Connect with us

NEWS

Two Drug Peddlers Excrete 165 Wraps of Cocaine in NDLEA Cell

Published

on

Share

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.

Foreign News

Man Sentenced for Blackmailing German Priest With Nude Photos

Published

on

Share

 A 50-year-old man was on Friday given a 20-month suspended sentence for blackmailing a German priest with nude photos.

During the trial at Augsburg District Court in the southern state of Bavaria, the defendant, who had no previous convictions, admitted to all charges.

According to the indictment, he sent nude photos downloaded from an internet platform hosting homosexual content, as well as a photo showing the priest, to the theologian at the end of 2022.

He threatened to give the photos to television stations and publish them in the priest’s parish, and demanded the priest send him 50,000 euros (56,600 U.S. dollars).

Later, the defendant also sent an email with the nude photos to the priest’s parish office.

The priest did not respond to either attempt or contact but reported the matter to the police.

The defendant was charged with attempted extortion and sentenced to one year and eight months in prison.

The sentence was suspended on probation.

The man must also pay 800 euros.

The verdict is not yet final. (dpa/NAN)

Continue Reading

NEWS

Wike Spokesman Faults Sen. Ireti’s Position on FCT’s Ground Rent Enforcement

Published

on

Share

Mr Lere Olayinka, spokesman of Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Nyesom Wike has faulted the position of Sen. Ireti Kingibe on the enforcement of ground rent by the FCT Administration.Kingibe, representing the FCT in the Senate under the Labour Party, had challenged the sealing of property by the FCT Administration, describing it as unconstitutional.

The senator in statement noted that although enforcement of tax obligations was necessary, defaulting in ground rent payments was no legal ground for arbitrary takeover of property.
Responding, Olayinka, the Senior Special Assistant to Wike on Public Communications and Social Media, said in a statement in Abuja on Thursday, that the senator was unaware of the provisions of the Land Use Act.
He described Kingibe’s comment on the enforcement of payment of ground rent as illogical, explaining that land allocation comes with conditions.According to him, land allocation comes with conditions that must be met, one of which is the annual payment of ground rent without demand notice.He advised the senator against using the ground rent enforcement to score cheap political gain.“It is surprising that a serving senator of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, whose duty is to make laws, is ignorant of the provisions of Section 28, Subsections (a) and (b) of the Land Use Act.“Section 28, Subsections (a) and (b) of the Land Use Act provides that ‘The Government may revoke a Statutory Right of Occupancy on the ground of; (a) a breach of any of the provisions which a certificate of occupancy is by Section 10 deemed to contain; and (b) a breach of any term contained in the Certificate of Occupancy (C of O).“Now, is annual payment of ground rent not part of the terms contained in the C of O? ,” he asked.The spokesperson asked whether Kingibe would look away if land allottees refused to pay ground rent for 10 to 43 years if she was the FCT minister. Report says that the FCTA had on Monday, began taking over 4,794 revoked properties in the territory over unpaid ground rent, amounting to more than N6 billion.Tinubu, however, gave the defaulters 14-day grace to pay the outstanding ground rent and associated penalties. (NAN)

Continue Reading

NEWS

We’ve Spent over N40bn in Payment of Salary, Pension Arrears —Otti

Published

on

Share

Gov. Alex Otti of Abia has said that his administration has committed over N40 billion to clearing arrears of salaries and pensions in the past two years.Otti said this on Thursday during an event organised to mark his administration’s two years anniversary with the theme “Transformative Governance: Sustaining the Momentum”, in Umuahia.

The governor said that this move was aimed at restoring dignity and financial stability to the state’s workforce and retirees.
He said that prompt salary and pension payments had become an integral part of the system with workers now paid by the 28th of every month.Otti added that pensioners now receive full monthly payments, ending the era of partial disbursements experienced by retirees.
He also announced the full renovation of the previously abandoned Nnamdi Azikiwe Secretariat, now housing nearly 1,000 civil servants.The governor revealed efforts to digitise government operations and phase out manual filing systems through the provision of computers.He also said that an agreement with MTN would ensure full network coverage across the state by Dec. 31, 2025.Otti said that the state would also be witnessing the development of the first Aba Digital Mall by MTN, aimed at boosting e-commerce and local trade.Otti reiterated the sustained resolve of Abia Government to allocate 20 per cent of the state’s budget to education, and confirmed that smart schools were under construction across all 17 Local Government Areas (LGAs).According to him, the state’s free basic education policy had increased enrolment, prompting the transparent recruitment of 5,300 new teachers earlier this year.He also disclosed that another 4,000 teachers would be recruited to match the growing student population across public schools.The governor assured equal opportunities for all, regardless of state of origin, ethnicity, or religion during the exercise.On health, he said that over 100 Primary Healthcare Centres(PHCs) had been renovated, with commissioning set to begin on June 1.Otti also said that renovations were ongoing at ten general hospitals and two specialist centres to improve healthcare delivery in the state.Otti revealed plans for a medical village to tackle outbound medical tourism and position Abia as Nigeria’s healthcare hub.On security, he credited the government’s security intervention code named ”Operation Crush” for reclaiming territories in Umunneochi and Isuikwuato from criminals, restoring peace and safety.He praised security agencies for their sacrifice and commitment to protecting lives and property across the state.Otti stated that several roads in Umuahia, Aba, and other parts of the state were ready for commissioning starting June 1.He stressed that good governance, accountability, and prudent spending of public funds remain his administration’s core principles.Otti reaffirmed the state’s private-sector-driven economic strategy and commitment to creating a conducive business environment.He highlighted the government’s ₦1 billion empowerment of 10,000 nano-businesses to support entrepreneurship and reduce financial hardship.On electricity, he confirmed that Geometric Power now generated 141 megawatts, with the fourth turbine expected to boost capacity further.He revealed discussions with Enugu DISCO to isolate Umuahia as a power island, following the Aba model.Otti said the move aims to ensure stable electricity across Umuahia, Bende, Umunneochi, Isuikwuato, Ohafia, and Arochukwu.He also noted the installation of nearly 7,000 solar streetlights, part of efforts to improve security and drive a 24-hour economy.On sanitation, he celebrated the state’s transformation from one of the dirtiest to among the cleanest in Nigeria.He praised citizens for embracing cleanliness and environmental responsibility as a collective lifestyle.Otti commended civil servants, appointees, healthcare workers, and cleaners for driving the administration’s achievements.He attributed his administration’s success to divine guidance and the unwavering support of the people of Abia.The governor also expressed deep gratitude to the citizens for their support before, during, and after the 2023 elections.He further reaffirmed his commitment to building a functional, safe, and prosperous Abia for all.In their good will messages, the lawmaker representing Abia South Senatorial District, Sen. Enyinnaya Abaribe, and the lawmaker representing Isiala Ngwa North and South Federal Constituency, Chief Ginger Onwusibe, commended the governor for his transformational leadership style.They urged the people of Abia to continue to support the programmes and policies of the state government.Also, in their remarks, the Speaker of the Abia House of Assembly, Chief Emmanuel Emeruwa, and his deputy, Mr Austin Mmeregini, passed a vote of confidence on the governor.They expressed the resolve of the legislature to continually give the governor all the legislative support required to execute his rebuilding agenda.Report says that the event was attended by the former deputy governor, Chief Ude Oko-Chukwu, former Chairman of Ohafia LGA, among other dignitaries. (NAN)

Continue Reading

Read Our ePaper

Top Stories

Foreign News8 minutes ago

Man Sentenced for Blackmailing German Priest With Nude Photos

Share A 50-year-old man was on Friday given a 20-month suspended sentence for blackmailing a German priest with nude photos. During...

community1 hour ago

Domestic Chores Not for Females Alone- Residents

Share Some residents of Karu Local Government Area of Nasarawa State have advised both men and women to support each other...

POLITICS2 hours ago

Zamfara North Communities Condemn Gov. Lawal’s Leadership as Total Failure

ShareBy David Torough, Abuja A coalition representing four local government areas in Zamfara North Senatorial District has launched a scathing...

POLITICS2 hours ago

Tinubu’s 2 year: APC Lauds Nigerians for Understanding

ShareThe All Progressives Congress (APC), has commended Nigerians for their understanding and support to President Bola Tinubu-led administration in the...

NEWS9 hours ago

Wike Spokesman Faults Sen. Ireti’s Position on FCT’s Ground Rent Enforcement

Share Mr Lere Olayinka, spokesman of Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Nyesom Wike has faulted the position of...

NEWS9 hours ago

We’ve Spent over N40bn in Payment of Salary, Pension Arrears —Otti

ShareGov. Alex Otti of Abia has said that his administration has committed over N40 billion to clearing arrears of salaries...

NEWS9 hours ago

Why we Established New Varsity -Alia

Share Gov. Hyacinth Alia said his administration established the University of Agriculture, Science and Technology, Ihugh, Vandeikya Local Government Area,...

POLITICS9 hours ago

Edo poll: We Won’t Allow Injustice to go Unchallenged, Ighodalo Says

Share Mr Asue Ighodalo, the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP)’s candidate in the Sept. 21, 2024 governorship election in Edo, has...

NEWS9 hours ago

Nigeria Replenishes Trust Fund with $500m –Edun

ShareNigeria has reaffirmed its commitment to Africa’s economic development with a fresh 500 million dollars contribution to the Nigeria Trust...

NEWS9 hours ago

Area councils/ Teachers Strike: Denying Children Education Is like Coup In FCT -Wike

Share By Laide Akinboade, Abuja The Minister of Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, on Thursday, lambasted the six area councils...

Copyright © 2021 Daily Asset Limited | Powered by ObajeSoft Inc