Crime

NDLEA destroys 300,000kg, 40,042 litres of illicit substances in Lagos, Ogun

Published

2 weeks ago

April 17, 2024

NewsDirect

…Sanwo-Olu applauds agency’s vigilance in war against drugs

By Sodiq Adelakun

The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), on Tuesday destroyed a significant quantity of illicit substances totaling 304,436 kg and 40,042 litres.

These substances were recovered from various locations in Lagos and Ogun states.

The Director of Media and Advocacy at NDLEA, Femi Babafemi confirmed in a statement released to journalists yesterday that the destruction took place in Badagry, Lagos, in compliance with court orders.

According to Babafemi, NDLEA’s Chairman, Brigadier-General Buba Marwa (retd.), emphasised that the destruction of the seized drugs was a crucial step in the fight against substance abuse and illicit drug trafficking.

Marwa also called for increased public support to boost ongoing efforts by NDLEA and other stakeholders to combat these societal menaces.

Marwa further explained that the destroyed exhibits comprised various types of illicit drugs, including cocaine, heroin, cannabis, and tramadol, among others.

These drugs had been seized by NDLEA operatives from January 2022 until the present, primarily at key points such as Lagos seaports, airports, and land borders.

During the public destruction ceremony, Marwa expressed gratitude to traditional rulers, heads of security agencies, religious leaders, members of NGOs and CSOs, and other stakeholders who attended the event.

He emphasised that the destruction of seized drugs was mandated by the NDLEA Act after prosecution.

“Though a routine exercise and an established process of removing dangerous substances from our society, the public destruction of confiscated illicit drugs is usually conducted at the end of their related cases in court,” the NDLEA boss stated, adding that the exhibits being destroyed were of mixed types, “which include illicit drugs in solid and liquid states as well as in various classes such as cocaine, heroin, cannabis, and tramadol, among others.”

He said the drugs were seized by the agency’s operatives across different formations in Lagos and Ogun states from January 2022 till date, especially at the Lagos seaports, airports, and land borders.

“To be destroyed here today on the order of the court are solid drugs, weighing 304,436.055kg and 40, 042. 621 litres of liquid drugs. The sheer volume of the drug haul speaks volumes about the extent of the nefarious activities of the drug underworld,” Marwa said.

He thanked traditional rulers, heads of security agencies, the clergy, members of NGOs and CSOs, as well as other stakeholders who witnessed the ceremony.

“The destruction of these seizures complies with the NDLEA Act, which mandates the Agency to destroy all drug exhibits after prosecution. We want to say that your presence here is a testament to this important occasion. To this end, we appreciate all stakeholders and members of the public for witnessing this exercise,” he added.

Marwa commended the Agency’s local and international partners, “Especially the American Drug Enforcement Administration (US-DEA); United Kingdom NCA, Border Force; the Germans, the French; and Indian NCB, among others who had worked with us on a number of busts. Similarly, we appreciate the Nigerian military and other law enforcement agencies such as the Customs; Immigration; Police; Civil Defence; FRSC; NFIU, NAFDAC and others that have been supporting our efforts to rid Nigeria of illicit drugs.”

While assuring all that the NDLEA will not relent in its effort to end the drug scourge in the country, Marwa called for more public support for the activities of the agency.

“The safety of our society is the responsibility of every one of us. Every citizen shall be fulfilling his or her civic duty by assisting the agency’s War Against Drug Abuse (WADA) campaign to clean up our communities and cities. Together, we can make this country secure,” he added.

Meanwhile, the Lagos State Governor, Mr. Babajide Sanwo-Olu, expressed satisfaction with the efforts of the NDLEA to tackle the scourge of illicit drugs in the country.

“Almost all crimes and criminalities are fueled by illicit drugs, so the Lagos State government appreciates the NDLEA and its leadership in their resolute fight against illicit drugs. The volume of illicit drugs being destroyed here today speaks volumes, and every right-thinking person should be worried,” he stated.

Sanwo-Olu, represented by the Chairman, Badagry West Local Government, Mr Olusegun Onilude, also thanked the agency for taking the War Against Drug Abuse social advocacy campaign to schools and communities across Lagos State.

“No doubt, the NDLEA is working, and the state will continue to collaborate with the agency and its leadership,” he added.

Crime

I have no evidence to prove that i collected money for Emefiele – Witness

Published

3 hours ago

April 30, 2024

NewsDirect

The second prosecution witness, John Ayoh in ongoing trial of the former governor, Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), Godwin Emefiele who is standing trial over an alleged gratifications and others, has admitted that he has nothing to prove that the defendant instructed money on his behalf .

The witness who was a former CBN director of Information Technology (ICT) admiited this while being cross examine by Emefiele’s counsel, Olalekan Ojo over his testimony that he collected $400, 000 and $200, 000 on behalf of the defendant from contractors.

The witness gave testimony before Justice Rahman Oshodi of the Lagos State High Court, (Special Offence), Ikeja on
23 -counts charge bordering on abuse of office, accepting gratifications, corrupt demand and others slammed on Emefiele and one other by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC).

Ayoh was led in Evidence in Chief by the prosecutor, Rotimi Oyedepo in which he detailed his role in the alleged offence preffered against Emefiele by EFCC

However , under cross examination by the defendant’s counsel, Ojo, the witness said his duty as CBN ICT director then, did not required running errands for Emefiele, but he worked directly with the former CBN governor then.

Ayoh testified that he began to worked directly with Emefiele when the former Deputy Governor (Mr Adelabu) resigned .

He admitted that Emefiele was not in charge of the Procurement and Support Services Department is in charge of procurement (PSSD) of CBN , which has the sole responsibility of selecting successful contract bidders.

The witness also admitted that Emefiele didn’t informed him whether the money he collected was for gratification for the award of contracts.

Ayoh also informed the court that he didn’t gave any evidence to proof that he collected money on behalf of Emefiele from contrators to EFCC.

He also revealed that it was CBN’s
Major Contract Tender Committee (MCTC) that takes final decision on award of contract with recommendation from PSSD and . Emefiele was not a member of the committee.

The witness stated that Emefiele was only a member of the Committee of Governors (COG) and their decisions are collegiate;

Ayoh further admitted that he was not told by anybody that the money given to him was briber for contract awarded but he just implied that by himself.

Besides, he also admitted that he did not acknowledge the receipt of the money nor countef it

Crime

EFCC probes 13 suspected oil thieves in Lagos

Published

3 hours ago

April 30, 2024

NewsDirect

The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, Lagos Zonal Command, has commenced investigation of 13 suspected oil thieves who were handed over to it by the Nigerian Navy in Lagos.

This was disclosed on the X handle of the EFCC on Tuesday, April 30.

The commission revealed that the suspects, alongside the vessel, were intercepted and arrested by officers of the Nigerian Navy for alleged oil bunkering and Automatic Identification System, AIS, infractions.

The post reads in part: “Operatives of the Lagos Zonal Command of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, have commenced investigation of 13 suspected oil thieves and a vessel, MT SWEET MIRI, handed over to the Commission by the Nigerian Navy NNS Beecroft, Apapa, Lagos State.

“The suspects are: Abu Smith, Pascal Anyafulu, David Ali, Mba Okpanu, Chukuma Friday Obiazi, Miye Victor and Richard Kofi.

“Others are Monday Aidenagbon, Dele Olayemi, Boma Robinson, David George, Onos Edemefe, and Suleiman Aremu.

“The vessel was laden with about 1,322 metric tonnes of substance “confirmed to bear the attributes of crude oil without any document permitting her to be in possession of the substance.”

The commission’s Head, Extractive Industry Fraud Section, EIFS, Moses Awolusi, assured the Navy that the suspects and the exhibits would be subjected to further investigations and prosecution.

He also commended the Navy for its collaboration with the EFCC and the good working relationship both agencies had enjoyed over the years.

Crime

Man with sword arrested after stabbings, attacks on police officers

Published

4 hours ago

April 30, 2024

NewsDirect

A man with a sword has been arrested following reported stabbings and attacks on police officers in east London.

The Metropolitan Police said officers got reports of a vehicle being driven into a house in Hainault around 7:00 am (0600 GMT) on Tuesday.

The force said there were reports of people being stabbed during the incident in the Thurlow Gardens area.

A man with a sword has been arrested following reported stabbings and attacks on police officers in east London.

The Metropolitan Police said officers got reports of a vehicle being driven into a house in Hainault around 7:00 am (0600 GMT) on Tuesday.

The force said there were reports of people being stabbed during the incident in the Thurlow Gardens area.

It said the suspect was understood to have attacked other members of the public and two police officers.

The police added that the 36-year-old man was arrested at the scene and was put in custody.

The Metropolitan Police said they were not looking for anyone else in connection with the incident.

Deputy Assistant Commissioner Ade Adelekan said, “This must have been a terrifying incident for those concerned.

“I know the wider community will be feeling shock and alarm.

“People will want to know what has happened, and we will provide more information as soon as we can.”

The force said it was awaiting an update on the condition of those injured in the attacks.

Transport for London’s website confirmed Hainault Tube Station was closed “due to a police investigation in the area”.

In a post on social media site, X, formerly known as Twitter, Shadow Secretary of State for Health and Social Care and MP for Ilford North, Wes Streeting, wrote, “A critical incident has been declared in Hainault.

“There are station and road closures in place. The police, ambulance service, and fire brigade are responding.

“One male is detained.”