted to the claimants to establish by way of cogent documentary evidence, the sequential trail of the genesis of their finances leading to the buildup as well as the the acquisition of the aforementioned properties subject of interim forfeiture.
“In view of this grave omission on the part of the claimants (Maina, his wife and his associates) to show good and credible cause on the history of their legitimate earnings, I hereby find merit in applicant’s application for final forfeiture of properties Nos: 1, 2, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 21, 22 and 23 set out in schedule one, attached to the order of interim forfeiture, save properties No: 3, 14 and 20. I so order.”
The affected properties are located in Abuja, Nasarawa, State Kaduna State and Kano State.
They include “Plot No: 965 Gwarimpa 1 District, Cadastral Zone: CO2, covered by C of O No: 1afew-fe28z-63a5r-e36eu-10.
“Duplex located at No: 16 A Katuru Road, Kaduna.
“52B, SMC Quarters, Unguwan Dosa, Lot 016, comprising of 3 bedroom semi-detached bungalow.
“Property at Tola Street, Badarawa, Kaduna, comprising of three bedrooms and an undeveloped land.
“Plot Y12, Kano Street, Kawo New Extension, Kaduna.
“A duplex located at No: 21, 52 Crescent , Kubwa Phase 1V estate
“House 8, 211 Road, a close numbered FHA/EST/264/TA/032.l, 3 bedrooms bungalow.
*Farm at Dorawa, Karshi Development Area, Karu Local Government Area, Nasarawa State.
“Another farm at Dorawa, Karshi Development Area, Karu Local Government Area, Nasarawa State.
“Plot 3A, Sambo Road, Unguwan Rimi, covered by C of O No: KD15452.
“Plot MF-27A, New Pasafi Layout, Kuje, Abuja.
“Plot 1B Ajayi Road, Unguwan Rimi, covered by C of O numbered: NC24059
“Block 23 Flat 2 located at Life Camp (2 bedroom semi-detached.
“Property at No: 62 A/C Maternity ward , Damaturu Road, Biu
“Plot 3A, Sambo Road, Unguwan Rimi covered by C of O No: KD15452 comprising of uncomplicated buildings.
“Plot covered by C of O B426 beacon: B5086; B5087; B5105; B5104; B5099 at Cadastral Zone B05, Utako.
“No: 16 Dabai Road, off Mangoro Road, Sokoto State.
“No. 13 Korau Road, Nasarawa District, Kano.
“Plot 965 Cadastral Zone C02, Gwarimpa, FCT, Abuja.”
By Adeyanju Esther
The Nigeria Police Force, through its NPF National Cybercrime Centre, has apprehended Ubani Zion Chibuike, also known as ZFancy, at an apartment in Wuye, Abuja.
The arrest comes in response to viral videos circulating on social media, alleging ZFancy’s involvement in serious crimes, including rape, causing widespread concern among the public.
ZFancy later claimed that the videos were staged and intended to attract attention following a hiatus. Despite his explanation, such actions carry significant consequences and cannot be disregarded lightly.
The Nigeria Police Force has emphasised its commitment to public safety and accountability, ensuring individuals are held responsible for actions that provoke fear or disrupt public tranquillity.
The Police has issued a stern warning to pranksters and content creators, urging compliance with the law and caution in producing content that could threaten public safety or compromise national security.
As legal proceedings progress, the public is urged to remain composed, assured that appropriate measures are being taken in this case.
By Adeyanju Esther
The Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Police Command has apprehended several suspected kidnappers in the Gwagwa and Dei-Dei areas of the territory.
The arrests were made by operatives from the Utako division acting on credible intelligence between June 30 and July 3, 2024.
According to a statement issued by the Police Public Relations Officer on Thursday, SP Josephine Adeh, the suspects were identified as Umar Abdullahi, also known as Auta, Likita Abubakar, Salisu Sani, Sabiu Mohammed, and Aliyu Suleiman.
They were apprehended in connection with a kidnapping incident that occurred in Gwagwa on June 12, 2024, during which two residents were killed and a ransom of 12 million naira was collected from the victim’s family.
The suspects are also allegedly involved in several other kidnappings and criminal activities within the Capital Territory.
Upon their arrest, law enforcement recovered four AK-47 rifles, a Dane gun, two magazines, and eight unexpended live ammunition from the suspects. All suspects have reportedly confessed to their involvement in the crimes.
While investigations continue, the Commissioner of Police, FCT, CP Benneth C. Igweh, psc, mni, has reiterated the command’s commitment to ensuring the security and safety of residents.
The recovery of weapons and the apprehension of the suspects mark a significant step in the ongoing efforts to combat crime and maintain law and order in the FCT.
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