By Tambaya Julius, Abuja

In collaboration with international partners, the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) has foiled an attempt to smuggle a large consignment of Tap Tramadol 250mg through the Murtala Muhammed Area Command (MMAC).

The intercepted shipment was formally handed over to the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) on Thursday, 11 June 2026, for further investigation and action.

Speaking during the official handover ceremony, the Customs Area Controller (CAC), Comptroller of Customs, Godwin Otunla, noted that the operation reflects the NCS’s sustained efforts to combat the trafficking of controlled substances that pose serious threats to public health and national security.

He commended the officers of the Special WILD Office of the NCS Intelligence Unit for their professionalism and timely intelligence, which played a critical role in the successful interception. He also praised the dedication and teamwork of officers and men involved in the operation.

The CAC further acknowledged the technical support and cooperation received from the United Arab Emirates’ Customs. “Their assistance was instrumental in identifying and intercepting this illegal shipment, further demonstrating the importance of international collaboration in the fight against transnational crime,” he said.

The CAC further reaffirmed the NSC’s commitment to strengthening inter-agency collaboration and intelligence-driven operations in the collective interest of national security.

By David Torough, Abuja

Actor and social commentator Ugezu J. Ugezu, was detained by the Nigeria Police Force following an investigation into an allegedly defamatory social media publication in which he claimed that international businessman and philanthropist Prince (Hon) Daniel Kanu had been arrested, prosecuted and imprisoned in the early 2000s.

The investigation was triggered by a petition filed by Kanu on March 23, 2026, alleging that the Facebook publication contained false and malicious claims intended to damage his reputation.

The petition accused Ugezu of criminal defamation, cyberbullying and cyberstalking, prompting investigators at the Nigerian Cybercrime Centre (NCCC) in Abuja to invite the actor for questioning.

According to our sources, Ugezu honored an invitation from investigators at the NCCC in Abuja on June 3, 2026, where he was questioned over the source of the claims contained in his Facebook post.

During the interrogation, Ugezu allegedly told investigators that the information had been obtained from the internet. However, he was reportedly unable to provide any credible or verifiable source to substantiate the claims when pressed by investigators. He also reportedly stated his intention to apologize to Kanu for the false publication once he was released from police detention, adding that his objective in publishing the post was to advise young people to make responsible life choices.

Police subsequently detained Ugezu after questioning him.

According to accounts from a source that preferred anonymity, the actor was later granted administrative bail, but had to be transferred to the detention facility of the Federal Criminal Investigation Department (FCID) after he failed to satisfy the conditions attached to his bail.

Sources close to the matter said that although Ugezu admitted authoring the false publication and later issued an apology following his detention, the statement stopped short of a clear retraction of the allegations or an unequivocal acknowledgment that the publication was false as he had previously admitted during police interrogation.

They maintained that the apology did not sufficiently repair the damage allegedly caused to Kanu’s reputation.As a result, Ugezu has been invited to report to the police in two weeks for further interrogation.

Those familiar with the matter said the action is intended not only to clear Kanu’s name but also to reinforce accountability for the publication of unverified allegations on digital platforms.

In an earlier statement responding to the controversy, Kanu categorically denied ever being arrested, charged, tried or imprisoned in Nigeria or any other jurisdiction. He described the claims circulated on social media as “patently false, malicious and defamatory” and insisted they were part of a deliberate attempt to destroy his reputation.

He also emphasized his record as an entrepreneur and philanthropist with investments and youth empowerment initiatives across Nigeria.

At the time of this report, neither Ugezu nor his representatives could be reached for comments on the investigation.

The dispute adds to growing concerns over the spread of unverified information on Nigeria’s social media space.The investigation remains ongoing.

Our source says the police have assured Prince Kanu that complaints of cyberbullying and related offences are taken seriously and will be thoroughly investigated.

They further stated that the outcome of the probe will determine whether additional legal or administrative steps will be taken in connection with Ugezu’s publication.

African delegates attending seminars in China have condemned reported xenophobic attacks against foreign African nationals in South Africa and called for greater unity across the continent.

The delegates made the condemnation on the sidelines of training programmes organised by the Academy for International Business Officials (AIBO) under China’s Ministry of Commerce.

They described the reported attacks as disturbing and contrary to the ideals of Pan-Africanism, solidarity, and peaceful coexistence.

Yusupha Bojang of The Gambia’s National Council for Civic Education said Africans must see themselves as one people irrespective of colonial-era boundaries.

“We first have to recognise that in Africa we are all one. These boundaries are artificial creations. We should treat each other as brothers and sisters,” he said.

Bojang said frustrations over domestic challenges should not be directed at fellow Africans lawfully residing in another country.

“If you have any problem, it should be channelled to your government, not innocent citizens legitimately carrying out their activities,” he said.

He urged Africans to speak with one voice against xenophobia.

“We need to unite. When we see wrongs happening, we should all come out to condemn them because it can happen to anybody,” he added.

Also speaking, Jallow Gibbi, a journalist with Dunia Radio in The Gambia, said he was saddened by reports of Africans attacking fellow Africans.

“When I watched the news, I was embarrassed to see Africans fighting Africans. It is not humanitarian and it should not happen,” he said.

Gibbi called on African leaders and international organisations to promote peace and unity across the continent.

“We are all the same. One Africa, one people. We should unite and stay together,” he said.

He said information from Gambian diplomatic authorities indicated that no Gambian citizen had been reported affected, while advising nationals to remain vigilant.

Mr Richard Jombi James of South Sudan’s Ministry of Culture, Museum and National Heritage described African unity as essential to the continent’s progress.

“We are all Africans from the north to the south, east and west. We cannot attack ourselves. We are one Africa, one people,” he said.

Kawu Muhammed Lawan of Nigeria’s Federal Ministry of Arts, Culture, Tourism and Creative Economy said the reports were particularly troubling given the support many African countries provided during South Africa’s anti-apartheid struggle.

“Looking at all the efforts other African countries made to end apartheid in South Africa, it is embarrassing to witness hostility against fellow Africans today,” he said.

Lawan urged African leaders to take practical steps to protect citizens across the continent and strengthen regional integration.

Similarly, Emmanuel Nok, a legal practitioner with South Sudan’s Ministry of Culture, Museum and National Heritage, said Africans should reject violence and discrimination against one another.

“We feel hurt as Africans when we see fellow Africans being hunted by other Africans. We should condemn such behaviour because it goes against the spirit of African brotherhood,” he said.

Nok noted that many African countries host citizens from neighbouring states and stressed that peaceful coexistence remained vital for economic development and regional cooperation.

The delegates called on governments, regional organisations and civil society groups to promote tolerance, strengthen social cohesion and uphold the principles of African unity.

They also urged Africans to focus on common development goals, saying stronger cooperation would advance peace, prosperity and integration across the continent.