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A Federal High Court, Ikoyi, Lagos, on Wednesday ordered the remand of a 70-year-old woman, Barek Mary Yetunde, at the Ikoyi Correctional Facility over alleged trafficking of 13 kilograms of cocaine.

The court, presided over by Justice Friday Ogazi, arrived at the decision shortly after the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) arraigned the septuagenarian on a two-count charge of unlawful possession, transportation, and exportation of a narcotic drug.

Upon the calling of the criminal matter, the counsel for the NDLEA, Mr Abu Ibrahim, announced appearance for the prosecution, while Chief Benson Ndakara appeared for the defendant.

In addressing the court, Ibrahim moved an application seeking leave of the court to arraign the defendant during the court vacation, which was granted by Justice Ogazi.

The two-count charge dated August 8, 2026, was then read to the defendant, who pleaded not guilty.

In the criminal charge before the court, Barek Mary Yetunde of No. 14, Alhaji Azeez Ajanaku Street, Okota, Lagos, was alleged to have on or about June 28, 2026, at the Departure Hall of Terminal 2, Murtala Muhammed International Airport (MMIA), Ikeja, Lagos, during outward clearance of passengers on a Virgin Atlantic flight from Lagos to the United Kingdom, exported 13kg of cocaine without lawful authority.

The defendant was equally alleged to have transported the same 13kg of cocaine from her residence in Okota to the Departure Hall of Terminal 2, MMIA, Ikeja.

The offences are contrary to and punishable under Section 11(b) of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency Act, Cap N30, Laws of the Federation of Nigeria, 2004.

However, after her plea, the NDLEA prayed to Justice Ogazi for a trial date and for the defendant to be remanded in a Correctional Facility.

On his part, the counsel for the defence, Chief Ndakara, revealed that a bail application had already been filed and served on the prosecution, adding that the prosecution had filed a counter-affidavit which the defence had responded to, urging the judge to hear the bail motion.

The prosecutor confirmed he had filed an opposition to the bail application.

Delivering his ruling, Justice Ogazi held that the court could not hear the bail application due to the volume of cases on the vacation cause list.

As a result of the decision of the court, Ndakara requested that the defendant be remanded in NDLEA custody due to her age and health challenges, but the prosecution opposed, stating the agency lacks adequate facilities to accommodate her.

Justice Ogazi adjourned the matter to September 2, 2026, for hearing of the bail application and ordered that the defendant be remanded at the Nigerian Correctional Centre, Ikoyi, pending the hearing.

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A Nigerian X user, identified as Chef Dan, has asked the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) to loan him N400,000 from funds recovered from individuals convicted of embezzlement.

Chef Dan made the request in a post on X while tagging the EFCC’s official account.

He wrote, “I’m broke and I need money to pay rent by next month, can you guys borrow me 400k from the money EFCC recovered from embezzlers?

“I will pay back 15k every month for 2 years.”

The X user also asked the anti-graft agency to lend him one of the vehicles seized during its investigations, saying he could use it to start an Uber business.

He wrote, “I no go mind if you guys can borrow me car from the cars EFCC seized from people.

“Camry (muscle sport) will good to Uber.

“Make I start Uber business and I will be paying 30k weekly.”

Responding to the request, the EFCC clarified that its name does not imply that the agency provides financial services or loans.

The commission replied, “Dear Chef Dan, the ‘Financial’ in the name of the EFCC doesn’t mean we render financial services 👌. You could approach your bank for loans 😊.”

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The Bauchi State Police Command has arrested a suspected drug dealer, Aliyu Suleman, and recovered 64 bottles of Methylene Chloride, locally referred to as ‘Suck and D!e’, and 17 pieces of rubber solution.

The spokesperson for the command, SP Nafiu Habib, who disclosed this in a statement on Wednesday, August 26, 2026 said the arrest was part of the command’s efforts to combat drug abuse and safeguard public health.

According to the PPRO, operatives of the Vehicle Crime Response Unit arrested the suspect during an intelligence-led operation at Bayan Gari in the Bauchi metropolis on Tuesday, August 25, 2026, at about 5 pm.“

“In furtherance of the Bauchi State Police Command’s commitment to combating drug abuse and safeguarding public health, operatives of the Vehicle Crime Response Unit (VCRU), have arrested a suspect and recovered substantial quantities of illicit substances,” the statement read.

“The arrest was effected on Tuesday, 25th August 2026 at about 1700hrs at Bayan Gari, Bauchi metropolis.

“The suspect, Aliyu Suleman, a 23-years-old male, resident of Tudun Salmanu, Bauchi, was intercepted during a routine intelligence-led operation.

“Upon search, the following exhibits were promptly recovered from the suspect:

1. 64 bottles containing Methylene Chloride, locally referred to as “Suck and Die”

2. 17 pieces of Rubber Solutions

“Both items were seized and registered as exhibits. Meanwhile, the suspect is currently in custody and cooperating with investigators. He will be charged to court upon conclusion of investigation.”

Reacting to the development, the Commissioner of Police, CPSani-OmoloriAliyu, reiterated the Command’s unwavering resolve to clamp down on the distribution and abuse of harmful substances.

He has directed all Area Commanders and Divisional Police Officers to intensify surveillance and operations aimed at dismantling networks involved in the sale and abuse of such illicit drugs and substances across the state.

Furthermore, the Command calls on parents, guardians, and community stakeholders to remain vigilant and support the police with timely information, as the fight against drugs and substance abuse requires a collective approach.