News

One legged man, Beninese nabbed as NDLEA intercepts Nasarawa-bound drug loads meant for illegal miners in FCT(Photos)

Published

4 months ago

July 21, 2024

…cocaine, Loud consignments hidden in incense candles, ladies’ wears seized in Lagos

Frantic bids by drug syndicates to smuggle in and out of Nigeria consignments of Cocaine and Loud, a synthetic strain of cannabis concealed in incense candles, game packs, dry hibiscus leaves and ladies’ native wears through the Murtala Muhammed International Airport, MMIA, and some courier firms in Lagos have been thwarted by operatives of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency, NDLEA, following the seizure of the illicit shipments and arrests of suspects linked to them.

A businessman, Abdulwahab Owolabi Alebiosu was on Thursday 18th July 2024 arrested at his Horizon Court, Lekki, Lagos residence after a consignment of 40 parcels of Loud weighing 20.30 kilograms hidden in packs of chessboards, scrabbles, checkers, and poker set, brought in from Canada on a British Airways flight was intercepted at the SAHCO import shed of the Lagos airport during a joint examination of the cargo with men of Customs Service.

A search of his home also led to the recovery of more exhibits including some drug paraphernalia, such as, weighing scale, and cannabis potency test kit, while four vaping machines were recovered from his business premises on Admiralty Way, Lekki. A Mikano black truck with registration number FST 657 HP was also recovered from his house.

In the same vein, NDLEA operatives at the NAHCO export shed of the MMIA on Friday 19th July intercepted two jumbo bags going to Pakistan. The bags contained dried hibiscus leaves, dried bitter leaves and other food items, which were used to conceal four parcels of cocaine and 14 parcels of Loud, both weighing 1.360kg. Further investigations led to the arrest of a businesswoman, Eze Queen Ogechi who claimed she was sending the illicit consignment to Pakistan on the instruction of her brother, Eze Nnamdi Promise based in the South Asia country.

Also at the Lagos airport, NDLEA operatives attached to Terminal II, Departure Gate of the MMIA, on Thursday 18th July intercepted a male Beninese passenger, Orobi Adoubi Amen, travelling with a bag containing some female native dresses. The suspect was going to Dubai via Accra, Ghana on an Air Peace Airline flight and a connecting flight to Dubai, UAE on Emirates Airline.

A thorough search of the bag revealed eight parcels of Loud weighing 2.10kg were concealed in the ladies’ native wears. The suspect claimed he was given the consignment for a fee of N600,000 on successful delivery in Dubai.

Not less than 4.5kg of the same substance concealed inside the door panels and boot of an imported Toyota RAV 4 vehicle was on Sunday 14th July recovered from a container marked MSDU 5656394 from Canada during a 100% search of the container at Tincan port in Lagos. Two suspects: Dada Kole and Alaba Oladewusi have been arrested in connection with the seizure.

Meanwhile, a 48-year-old one legged man, Amadu Garba was arrested by NDLEA operatives in his house at Yawuri town, Kebbi State with six bags of cannabis weighing 67kg on Tuesday 16th July.

In Abuja, two suspects: 60-year-old Ademola Elusakin and 34-year-old Nuhu Friday Adamu were arrested by NDLEA operatives on Monday 15th July with 30.0kg of the same psychoactive substance along Kwali-Gwagwalada-Abuja expressway on their way from Lagos to Nasarawa state. Elusakin claimed he procured the consignment from Ghana via Lagos with Keffi, Nasarawa state as his final destination, where they were to supply illegal miners operating in the area.

At least, 305 blocks of cannabis weighing 152.5kg were recovered from a suspect, Sale Bukar, 39, who was arrested at Geidam in Yobe state on Sunday 14th July while taking the illicit consignment to Diffa, in Niger Republic. While a suspect: Aham Regal Chinemeze, 43, was nabbed on Thursday 18th July with 60kg of same substance along Owerri – Onitsha expressway, Imo state, Adamu Abdullahi, 24, was arrested with 40.500kg on Wednesday 17th July along Obajana -Kabba expressway, Kogi state. The consignment was recovered from him in a commercial bus coming from Lagos enroute Kano.

In Plateau state, a raid on the storehouse of a notorious drug dealer, Choji Gyang (aka Pararam) who is currently at large, at Rukuba road, Jos led to the recovery of 34 bags of cannabis weighing 312kg while his manager, Kelvin Onwutalu, 43, was arrested. Two suspects: Ifabiyi Johnson, 27, and Adeleke Musiliu, 54, were on Friday 19th July arrested with different strains of cannabis sativa weighing 30.4kg during a raid in Osogbo, Osun state.

In Jigawa state, the trio of Tukur Yahaya, 55; Idris Haruna, 28; and Tanimu Umar, 29, were nabbed with 90 blocks of cannabis weighing 116.8kg at Roni junction, Kazaure LGA, on Friday 19th July while on their way to supply the illicit drugs to their customers in Kazaure, Yankwashi and Katsina state.

Similarly, the duo of Ibrahim Abdulkadir, 29, and Suleman Mohammed, 22, were arrested with 336 bottles of codeine syrup at Amingo, Kaduna, while Auwalu Hashimu, 35, was nabbed with 45 kilograms of cannabis along Zaria- Kano highway.

Acting on credible intelligence, a team of NDLEA operatives backed by soldiers raided a mechanic workshop opposite Benin garage, Akure, Ondo state where they recovered a white Toyota Hilux Van with registration number EE 328 EKY loaded with 652 parcels of cannabis weighing 685kg. In Nasarawa state, 38kg of the same psychoactive substance and a locally made AK-47 rifle were recovered from the home of a suspect, Christopher Ombugadu, 32, in

Akwanga during a raid on Sunday 14th July.

With the same vigour, Commands and formations of the Agency across the country continued their War Against Drug Abuse, WADA, sensitization activities to schools, worship centres, work places and communities among others in the past week. These include: WADA enlightenment lecture for students and teachers of Federal Science and Technical College, Dayi, Katsina state; Community High School (Senior), Owode, Ogun state; Urban Secondary School, Awgu, Enugu state and Goretti Secondary Commercial School,Ikot Ekpene, Akwa Ibom state among others.

While commending the officers and men of MMIA, Tincan, Kebbi, Nasarawa, Ondo, Kaduna, Jigawa, Osun, Yobe, Plateau, Kogi, Imo and FCT Commands of the Agency for the arrests and seizures, Chairman/Chief Executive Officer of NDLEA, Brig. Gen. Mohamed Buba Marwa (Rtd) noted that their operational successes and those of their compatriots across the country are well appreciated. He urged them not to rest on their oars but continue to intensify ongoing drug supply reduction and drug demand reduction efforts.

News

SEE Black Market Exchange Rate for Dollar (USD) to Naira (NGN)

Published

49 mins ago

November 10, 2024

Kayode Sanni-Arewa

By Kayode Sanni-Arewa

Dollar to Naira Exchange Rate Today on the Black Market (Aboki Dollar Rate)

As of Saturday, November 9, 2024, the exchange rate for the U.S. dollar to the Nigerian naira in the Lagos parallel market (often referred to as the black market) shows that the buying rate for a dollar is N1740, while the selling rate stands at N1745, according to sources at Bureau De Change (BDC).

It’s important to note that the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) does not officially recognize the parallel market for foreign exchange transactions. In line with this, the CBN has advised individuals and businesses looking to exchange foreign currencies to approach authorized banks and financial institutions for their Forex needs.

Dollar to Naira Black Market Exchange Rates Today:

Buying Rate: N1740

Selling Rate: N1745

Official Dollar to Naira Exchange Rates (CBN Rates) Today:

Buying Rate: N1664

Selling Rate: N1665

Please keep in mind that the exchange rates listed here are subject to fluctuation and may differ from those in actual transactions, as rates can vary depending on the location and the specific forex market you engage with. Always ensure that you check the current rates with authorized sources before making any exchange

News

Actor Charles Okocha reveals why he kept his fiancee from limelight

Published

51 mins ago

November 10, 2024

Kayode Sanni-Arewa

By Kayode Sanni-Arewa

Nollywood actor Charles Okocha has shared his thoughts on the right time to settle down, revealing that after years of being a “baby daddy,” he believes now is the time to commit. He spoke candidly about his decision to marry, noting that it was a natural step for him at this stage in his life.

In an interview, Okocha revealed that he has been secretly dating his bride-to-be since 2017, explaining, “I am getting married because it’s only right for me to be married. We have been dating since 2017, quietly, with no social media show of affection. She lives in America and is a nurse. So, it is true.”

Regarding his children’s reaction to the news, he added, “My kids are very comfortable and happy with the news.”

Okocha, a father of two from previous relationships, made the announcement of his upcoming marriage on Instagram on November 5, 2024. Sharing adorable photos with his fiancée, Okocha introduced the wedding hashtag #MICHARLES2024, confirming that the ceremony will take place this year.

Some fans were surprised by the news, considering his earlier reservations about marriage, which he expressed in a previous interview. “The truth is, I have never been married in my life, and I am a happy man. You and I know what is going on these days; you see a couple married for a few years, and next, they are divorced. These are people you’ve looked up to, and now they’re divorced; how, then, do you want me to get into this marriage thing?”

News

Ex- President, Obasanjo opens up on belonging to a party

Published

53 mins ago

November 10, 2024

Kayode Sanni-Arewa

By Kayode Sanni-Arewa

Ex-President Olusegun Obasanjo has stated that he does not affiliate with any political party, identifying himself instead as a “no-party statesman.”

His declaration comes amidst the challenges Nigeria is currently facing, which he acknowledged during a recent event. However, Obasanjo also expressed a message of hope and resilience for the Nigerian people.

The statement was made on Saturday during a special thanksgiving service held at the Methodist Church, Nigeria, Cathedral of Unity in Abuja. The occasion was to celebrate the 80th birthday of Onyema Ugochukwu, a distinguished journalist and former Chairman of the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC).

During the service, Obasanjo praised Ugochukwu for his loyalty and support during Obasanjo’s 1999 presidential campaign. He highlighted that despite the competitive race within the People’s Democratic Party (PDP), where both he and Chief Alex Ekwueme vied for the same position, Ugochukwu stood by him. This act of loyalty, according to Obasanjo, was significant in the building of strong political relationships at the time.

In his speech, the former president encouraged Ugochukwu to continue to walk in faith and remain devoted to serving humanity in all his endeavors. “You must never allow your faith to wane,” Obasanjo said, referring to a passage from 1 Corinthians 13. He urged the celebrant to maintain hope and optimism even in the face of Nigeria’s current difficulties, which he acknowledged as being particularly daunting.

Obasanjo emphasized the power of love, encouraging Ugochukwu to carry love in all aspects of his life. “Let your love for your family, friends, and even those who may be your adversaries, guide you,” he added. “Extend that love to your community, your state, your country, and ultimately, to all of humanity. Above all, maintain your love for God.”

Reflecting on his own political journey, Obasanjo recalled the early days of his campaign and the dynamics that led to his eventual success in the 1999 election. “I first became acquainted with you through your reputation, and we came together during the campaign. At that time, I was contesting against Alex Ekwueme in the PDP, and you supported me loyally throughout the process,” he shared.

In this heartfelt address, Obasanjo urged not only Ugochukwu but all Nigerians to remain hopeful, resilient, and committed to serving their communities with love, despite the challenges facing the nation.