NEWS
Two Drug Peddlers Excrete 165 Wraps of Cocaine in NDLEA Cell
The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency, NDLEA, has said two drug traffickers have excreted a total of 165 wraps of cocaine while under observation in its custody.
The agency also intercepted huge consignments of the illicit substances on their way to different parts of Asia and Europe.
It added that in the nationwide raids carried out by the operatives in Rivers, Ogun, and Enugu 2,293kg of various drugs were seized while N791, 100.
00, was recovered.The suspects Elvis Uche Iro, 53 and Uwaezuoke Ikenna Christian, 42 who were arrested at the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport, NAIA, Abuja, ingested the illicit substances.
The agency in a statement by its Director, Media & Advocacy, Femi Babafemi, on Sunday said the alleged drug traffickers excreted the drugs while under observation in the Agency’s custody.
“The 53-year-old Elvis who is a father of four children hails from Abiriba, Ohafia Local Goverment Area of Abia State. He was arrested on Saturday 19th March upon his arrival on board Ethiopian Airline flight from Addis-Ababa for ingesting 65 pellets of cocaine weighing 1.376kg.”
According to him, during preliminary interrogation, the suspect claimed that he was an interior decorator but had to go into drug trafficking because he needed money to start a coffee business.
He stated that he was lured into the business by the temptation to take care of his family and stock his newly acquired shop with curtain materials and accessories in Lagos.
“He said he would have been paid One Thousand ($1,000) US dollars on successful delivery of the drug in Abuja.”
His counterpart, Uwaezuoke Ikenna, Christian was also arrested on arrival for ingesting 100 pellets of cocaine with a total weight of 2.243kg.
Ikenna who hails from Ojoto, Idemili South Local Government Area of Anambra State claimed that he is businessman who deals in baby’s wears before venturing into drug trafficking.
“During preliminary interview, he said he traveled to Addis Ababa on Thursday 17th March to buy the drug for Ten Thousand ($10,000) US dollars and returned on Saturday 19th March when he was arrested.
“He said he sold his land in his village and took loans from friends to be able to raise money to buy the drug.He claimed he had to go into drug to raise money for his business after being duped of Fifteen Thousand ($15,000) US dollars by his friend who lives inChina.” Babafemi explained.
In a related development, Narcotic Officers of the Directorate of Operation and General Investigation, DOGI, of the NDLEA, also intercepted substantial quantities of Methamphetamine, Cocaine, and Cannabis sativa packaged for export to Australia, China, Qatar, Ireland and Thailand through some courier companies in Lagos.
” A quantity of 2.9kg of Methamphetamine in packs of black soup and toner machine heading to Australia and Qatar was intercepted; 600grams of Cocaine concealed in school certificates and file folders going to Australia and Thailand were equally seized.
“No less than 25.5kg cannabis concealed in packs of Dudu Osun soap and tins of palm fruit extracts (banga) heading to China and Ireland were also seized at a courier company in Lagos”, Babafemi added.
He stated further that 2,293.324 kilograms of assorted illicit drugs and N791, 100. 00, were recovered in major raids carried out by the operatives in Ogun, Rivers and Enugu States in last week.
According to him, Rivers State, operatives on, March 24, raided the notorious Abuja Water Front of Port Harcourt City, following information provided by arrested suspects, on their sources of supply.
He explained that a total of three suspects, were apprehended in the operation and gave their names as, Larry Samuel; Mark James and Happiness Joseph.
The drugs and cash seized from them are 339.524kg of Cannabis Sativa, Methamphetamine and Tramadol and N791, 100.00, cash.Another drug dealer, within the area, Uduak Paul Emmanuel, is said to be at large.
He added, “In Ogun State, a 30-year-old lady, Peace Egidigbo, was arrested with 1863kg of Cannabis Sativa in Mowe, Obafemi/Owode LGA on Wednesday 23rd March, while no less than 150 blocks of cannabis weighing 90.800kg were seized from the cargo compartment of a bus owned by a transport company along Orji river via Onitsha express road, Enugu State”.
Chairman and Chief Executive, NDLEA, Brig. Gen. Mohamed Buba Marwa (rtd), in his reaction commended the officers and men of NAIA, DOGI, Rivers, Ogun and Enugu Commands of the Agency for their diligence and vigilance.
He charged them to always strive to raise the bar in their operational feats.
By Nasir Dambatta
Governor Uba Sani has once again underscored his commitment to fostering unity among Kaduna’s diverse religious communities, attending both the 2024 Kaduna Unity Christmas Carol and a Maulud celebration in Zaria within the same week.On December 21, the Governor graced The 2024 Kaduna Unity Christmas Carol at ECWA Goodnews Church, Narayi Highcost, an event organized by the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN), Kaduna Chapter.
The Carol, an annual tradition, brought together Christians from across the state in a celebration of joy, love, and togetherness. Governor Sani’s presence at the event highlighted his inclusive leadership and his efforts to strengthen interfaith harmony in a state known for its rich religious diversity.Shortly after, on December 22, Governor Sani attended a Maulud celebration in Zaria, organized by the Fityanul Islam group. Maulud, which commemorates the birth of the Prophet Muhammad (PBUH), is a time for reflection, prayer, and communal unity. The gathering in Zaria was attended by numerous dignitaries and religious scholars who reflected on the Prophet’s teachings of compassion, tolerance, and peace—values that resonate deeply with the Governor’s vision for Kaduna.Observers said the Governor’s presence at both events was a powerful reminder of his dedication to fostering peaceful coexistence between Muslims and Christians in the state. “Through these actions, Governor Uba Sani is leading by example, demonstrating that religious celebrations and dialogue can serve as a foundation for a united, progressive society.”, one of the observers said.
Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Minister, Nyesom Wike has directed government hospitals to provide free treatment to the people that sustained injuries during a stampede at the Holy Trinity Catholic Church in Maitama, Abuja.Wike gave the directive in a statement signed by his Senior Special Assistant on Public Communications and New Media, Mr Lere Olayinka, in Abuja on Saturday.
No fewer than 10 people including children lost their lives while 10 others sustained injuries to the stampede, during the distribution of food items to less privileged and the elderly by the church. The sad incident occurred around 6:30 a.m on Saturday.Wike said that the FCT Administration would ensure that the injured received adequate medical attention.The minister, who commiserated with the victims, also directed that henceforth, police permission should be obtained by individuals or organizations planning public distribution of palliatives, either food items or cash.Describing the incident as “painful”, Wike prayed for the repose of the souls of the lives that were lost and fortitude for their families to bear the irreparable loss.He commended the Police and other security agencies for their prompt intervention, saying, “the promptness in which security agencies responded to the incident was commendable.”In a related development, the FCT Emergency Management Department (FEMD), equally commiserated with the victims of the stampede.The acting Director General of the department, Mr Abdulrahman Mohammed, in a statement said that nine out of the 10 injured persons earlier taken to Maitama District Hospital, have been treated and discharged.Mohammed also appealed to organisations that intended to give out food items to the less privileged to involve security agencies or FEMD for adequate planning to ensure safety of beneficiaries.He also advised the use of coupons and segregation of the beneficiaries into groups to avoid crowd and rowdiness that could lead to stampedes.Similarly, the Police Command in the FCT has ordered organisations, religious bodies, groups, or individuals to notify the police when planning public events, charitable activities, or large gatherings in the territory.In a statement by the Police Public Relations Officer in the FCT, SP Josephine Adeh, said that the notification was to enable the police to deploy adequate security measures for public safety.According to her, failure to comply with the directive will result in the organisers being held liable for any incident or loss of life resulting from negligenceMeanwhile, the Nigeria Police Force has issued a warning against the unorganised distribution of palliatives and funfairs, which have led to stampedes and fatalities among vulnerable citizens.The Force Public Relations Officer, ACP Olumuyiwa Adejobi, gave the warning during a media briefing on Saturday in Abuja.Adejobi explained that the warning came in response to the increasing number of stampedes resulting in injuries and deaths, particularly during palliative distributions. (NAN)
The Nigerian Defence Academy (NDA), says it has recorded a lot of successes in military training and academic activities in 2024.
The Commandant of NDA, Maj.-Gen. John Ochai, said this at the Nigerian Defence Academy Social Activities (NDASA), held at the headquarters of the academy Afaka on Friday in Kaduna.
Ochai said the essence of NDASA was to end training activities of the year.
He said the 2024 NDASA was unique because the academy marked 60 years of existence from 1964-2024.
Also of significance, Ochai said, NDA had passed out the largest number of officers commissioned into the Armed Forces of Nigeria in 2024.
Equally, he said, in the same year (2024), the academy had the largest number of officers trained outside the country.
He emphasised that the NDA does not only train leaders for the Nigerian Armed Forces, but those for the Nigerian nation and humanity at large.
“After five years of training, we imbibe in officers leadership qualities that are everlasting.
”The traditions, ethos, characters that we instill in our cadets follow them forever and become very useful in all spheres of human endeavors,” Ochai said.
Mr Martins Amaram, Country Security Manager, Nigeria Breweries, PLC , who was the Special Guest of Honour, said the event fostered unity, cultural awareness and comradeship among the cadets and the larger community.
Amaram said, “The academy has always been a beacon of excellence in producing military leaders for integrity, resilience and capacity to face in a dynamic and complex world .
“Beyond academics and military training the academy still values cultural respect and social engagement, recognising the diversity of our great country. Nigeria.”
He commended NDA for creating the platform where cadets can appreciate the rich cultures and build bonds that transit borders.
Amaram added, “The Armed Forces of Nigeria are playing a critical role in ensuring the stability and progress of our nation. “
He urged the academy to continue to record more successes in its mission of excellence and service to the nation.
Report says that awards were given to deserving soldiers who distinguished themselves in 2024.
report says that 22 soldiers were decorated from Warrant Officer(WO) to Master Warrant Officers(MWO). (NAN)
Uba Sani Attends Christmas Carol, Maulud to Strengthen Muslim-Christian Unity
Share By Nasir Dambatta Governor Uba Sani has once again underscored his commitment to fostering unity among Kaduna’s diverse religious...
Fury Fails in Revenge Mission Against Usyk
Share Tyson Fury’s mission to avenge his only professional defeat ended in crushing disappointment Saturday evening as he lost on...
Abuja Stampede: Wike Directs Free Treatment for Victims
Share Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Minister, Nyesom Wike has directed government hospitals to provide free treatment to the people that...
NDA Records Successes in Military Training, Academics in 2024
ShareThe Nigerian Defence Academy (NDA), says it has recorded a lot of successes in military training and academic activities in...
Corps Member Donates Delivery Kits to Pregnant Women in Katsina
ShareA Corps member serving in Katsina State, Blessing Ene-Ameh, has distributed free delivery kits to 50 pregnant women in Mani...
FUSHO Ag VC Promises Collaboration with Lydia Memorial Hospital
ShareBy David Torough, Abuja The Acting Vice Chancellor of the Federal University of Health Sciences, Otukpo (FUHSO), Prof. Stephen Abah...
PenCom Issues Over 38,000 Pension Clearance Certificates – D-G
Share The National Pension Commission (PenCom) on Thursday said it had issued over 38,000 Pension Clearance Certificates (PCC) so far...
Bill to Rename Benue Varsity Passes Second Reading
ShareThe bill to rename the Benue State University (BSU), Makurdi, after the second civilian governor of the state, Rev. Fr...
Benue Assembly Summons Former Special Adviser on Missing N1.78bn
Share The Benue House of Assembly presided over by its Speaker, Hyacinth Dajo has summoned the former special adviser to...
Buhari Once Rejected Land Offer During His Tenure- Garba Shehu
Share Former President Muhammadu Buhari once rejected an offer of land in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) during his tenure....