COVER
NDLEA Seizes Tramadol, Other Drugs Worth N13bn in Lagos
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By David Torough with agency report
The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) has intercepted 14.5 million pills of tramadol and bottles of codeine syrup worth more than N13 billion in street value in Lagos in three days.
The hauls were made in three major busts of drug cartels operating at Amuwo Odofin; at Idumota and at the Skyway Aviation Handling Company (SAHCO) shed at the Murtala Muhammed International Airport, Ikeja.
NDLEA’s spokesman, Femi Babafemi, stated on Sunday in Abuja that the first seizure was made at House 8/10 Hon. Wahuha Avenue, Divine Estate, Ago Palace Way area of Amuwo Odofin on October 29
In the house, 490,000 pills of tramadol and 81,519 bottles of codeine syrup were seized.
In another raid on October 31, NDLEA operatives swooped on a secret warehouse operated by a billionaire trader at Idumota, Lagos, Nwaoha Anayo, and seized 12.8 million pills of tramadol.
Anayo himself lives at Onitire, Aguda area of Surulere, Lagos.
In the third burst NDLEA arrested six members of a syndicate using their official cover to facilitate the smuggling of illicit drugs through the SAHCO warehouse into the country.
Babafemi stated that 1.2 million pills of tramadol were seized from the syndicate in a painstaking operation that lasted for weeks.
“The six suspects already in NDLEA custody are Oladele Sanya-Olu, Lawal Temitope, Sanamo Daniel, Udeh Monday, Musa Mutalib and Evans Icibor.
“Three other suspects, Sarki Salami, Abdullahi Aliyu (aka Aboki) and Monday Anwal, are now on the run and had been declared wanted by the NDLEA,’’ Babfemi stated.
Also, the NDLEA has arrested three visually-impaired men operating an illicit drug ring between Lagos and Kano as the fourth equally disabled member of the gang was still at large.
NDLEA’s Director, Media and Advocacy, Femi Babafemi stated on Sunday in Abuja that the lid was blown off the group following the arrest of a visually-impaired suspect, Adamu Hassan, 40.
Babafemi stated that Hassan was arrested on October 28 with 12kgs of skunk in his possession on Gwagwalada Expressway in the federal capital territory (FCT) while on his way from Lagos to Kano.
He added that investigations established that he was totally oblivious of the content of the bag handed to him to deliver in Kano.
Babafemi stated also that a follow-up operation led to the arrest of the arrowhead of the syndicate, Bello Abubakar, 45, also visually-impaired.
“In his statement, Abubakar, who is married and has five children, said he had been living in Lagos for 30 years, but started the illicit drug business five years ago.
“Another member of the syndicate, Muktar Abubakar (59), who is equally visually-impaired, had been living in Lagos for 40 years. He has three wives and 14 children.
“Muktar Abubakar and Bello Abubakar are joint owners of the business, while the third suspect, Akilu Amadu (25), also visually-impaired, contributes money to the criminal trade.
“He was indeed the one who delivered the consignment to Hassan at the motor park in Lagos to deliver in Kano,’’ Babafemi stated.
He added that one Malam Aminu, also visually-impaired and was expected to take delivery of the consignment in Kano, was currently at large.
Similarly, a Netherland-bound businessman, Nwokolo Ifeanyi, 50, has excreted 86 pellets of heroin weighing 1.330kg while in the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency’s (NDLEA) custody.
NDLEA’s spokesman, Femi Babafemi stated on Sunday in Abuja that Ifeanyi was intercepted at the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport, Abuja, on October 29, while travelling to Amsterdam via Paris.
“The suspect who travelled from Lagos to board the flight in Abuja was subsequently kept under observation for some days during which he excreted the drugs,’’ he stated.
Babafemi added that NDLEA operatives attached to courier firms also intercepted 22 parcels of cocaine on October 30.
The drugs were concealed in the walls of a carton containing woven local fabrics popularly called “Aso Oke’’, heading to Jeddah.
On November 4, NDLEA operatives stormed the Obada Sawmill Forest in Owena-Ijesa, Oriade Local Government Area of Osun where they arrested one Monday Sylvester (37).
Babafemi stated that Sylvester was arrested on 6.01 hectares of Indian hemp which was destroyed and 489.8kg of already processed weed recovered.
He added that operatives in Edo raided a trans-loading point inside Avbiosi Forest, in Owan West Local Government Area where 603kg of Indian hemp were seized.
In Ogun, NDLEA officers recovered a Toyota Sienna bus from a ditch at Ajebo Area on the Lagos-Ibadan Expressway on November 3.
“A search of the vehicle led to the seizure of 460kg of Indian hemp.
“At Olagunju Street in Mushin area of Lagos, NDLEA seized 116.5kg of Indian hemp belonging to a suspect still at large,’’ Babafemi stated.
By David Torough, Abuja
Business tycoon Aminu Alhassan Dantata yesterday donated N1.5 billion to those affected flood in Maiduguri, Borno State.Dantata who was accompanied friends and associates in Kano was received in Maiduguri by the Borno State Governor, Babagana Zulum.The businessman extended his heartfelt condolences to the government and the people of the state especially those who lost their beloved ones to the flood.
Dantata, 96 lamented the bad economy and prayed for the peace and harmony of Borno State and Nigeria. The Borno State governor expressed heartfelt gratitude for the visit.He acknowledged that its serves as a powerful beacon of hope and solidarity during the trying times.Zulum said, “The people of Borno deeply appreciate this show of humanity by a 96-year-old to visit us.“Let me say it, Our Baba has donated the sum of N1.5 billion to support the flood victims. May Allah bless and reward you with Aljannah.”This donation comes after Dantata’s nephew, Aliko Dangote also donated N1 billion to the flood victims.Meanwhile, Borno State government has raised the alarm, saying the people are at the risk of health crisis.Government has warned residents against eating vegetables from flooded areas because they are contaminated.A statement posted by the Ministry of Information and Internal Security on Facebook yesterday advised the public to abide by the warning for their wellbeing.The statement read, “Due to the recent flood disaster, vegetables from flooded areas are seriously contaminated with harmful substances, including sewage, dead bodies, chemicals and bacteria.“Consuming these contaminated vegetables can lead to serious health risks, including waterborne diseases, food poisoning, and other health complications. “To protect your health and safety, we urge you to avoid buying vegetables from flooded areas; only purchase vegetables from trusted sources and reputable markets; ensure that all vegetables are properly washed and cleaned before consumption.”Nearly 500,000 people have been displaced and more than 1 million affected by flood that recently submerged several parts of Maiduguri, the Borno State capital.The flood, described as the worst in the state in 30 years, resulted from the collapse of Alau Dam due to high rainfalls. The disaster also killed about 80 percent of animals in a zoo in the city as some ran away.
From Dan Amasingha, Minna
Niger State Government has signed a $2billion Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with a Turkish company, Direkci Group for the off-taking of Soya Beans in the State.The agreement signed at the Niger State Government House, Minna was witnessed by Governor Mohammed Umaru Bago, officials of Direkci Group led by their MD/CEO Mr Nurullah Mahmet and other top government functionaries.
The 10-year partnership, which will cost $200 million per year and $2 billion for the 10 years period, is under the Niger Foods, and is expected to boost agriculture in the State, create job opportunities and improve the economic status of local farmers. Bago appreciated the Turkish Government for the willingness to invest in Niger State.According to him, “This collaboration is a game-changer for Niger State and we are confident it will significantly reduce unemployment and boost food security.”He said going forward, the state government was equally willing to partner with Turkey in other areas beyond agriculture.The Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of the Turkish company, Mr Nurullah Mahmet said they have been in agric business for decades and have established their presence in Nigeria for 17 years.He said they were attracted by the agricultural programmes of the state and partnering with the state would be mutually beneficial for both parties.He commended Bago for providing the needed impetus for agric investment in the state.The MD said they were willing to put in $10 billion in agriculture investment for the next 10 years and would work with the government of their country to provide security for their investment in the state.The Chairman, Niger Foods, Sammy Adigun disclosed that the Turkish firm will buy 500,000 tonnes of soya beans each year for 10 years.He said the agreement would empower local farmers by providing them with seeds and fertilizers, ensuring a guaranteed market for their produce.Adigun revealed that the Turkish firm was also investing in a 100,000 hectare Green House project with cold chain facility at the agro processing zone with an annual output of about 160,000 tonnes of fruits and vegetables such as tomato and pepper among others.He added that the group will also establish a total of 2.5 million chicken production facility including eggs and feed mills production in two phases.Adigun said the partnership would establish 30,000 hectares of soya beans farms with irrigation systems in Adunu, Paikoro Local Government Area of the state.He announced that already, the group had ordered the first chicken house for 500,000 chickens and would be functional in six months time, while 2000 green houses were already being shipped as the group was also to provide $50 million as direct support to farmers.The agreement, according to Adigun will include the company providing security for their investment in areas prone to insecurity in the state.
From Sylvia Udegbunam EnuguEnugu State Government and Jelfah Nigeria Ltd yesterday signed N40 billion deal for the revitalisation of the long-moribund state-owned Sunrise Flour Mills, Enugu.The deal signed at the Government House, Enugu saw Jelfah acquire 60 percent equity stake in Sunrise Flour Mills and is expected to invest N24 billion in the iconic mills, which went moribund since 1985 just two years after it was commissioned in 1983.
The state government keeps 40 percent based on the existing assets of the company. Speaking at the brief signing ceremony and public announcement of the transaction, the Enugu State governor, Peter Mbah said this milestone, coming on the heels of the N100 billion deal to resuscitate the hitherto dying Enugu United Palm Products Limited (UPPL) is clear demonstration of his administration’s determination to grow the state’s economy from $4.4 billion to $30 billion through private sector investment.“Just a few months ago, we secured an investment size of N100 billion with a company known as Pragmatic Palms Limited, and today we have just witnessed Enugu State, again securing another investment size of N40 billion.“This investment will see Jelfah Group investing N24 billion into the existing Enugu Sunrise Flour Mills. N22bn will be directed into revamping and resuscitation of the Sunrise Flower Mill, and N2 billion is going to come to the State by way of cash.“The Special Purpose Vehicle (SPV) is also going to own 10,000 hectares of farmland, where we are going to cultivate the inputs for the flour mills such as cassava and grain.“This is a testament that when we say Enugu State is open for business, we are truly committed to it. We understand how to make a win-win deal, both for the investors and for the people of Enugu State,” Mbah stated.He assured Jelfah group of continued support, enjoining other prospective investors to come over to invest in the state.“We hope that this signals to other investors, who may still be on the fence that Enugu is actually ready for business. We are committed to not just creating the enabling environment, but also working with investors to help them derisk investments and grow their businesses,” the governor concluded.Speaking, the Chairman of Jelfah Group, Moses Saromi, said they were attracted by Governor Mbah’s vision, dynamic leadership, and speedily increasing ease of doing business in Enugu State under his leadership, saying that Jelfah was in a hurry to transform Sunrise Mills to a centre of excellence.“Your policies have unlocked new opportunities for private sector participation, and Jelfah is proud to be part of this progressive movement.“This acquisition of 60 percent equity not only aligns with Jelfah’s long-term vision, but also furthers the governor’s ambition of empowering the people, revitalising moribund assets, and ensuring sustainable development. And together with our consortium partners, our goal is to transform Sunrise Flour Mills into a centre of excellence, harnessing our collective expertise to drive growth and value creation.“So, we firmly believe that this partnership will catalyse positive change, spark job creation, elevate local production capacities, and contribute significantly to the socio-economic advancement of Enugu State,” he said.“We have worked hard in the last months to get to this point. We have a short term, medium term, and a long term plan for the flour mills. Activities will start in earnest. In another 90 days, you are going to experience a lot of movements and activities with regards to the revitalisation of the flour mills.“Our activities will include recruitment of people, who will run the plant, indigenes of the state, obviously. And as the governor rightly said, we are creating a model that will provide the inputs for the mills, such as the 10,000 hectres of farmlands to cultivate all the inputs for the mills,” he said.
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