Crime

NDLEA arrests 1,016 drugs suspects in Kano, seizes nine tons of illicit drugs

Published

4 months ago

January 1, 2024

…Nabs Qatar businessman, others for drug smuggling, seizes cannabis, tramadol

The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency, NDLEA, arrested 1,016 suspects and seized nine tons of illicit drugs in Kano State in 2023.

The Commandant of the agency in Kano State, Mr Abubakar Idris-Ahmad, told journalists on Sunday in Kano that the suspects arrested were 40 females and 976 males.

He said the agency secured 102 convictions in the out-going year, and secured forfeiture of five vehicles just as 104 cases were still pending in court.

Idris-Ahmad also said that the drugs seized were 6,098kg of Indian hemp, 1,696kg of codeine and tramadol, and 1,335kg of cocaine, heroin and methamphetamine.

“We rehabilitated 70 clients, investigated 598 visa clearance applications and conducted 245 substance abuse tests, out of which six persons tested positive for different drug abuses.

“We also sensitised 5,000 individuals and engaged Drug Demand Reduction professionals who counselled 1,459 persons,’’ Idris-Ahmad said.

The command also destroyed more than 15 tons of assorted narcotic drugs and psychotropic substances in 2023, he added.

He reiterated the command’s commitment to ensuring the well-being and safety of communities from the devastating consequences of drug abuse.

“We will intensify efforts at dismantling drug networks, rehabilitate those in need, secure convictions and destroy illicit substances leaving no room for drug trade to flourish,” Idris-Ahmad assured.

Meanwhile, NDLEA has intensified its crackdown on drug trafficking, making multiple arrests at the Murtala Muhammed International Airport (MMIA) in Lagos and across the country in the days leading up to the new year.

According to a statement by Femi Babafemi, Director, Media & Advocacy, on Sunday, December 31, 2023, NDLEA operatives intercepted a Qatar-based businessman, Agu Evidence Amobi, and another individual, Uchegbu Onyebuchi Obi, carrying psychoactive substances at the MMIA in Ikeja, Lagos.

Amobi was apprehended on Saturday, December 30th, at terminal 2’s departure point at MMIA while attempting to board a Qatar Airways flight to Doha, Qatar, while Obi was taken into custody the same day after authorities seized a shipment of 72,000 pills of tramadol 225mg he intended to send to Kano via a local flight.

Amobi, claiming over 10 years of residence and work in Doha, was found with 1.30kg of concealed cannabis sativa within a bag of food. He said that he purchased the substance in Enugu to deliver in Doha to cover expenses such as rent and school fees for his three children, both in Doha and Nigeria.

In addition, NDLEA operatives at the airport’s domestic wing discovered a carton containing 72,000 pills of tramadol 250mg, weighing 38.50kg. Subsequently, Obi was arrested for attempting to ship this consignment to Kano.

Moreover, on Christmas day, NDLEA officers on patrol along Nguru-Gashua road in Yobe State intercepted Musa Sani, Mohammed Ibrahim, and Adamu Usman in a truck transporting 39 blocks of cannabis sativa weighing 15.7kg and 128,500 pills of opioids. Subsequent investigations led to the arrest of the actual owner, Ali Ibrahim (a.k.a Ramos), recovering an additional 208 blocks weighing 94.74kg, while Mustapha Goni (a.k.a Lolo), the possessor of the seized opioids, was also arrested.

Also there was another operation in Imo State on Christmas Eve, NDLEA operatives intercepted a commercial bus driven by Peter Orji, 42, carrying 400 bottles of codeine syrup and 7,590 pills of opioids, including tramadol 225mg, en route to Port-Harcourt, Rivers State.

The NDLEA also apprehended David Michael, 52, in Kano with 49 blocks of cannabis weighing 42.6kg, Umar Abdullahi, 27, with 27,350 pills of opioids in the Gadar Tamburawa area of the city, and Yusuf Yahaya, 45, along the Lagos-Ilorin expressway with 31.00kg of compressed cannabis. Yahaya, it was discovered, used to supply illicit drugs to bandits in Kebbi and Zamfara states.

In another operation in Imo State on Christmas Eve, NDLEA operatives intercepted a commercial bus driven by Peter Orji, 42, carrying 400 bottles of codeine syrup and 7,590 pills of opioids, including tramadol 225mg, en route to Port-Harcourt, Rivers State.

The NDLEA conducted War Against Drug Abuse (WADA) advocacy campaigns in schools, markets, worship centres, and communities nationwide.

The agency commended the efforts of various commands for their successful operations and campaigns throughout the past week. Brig. Gen. Mohamed Buba Marwa (Retd), Chairman/Chief Executive Officer of NDLEA, urged officers to maintain the momentum in the fight against drug traffickers and intensify WADA advocacy campaigns in the New Year. He extended New Year wishes to the agency’s personnel, families, stakeholders, and the public.

Crime

EFCC arraigns Kwara ex-finance commissioner for N1.22bn fraud

Published

19 hours ago

May 1, 2024

NewsDirect

By Adeyanju Esther

The Ilorin Zonal Command of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, (EFCC), on Monday arraigned a former Commissioner for Finance in the state, Ademola Banu, before Justice Evelyn Anyadike of the Federal High Court in Ilorin for corruption allegations.

Banu is facing charges of alleged money laundering and misappropriation of state funds totaling N1.22 billion during his tenure as commissioner for finance under the administration of Governor Abdulfatah Ahmed, between May 2011 and May 2019.

The former commissioner was absent during his initial arraignment on February 23, prompting the court to issue a bench warrant against him. However, on the recent court date, both Banu and Governor Abdulfatah Ahmed were present.

During the court proceedings, Banu pleaded not guilty to the charges levelled against him. His legal counsel, Gboyega Oyewole, SAN, moved a motion for bail, citing Banu’s medical condition. The court granted him bail in the sum of N20 million with two sureties in like sum, who must possess landed property within the court’s jurisdiction. Additionally, Banu was required to deposit N5million as a bond into the litigation account of the Federal High Court.

Furthermore, the judge ordered Banu to surrender his international passport to the court and remain in the custody of the EFCC pending the fulfillment of his bail conditions.

The case has been adjourned to June 25 and 26, for trial, signifying a significant step forward in the fight against corruption in Kwara State.

Crime

Kaduna: Four Shiite members killed in confrontation with Police

Published

19 hours ago

May 1, 2024

NewsDirect

In a tragic turn of events, a clash between members of the proscribed Islamic Movement of Nigeria, also known as Shiites, and the police in Kaduna State has resulted in the loss of lives and injuries.

The confrontation occurred as Shiite members gathered to observe the International Quds Day, a significant event in their calendar.

According to reports, tensions escalated when the police attempted to disperse the Shiite procession near the Katsina roundabout along Ahmadu Bello Way. The attempt to control the situation led to shots being fired, causing chaos and unrest among citizens and businesses in the area.

Professor Dauda Nalado, a member of the Islamic Movement, confirmed the death of at least four Shiite members and an unspecified number of injuries. He alleged that the police opened fire on the peaceful procession, triggering the violent clash.

The International Quds Day, established by the late global Islamic leader Imam Ruhullah Al-Musawi Al-Khomeini, aims to show solidarity with the oppressed people of Palestine and condemn the actions of the Israeli government. The Shiite community, under the leadership of Ibraheem Ya’qoub El-Zakzaky, has been observing this day for decades in Nigeria.

This incident reignites tensions surrounding the Shiite movement’s support for the Palestinian cause, which has previously led to clashes and the infamous Zaria massacre in 2015.

Crime

EFCC apprehends 13 alleged internet fraudsters in Abuja raid

Published

19 hours ago

May 1, 2024

NewsDirect

By Adeyanju Esther

In a concerted effort to combat cybercrime, the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), Abuja Zonal Command, has made significant strides with the arrest of 13 individuals suspected of engaging in internet fraud.

The arrests took place in the Kubwa area of Abuja following actionable intelligence received by EFCC operatives.

According to reports, the suspects, consisting of 12 males and one female, were apprehended as part of ongoing efforts to clamp down on cybercriminal activities in the region.

The operation, which was meticulously planned and executed, targeted individuals believed to be involved in various forms of online-related crimes. During the raid, authorities seized a cache of electronic devices, including 12 phones and laptops, which are suspected to have been used in perpetrating fraudulent schemes.

The recovery of these items serves as crucial evidence in the investigation process, shedding light on the extent of the suspects alleged involvement in internet fraud.

Speaking on the operation, a spokesperson for the EFCC emphasised the agency’s commitment to tackling cybercrime and safeguarding the integrity of Nigeria’s digital space.

The spokesperson reiterated the EFCC’s resolve to leave no stone unturned in its pursuit of justice and accountability for those involved in online-related offences. As investigations into the matter continue, the EFCC has announced its intention to charge the suspects to court upon the conclusion of inquiry.

This development underscores the agency’s proactive stance in combating cybercrime and sending a strong message to potential offenders that such illicit activities will not be tolerated.The EFCC has urged members of the public to remain vigilant and report any suspicious online activities to the appropriate authorities.

By working together with law enforcement agencies, the public can play a pivotal role in curbing cybercrime and ensuring a safer digital environment for all.