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Category: Law and Crime

  • Alleged N110bn fraud: Court adjourns case against ex-Gov Bello, others

    Alleged N110bn fraud: Court adjourns case against ex-Gov Bello, others

    A Federal Capital Territory High Court on Wednesday adjourned hearing in the alleged money laundering case against former governor of Kogi, Yahaya Bello, until April 3 and April 24.

    Justice Maryann Anenih adjourned the case for continuation of hearing after the first witness, Fabian Nworah, a property developer, was called to testify.

    The prosecution counsel, Kemi Pinheiro, SAN, informed the court that he had five witnesses to call for the day.

    Justice Anenih said she could only take one witness as she had other matters to attend to.

    The court also announced that it would not be sitting on Thursday as previously scheduled.

    Counsel for the 1st and 2nd Defendants, Joseph Daudu, SAN, however, informed the court that the prosecution had not made the statements on oath of the 2nd defendant available to the defence team.

    He said he was aware that the first defendant had not made any statement.

    Daudu also objected to the witness presented by the prosecution, arguing that the defendants had no prior knowledge of the witness and were only seeing him in court for the first time.

    Citing authorities, he emphasised that legal proceedings should not be a “hide and seek” game, stating that the prosecution was required to provide the witness’ statements on oath in advance so the defence could adequately prepare for cross-examination.

    “The statements of the second defendant have not been served on us to be able to know if we will be able to represent him or not.

    “So, it is a serious handicap on us. They need to serve us all the statements made by the defendants

    “I understand the first defendant has not made a statement. Fortunately, we are still within the housekeeping stage of the proceeding,” he added.

    Corroborating this, counsel for the 3rd Defendant, Abubakar Aliyu, SAN, said, “Mine is not a comment but an observation, my lord. My application is for the court to order the prosecution to provide us with the statements of the 2nd and 3rd defendants.”

    When the judge asked if he had requested the statements, Aliyu SAN said he discovered on Tuesday that the said statements were not part of the proof of evidence served on the defendants.

    He said, “I am also applying that the court order the prosecution to provide us with copies of the recovered digital device and the report or the extract therefrom mentioned on Page 14 of Volume 1 of the proof of evidence and the report of the forensic expert, if any.

    “I am following the procedure followed in Okoye against the Commissioner of Police, which was adopted by the Supreme Court in Okemini Vs Comm of Police.”

    The prosecution witness, however, disagreed, saying the defendants were trying to delay a speedy trial.

    He insisted that the proof of evidence was served on the defendants on Nov. 27, 2024.

    “The constitutional provisions, which they rely on, do not imply that the prosecution should provide all the documents that it relies on.

    “The law only provides that the prosecution should oblige the defence with all the documents requested for,”

    Pinheiro argued.

    He noted that the issues would be addressed whenever they received formal applications from the defendants and urged the court to proceed on the business for the day.

    “As it is, we have almost utilised more than an hour on these arguments,” he stated.

    The judge asked the defendant’s counsel why he did not raise the issues in December.

    Daudu SAN replied that it was because it had to be done after arraignment.

    “I have applied, and they are not obliging me. It is absolutely necessary for our defence,” counsel for the 3rd defendant said.

    The judge, however, declined the application for adjournment and directed the prosecution to proceed with the case.

    The prosecution then proceeded to call its first witness, Fabian Nwora, a property developer with Efab Property Nigeria Limited.

    Nwora testified that he was invited to the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission on Feb. 8, 2023, regarding a transaction between Shehu Bello and EFAB Property concerning a property located at No. 1 Ikogosi Street, Maitama.

    He stated that he sold the said property to Shehu Bello but observed that the name on the sale agreement was Dr Bello Ohiani, not Shehu Bello.

    He said that in 2023, Shehu Bello approached EFAB Property, informing them that the property was under investigation by the EFCC.

    He returned all documents related to the purchase and demanded a refund of the N550 million that was paid.

    Subsequently, he said, EFAB Property was invited by the EFCC to explain what transpired between them and Shehu Bello.

    The EFCC instructed the company to refund the entire sum to an EFCC-designated account. EFAB Property complied in two batches of N400 million and N150 million. (NAN)

  • N480m Alleged Bribery: Report lawmakers to anti-graft agencies, says Reps spokesperson

    N480m Alleged Bribery: Report lawmakers to anti-graft agencies, says Reps spokesperson

    The House of Representatives has urged anyone with credible evidence regarding the alleged N480 million bribery demanded by some lawmakers from Vice-Chancellors of Federal Universities to approve their 2025 budget allocations to present it to the relevant authorities, including the House Committee on Ethics and Privileges or anti-corruption agencies such as the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) for independent investigation.

    A report published in the media (not Vanguard) alleged that senators and members of the House of Representatives, operating through the Senate Committee on Tertiary Education and TETFund, and the House Committee on University Education, are demanding money from universities to approve their budgets.

    In a statement signed by the spokesperson of the House, Rep. Akin Rotimi, on Wednesday in Abuja, he affirmed that the 10th House of Representatives remains committed to transparency, accountability, and the highest ethical standards in all its legislative activities. He also labeled the allegations as baseless and lacking credibility.

    He said, “These values form the bedrock of our operations. It is, therefore, imperative to address the baseless and sensational allegations in the report, which appear to be part of a deliberate attempt to undermine the integrity of the House and erode public trust in this hallowed institution.”

    Rotimi further stated, “The budget process is a constitutionally guided and transparent exercise. The 2025 Appropriation Bill was presented by His Excellency, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, to a Joint Session of the National Assembly, attended by key members of the Federal Executive Council (FEC) and the public.”

    He continued, “Following the presentation, various Heads of Ministries, Departments, and Agencies (MDAs) have appeared at open public sessions to defend their budget proposals before the relevant committees. These sessions ensure rigorous scrutiny and accountability in public finance management.”

    Rotimi expressed concern that some heads of federal tertiary institutions had failed to attend these budget defense sessions despite their constitutional obligation to do so. He stressed that this disregard for the legislative process impedes oversight, undermines accountability, and demonstrates a lack of respect for both parliament and the Nigerian people.

    Additionally, he pointed out that some of these institutions had unresolved audit queries from the Office of the Auditor-General of the Federation and had not appeared before the House Committee on Public Accounts to clarify these issues. This evasion raises questions about their governance practices and financial management.

    He also mentioned disturbing allegations of sexual harassment, abuse of office, and high-handedness by some of these institutions in their dealings with staff and students. He emphasized the importance of legislative oversight in addressing these issues in the spirit of transparency.

    “Recent oversight visits by the House Committee on University Education have revealed troubling governance practices in certain institutions,” Rotimi added. “Preliminary findings suggest a pattern of serious malfeasance that demands thorough investigation. These engagements provide an opportunity for institutions to demonstrate

    accountability, yet some individuals have chosen to deflect with unfounded accusations and blackmail.”

    Rotimi clarified that while the House acknowledges the efforts of most university administrators, a few individuals who seek to evade scrutiny cannot be overlooked. The House remains committed to holding public institutions accountable while respecting due process.

    The spokesperson also criticized PREMIUM TIMES for failing to uphold the principles of balanced journalism, claiming that the report lacked diligent investigative effort and instead amplified fabricated narratives by those seeking to avoid accountability. He also noted that the media outlet did not request a response from the House before publishing the story, undermining the credibility of their report.

    The House encouraged anyone with credible evidence of misconduct to present it to the appropriate authorities, including the House Committee on Ethics and Privileges or anti-corruption agencies like the ICPC, for independent investigation. “This is a challenge we have consistently put forth to PREMIUM TIMES, but rather than rising to the occasion in the country’s best interest, they continue to indulge in sensationalism,” Rotimi said.

    He concluded by stating that baseless allegations and media sensationalism would not distract the 10th House from its constitutional mandate to ensure accountability, good governance, and the welfare of Nigerians. “Institutions that have adhered to laid-down procedures have had their budgets approved without issue, while those with outstanding obligations will be required to meet their responsibilities.”

    The House also called on all stakeholders, especially the media, to approach their responsibilities with integrity, professionalism, and a commitment to nation-building. “Together, we can strengthen our democracy and promote a more accountable and transparent governance system,” Rotimi concluded.

  • Police to arraign Sowore over #Endsars comments against IGP Egbetokun

    Police to arraign Sowore over #Endsars comments against IGP Egbetokun

    The Police headquarters in Abuja has initiated legal action against activist Omoyele Sowore for comments in social media attributable to him, aimed at “causing breakdown of law and order”.

    One of such comment posted on social media is that, ” The illegal IG of Nigeria Police Force, Kayode Egbetokun, will make the next #ENDSARS inevitable!

    It was gathered that Sowore will face three charges of Cybercrime under the Cybercrime (Prohibition, Prevention, ETC) Act, 2015, as amended in 2024.

    The charges were filed in a suit marked FCH/ABJ/23/25.

    In the charges, the Police said Sowore intentionally and knowingly sent messages through his verified Twitter account, where he referred to the IG as “illegal IGP Kayode Egbetokun.”

    It said the publications were false and aimed at causing a breakdown of law and order.

    The charge sheet reads, Count one, “That you, Omoyele Sowore, on December 13, 2024, did intentionally send messages through your verified X handle account, ‘Omoyele Sowore,’ calling the Inspector General of Police ‘illegal IGP Kayode Egbetokun,’ knowing it to be false and intending to cause a breakdown of law and order.”

    Count two, That you, Sowore made threats intended to incite Nigerians against the Nigeria Police Force and damage the reputation or property of the IG or the force.

    Count three, That you Sowore on December 20, 2024, said: “The illegal IG of Nigeria Police Force, Kayode Egbetokun, will make the next #ENDSARS inevitable!

    “He is working tirelessly towards it. Just a matter of time. #EgbetekunMustGo #Revolution.”

    The police added that Sowore’s messages were aimed at causing unrest and undermining the authority of the police.

    Sowore’s arraignment is set to take place before Justice Liman of the Federal High Court in Abuja on Wednesday with his Defence team to be led by Marshall Abubakar.

    Sowore was arrested on Monday after refusing to accept bail conditions set by the police following allegations of obstructing public officers and cyberstalking.

  • Trump’s immigration policy: 5,144 Nigerians face arrest, deportation from US

    Trump’s immigration policy: 5,144 Nigerians face arrest, deportation from US

    No fewer than 5,144 Nigerians may be affected in the initial stage of the ongoing deportation exercises from the United States of America as President Donald Trump’s crackdown on undocumented immigrants continues.

    The figure includes non-US citizens of Nigeria origin in the Immigration and Customs Enforcement, ICE, and Enforcement and Removal Operations, ERO, non-detained docket with final orders of removal from the US and those already in ICE detention.

    Efforts made to reach the Ministry of Foreign Affairs on the matter, at press time last night, proved abortive.
    But the Nigerians in Diaspora Commission, NiDCOM, told Vanguard that the Federal Government had already put in place an inter-agency committee to tackle the matter should there be mass deportation of Nigerians by Donald Trump’s government.

    However, data shared by ICE showed that a total of 1,445,549 non-US citizens from different nationalities are on the non-detained docket with final orders of removal as at November 2024, with 3,690 being Nigerians.

    Fresh data from ICE also indicated that an additional 1,454 are currently in detention and are billed for deportation to Nigeria.

    According to the data, 772 of the 1,454 Nigerians in ICE custody were arrested and detained for criminal convictions or pending criminal charges, while the rest were arrested for other immigration violations, such as visa overstay.

    It further showed that 417 were arrested and removed as at November 2024, while 884 were removed between 2019 and 2024.
    The disclosure by ICE comes at a time the newly-inaugurated administration of President Trump is implementing an immigration policy aimed at ridding the United States of illegal immigrants.

    Nearly 3,000 “criminal aliens” have been arrested in the first few days of the operation in the wake of the mass deportation.

    Though the initial arrest and deportation were focussed on illegal immigrants with known criminal records, there is a growing concern that attention would soon shift to include other illegal immigrants, especially those in the non-detained list with orders for their removal from the states.

    A “non-detained docket” refers to a list maintained by ICE that includes individuals they believe are removable non-citizens currently residing in the United States but are not held in ICE detention.

    Essentially, they are people that are not currently in ICE custody but are still considered targets for potential deportation action.

    Usually, ICE, with the power of final order of removal from an immigration court, will go ahead to deport a person on the non-detained docket, even though a person may be deported without a court order under the process of expedited removal.

    Final order of removal

    A final order of removal is usually issued against an immigrant who has violated immigration laws, has a criminal conviction or possesses an expired immigration status.

    ICE said in the document that it is unable to provide a list of case-specific reasons it is unable to remove certain non-citizens on the non-detained docket with final orders.

    “There are several reasons ICE is unable to effectuate removals. Under Title 8 of the U.S. Code, ICE may remove non-citizens from the United States who are subject to final orders of removal issued by an immigration judge or other lawful orders, including those processed under expedited removal who either have not claimed a fear of return or received a negative credible fear determination affirmed by an immigration judge.

    “However, this does not guarantee every person seeking to remain in the United States will be able to do so.
    “Non-citizens may pursue a form of relief or protection from removal, which may include asylum, withholding of removal, or protection under the Convention Against Torture. If a non-citizen is granted any form of relief from removal, ICE is unable to effectuate the removal.

    “Additionally, ICE works to remove undocumented non-citizens from the United States once they are subject to final orders of removal in a timely manner.

    “The U.S. government believes every country is obligated to accept the return of its citizens and nationals who are ineligible to remain in the United States. Lack of cooperation from the foreign government delays and, in many cases, inhibits the removal process,” ICE noted.

    Meanwhile, the ICE and ERO have also been mandated by President Trump to ramp-up arrest and removal actions to between 1,200and 1,500 daily.

    Commenting on the removals, ICE Deputy Director and senior official performing the duties of the director, Patrick J. Lechleitner, said: “With the public release of this enforcement data, ICE is demonstrating its commitment to openness and transparency.

    ‘’We will continue to evaluate and enhance how the agency communicates measurable data to best inform how our officers and special agents perform their law enforcement missions in accordance with departmental and agency priorities.”

    Following the directive given to Department of Justice, DOJ, law enforcement officials in the U.S. Marshals, Drug Enforcement Administration, DEA, the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, and the Federal Bureau of Prisons authority to investigate and apprehend illegal aliens, Acting Department of Homeland Security Secretary, Benjamine Huffman, said: “Today’s action empowers law enforcement officials at the DOJ to help identify and apprehend aliens who have illegally come into our country.

    “Mobilizing these law enforcement officials will help fulfill President Trump’s promise to the American people to carry out mass deportations.

    “For decades, efforts to find and apprehend illegal aliens have not been given proper resources. This is a major step in fixing that problem.”

    FG’s inter-agency c’ttee already in place, if… – NiDCOM

    Contacted yesterday for its reaction, the Nigerians in Diaspora Commission, NiDCOM, however, said it was not aware of Nigerians in America being processed for deportation.

    The Director of Media and Corporate Affairs of the commission, Abdurahman Balogun, said though the Ministry of Foreign Affairs was in charge of such development, being a consular matter, the Federal Government had already set up an inter-agency committee to handle the matter should Nigerians be deported from the US.

    “The Federal Government has set up an inter-agency committee, comprising the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, NiDCOM, Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs and office of the National Security Adviser, NSA, should there be mass deportation of Nigerians from the US,” Balogun said.

  • How 16-yr-old student ran mad after alleged sexual molestation by popular Lagos hotelier

    How 16-yr-old student ran mad after alleged sexual molestation by popular Lagos hotelier

    A 16-yr-old secondary school student in Lagos has allegedly ran mad after confessing that he was sexually molested by a popular Lagos hotelier at Bucknor, Isheri Oshun area of the state.

    The incident, which rattled his parents reportedly started before last Christmas when the student confided in his mother that he had a confession to make before the New Year.

    The mother obliged her son of confidentiality only to raise alarm after the boy told her that the owner of a popular hotel in the area lured him and four of his fellow students to his hotel and sodomised them and warned them that if they disclose it to anybody, they would die.

    The shocked mother of the estranged teenager said few minutes after her son opened up to her, he started misbehaving by talking to himself like a mad person.

    According to father of the boy, a spare parts dealer at Ladipo auto spare parts market in Lagos, Edozie Christian, 44, “My son started behaving like a mad person after the confession.

    “We rushed him to a prayer house and after some days when he became a bit sober, we took him to Isheri Osun police station where he made statement and narrated his ugly encounter with the hotelier.

    “Shockingly, after he disclosed the names of his fellow students that took him to meet the Chief Executive Officer of the hotel, he relapsed and started behaving like a mad person. The police went to invite the students he mentioned but succeeded in getting only one of them who boldly came with a laptop and gave detailed accounts of how the hotelier sodomised them.

    “He told detectives that they went to the hotel to partake in a Tik Tok programme only for the owner of the hotel, usually addressed as CEO, to lure them inside one of the rooms and promised to pay them N5,000 after sodomising them.

    “The student said from all indications, he has been doing it to many other students who he usually pay and after using them, he will clean himself with white handkerchief and threaten them never to discuss the encounter with anybody and if they do, they will die.

    “After they made statements to the police at Isheri Osun station, the condition of my son worsened and I had to take him to Mirabel Centre at the General hospital, Ikeja, Lagos, where he was examined by doctors.

    “The doctors later told us that there were signs of sodomisation but it did not affect his brain. They advised that we take him to Psychiatric hospital for further examination, stating that he may be suffering from trauma of the abuse.

    “When we got to the Psychiatric hospital, they also examined him and advised that we should take him to another hospital meant for teenagers which we did. After that, they gave us tablets and advised that we keep close checks on him, assuring that he will be okay after some time.

    “However, we have been giving him the medications but he is getting worse daily. On the part of the police, initially, they told us that all the efforts they made to invite the owner of the hotel failed but he later sent his lawyer to talk with them.

    “Another shock that befell us was that few days later, the police invited me that the owner of the hotel had transferred the case to Zone 2, Onikan, Lagos, without even reporting to their station. At this stage, they continued pressurizing me to report to their station, that they will take me to Zone 2 and all efforts I made to know the unit handling the case at the zone were rebuffed by the police.

    “I then decided to personally report myself to the AIG at Zone 2, who swiftly directed his men to arrest the owner of the hotel for explanations. Unfortunately, a team of crack and armed policemen that stormed the hotel later could not arrest him but succeeded in arresting some of his staff.”

    According to police sources, the suspected owner of the hotel was arrested and interrogated by detectives. Meanwhile, the suspect is still in detention pending when detectives will conclude investigations.

    The Assistant Inspector General of Police in charge of Zone 2, Adegoke Fayoade confirmed the incident, stating that investigation was still ongoing.

  • Gov Lawal inspects seized arms cache, lauds DSS

    Gov Lawal inspects seized arms cache, lauds DSS

    Zamfara State Governor, Alhaji Dauda Lawal on Tuesday night commended the Department of State Services (DSS) for sharing intelligence with the Nigerian Armed Forces which led to the seizure of a large cache of arms and ammunitions couriered from Niger Republic.

    The Governor’s commendation came after he inspected the seized cache of arms and ammunitions

    in Gusau, the State Capital.

    Governor Lawal thanked President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for greatly supporting the DSS and military to make Zamfara State and all of Nigeria safer. He assured that his government would continue to support the Security Agencies in Zamfara State to tackle terrorists and criminals.

    He applauded DSS officers and expressed confidence in the ability of the Service to guarantee the internal security of Nigeria.

    DSS operatives had in a joint operation with troops of Operation Fansan Yamma, on Monday and Tuesday, successfully trailed a notorious arms courier, Abubakar Umar aka Dangada, from Niger Republic up to the Kaura Namoda-Zurmi Road.

    According to security sources, DSS intelligence revealed that, Umar was billed to convey the munitions from Niger Republic to Birnin Magaji LGA for onward delivery to some banditry kingpins, particularly Kachallah Atta, Alhaji Shinge, Alhaji Nashama and a certain Zaki.According to DSS sources, inside a red Abuja- registered Volkswagen Golf station wagon car (RBC 731 GU), which the arms couriers abandoned after fleeing with serious bullet wounds, were seven AK-47 rifles, two PKT GPMG and two AK-103 rifles. Also recovered were 169 rounds of 7.62x39mm calibre of ammunition, 9 PKT rounds of ammunition, with one chain; and 13 empty magazines.

  • 3 Enugu residents sue police over alleged illegal detentions

    3 Enugu residents sue police over alleged illegal detentions

    ABUJA – Three Nigerian citizens have filed a fundamental human rights enforcement suit against the Nigerian Police Force, alleging illegal detentions and violations of their rights.

    The suit, lodged at the Enugu State High Court on 27 January 2025, seeks N100 million for ill-treatment and an additional N10 million in general damages.

    The plaintiffs—Ofor Chika Raphael, Hon. Hypolite Okafor, and Ude Augustina—are members of the Voice Awgu Egeleli Forum and residents of Awgu in Enugu State.

    They have requested the court to order the release of their associates, Mr. Christopher Api and his wife, who were arrested on 22 January. Augustina was subsequently detained while attempting to deliver food to them in police custody.

    The suit highlights concerns regarding the actions of the Divisional Police Officer (DPO) of Awgu Police Station, who is accused of conducting indiscriminate arrests and extorting community members for bail.

    Okafor was also detained when he visited the police station to advocate for the release of his associates.

    The applicants claim that ongoing threats of further detentions are linked to previous petitions filed against the DPO.

    They argue that these actions constitute a breach of their fundamental rights as outlined in the Nigerian Constitution and the African Charter on Human and Peoples’ Rights.

    The plaintiffs stress the urgency of their situation, citing concerns for their health and safety after more than a week in detention.

  • Bandits’ influx: Ondo Amotekun arrests 300 suspects

    Bandits’ influx: Ondo Amotekun arrests 300 suspects

    THE Ondo State Security outfit, codenamed Amotekun, said it has arrested and paraded over 300 suspected criminals in the last three months.

    Amotekun Commander, Chief Adetunji Adeleye, said the suspects were arrested across 15 locations in the 18 council areas of the state.

    Adeleye said the development followed the increased influx of bandits into the South-West region, which has kept Ondo State authorities on high alert to ensure the safety of lives and property.

    He said: “We rely heavily on grassroots intelligence. In the last three months, we arrested and paraded over 300 suspects across approximately 15 locations in the 18 local government areas of the state.

    “Most of them were apprehended in connection with crimes such as kidnapping, armed robbery, housebreaking, and other minor offences.

    “Some of these suspects have been prosecuted in court, while others had their cases resolved. Many of them remain in correctional centres across the state.

    “We also have what we call Amotekun ambassadors, who operate discreetly within communities as part of our intelligence unit.

    “These ambassadors move across towns and villages, gathering grassroots information to help identify bad actors who collaborate with criminals.

    “This system has been yielding remarkable results for us. All the criminals we have apprehended so far were a result of the grassroots intelligence reports we received from villages and towns within the state.

    “We have put in place some strategy that will make the state too hot for them to stay.”

    Ondo youths lash Senator over silence on insecurity

    Meanwhile, the Ondo North Youth Alliance, ONYA, yesterday, lashed the lawmaker representing the Ondo North Senatorial District, Senator Jide Ipinsagba, for being insensitive to the security challenges faced in his constituency.

    They, however, threatened to mobilise his recall over his failure to attend to the development of the area since his inauguration two years ago.

    ONYA’s President, Ojo Bright Eniafe, expressed concern that the senator “has been insensitive to the rising insecurity caused by cultists in Ondo North, particularly Owo town, our lawmaker has been insensitive to the killings in the ancient town.”

    Eniafe said: “The Senator’s silence on this issue is deafening, and shows his lack of concern and care about the welfare and safety of his constituents. As youths, we are tired of living in fear and uncertainty.

    “We demand that Senator Ipinsagba show a modicum of responsibility to the wishes and aspirations of our senatorial district by playing a pivotal role and collaborating with institutions to ensure his constituents are safe.

    “A little show of concern can be the deal breaker. We are poised to ensure that our communities, local government and the senatorial district are safe and secure.”

    Speaking on the non-performance of the lawmaker, the youths alleged that he failed to execute meaningful projects in the constituency.

  • NDLEA foils attempt to export drugs concealed in duvets to UK, arrests two suspects

    NDLEA foils attempt to export drugs concealed in duvets to UK, arrests two suspects

    The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) announced on Sunday that its operatives intercepted a consignment of Loud, a synthetic strain of cannabis, hidden inside duvets and packaged for export to the United Kingdom.

    The seizure was made at the cargo shed of the Murtala Muhammed International Airport (MMIA), Ikeja, Lagos.

    NDLEA spokesperson Femi Babafemi revealed that the discovery, made on Tuesday, January 21, 2025, led to the arrest of two suspects: Adakole Sunday and Austin Balogun.

    “Six parcels of the psychoactive substance weighing 3.50 kilograms were concealed within the duvets,” Babafemi said. He added that Austin Balogun, the primary agent behind the operation, admitted he was paid ₦700,000 to arrange the shipment but used most of the money for apartment rent and export handling charges.

    In another operation, NDLEA operatives raided a hideout in the Igbo Olumo area of Ikorodu, Lagos, arresting Joseph Oluwasegun Adewale and Biodun Adelakun. Seven liters of skuchies—a psychoactive mixture of black currant, cannabis, and opioids—were recovered.

    Other items seized included: Three locally made double-barrel rifles, One locally made double-barrel pistol, One English-made pistol, One locally made single-barrel rifle, Three cartridges, An empty 9mm cartridge and An iron-headed axe

    A separate operation in Lagos’ Akala area, Mushin, on Sunday, January 19, resulted in the confiscation of 47kg of skunk (a potent cannabis strain) and 25.46kg of nitrous oxide (laughing gas).

    In Ekiti State, NDLEA officers arrested Adepoju Taiwo, 26, on January 23, with 1.95kg of Canadian Loud on Iworoko Road, Ado-Ekiti.

    In Kwara State, Auwal Sani was apprehended on January 20 in Bode Saadu, Moro LGA, with 50,000 tramadol pills (225mg) weighing 36.56kg.

    Three suspects—Abubakar Lami (45), Abba Sani (35), and Auwal Aliyu (32)—were arrested in Gadar Tamburawa, Kano. Operatives recovered 13.1kg of skunk and 125 liters of suck and die, a new psychoactive substance.

    In Gefen Kasa, Dawakin Kudu LGA, a cannabis plantation was discovered and destroyed. A suspect, Sabo Ali Muhammad, 45, was arrested in connection to the farm.

    NDLEA continued its War Against Drug Abuse (WADA) campaign with sensitization programs across the country. Highlights include lectures in schools such as: Army Children Secondary School, Oyo, Oyo State, Government Day Secondary School, Gwadangwaji, Kebbi State, St. Dominic Comprehensive College, Oron, Akwa Ibom State, District Junior College, Agege, Lagos, Pompomari community, and Damaturu, Yobe State

    NDLEA Chairman and CEO, Brig. Gen. Mohamed Buba Marwa (Rtd), commended officers in Lagos, Kano, Kwara, and Ekiti for their arrests and seizures. He also praised their counterparts nationwide for intensifying WADA’s advocacy and sensitization efforts.

  • South-East students condemn killing of EFCC officer

    South-East students condemn killing of EFCC officer

    The National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS), South-East Zone, has condemned the killing of Aminu Salisu, one of the operatives of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), in Awka, Anambra.

    EFCC Spokesperson, Dele Oyewale, said this in a statement on Saturday in Abuja.

    Salisu, an Assistant Superintendent of the EFCC, ASE11, was allegedly shot dead by a suspected internet fraudster, while on a legitimate duty on Jan. 17.

    According to Oyewale, the students expressed their grief and solidarity with the commission, when a delegation, led by Comrade Charles Ijeomah, paid a condolence visit to the EFCC’s Chairman, Mr Ola Olukoyede, in Abuja on Friday.

    Ijeomah pledged the collaboration, cooperation and support of the entire Southeast students to the commission against financial crimes.

    “He said that the onus fell on the leadership to sanitise and give proper orientation to the students not to indulge in internet crime and we have been succeeding.

    “We are sorry for the incident that happened lately in Awka. Maybe you may have seen our comments, our stand, we condemned it.

    ”We are here to let the authority of EFCC understand that we commiserate with you and to tell you not to judge the Southeast with what happened.”

    The student leader said criminal acts were not in their blood and it was against their nature, stressing that the region comprised hardworking people.

    ”We don’t indulge in crime. Anybody that indulges in crime in the Southeast is not a true son of Igbo.
    ”We know how to make money but this idea of being in one room with a device to trick someone is not in our blood.

    ”Our aim of coming here is to let EFCC know that Southeast students are with you and that we are going to partner with you more to educate our students to end any kind of internet crime.

    ”We are 100 per cent open to any form of interaction, collaboration and cooperation between the students of South-east and the EFCC.”

    Speaking further, Ijeomah disclosed that the union had programmes and proposals that when implemented, would bring the EFCC closer to university campuses in the Southeast and help to further sensitize the students.

    The Commission Secretary, Mr Muhammad Hammajoda, who received the delegation on behalf of the Chairman appreciated the students on the condolence visit.

    He said that everyone was a stakeholder in the fight against corruption directly or indirectly.
    ”We don’t have any other country apart from Nigeria.

    ”You spent your personal money and time to be with us for you to understand what we are doing and to also be part of us.

    ”We appreciate you and we will continue to appreciate you. We will support you in trying to disseminate anti-corruption information,” he said.

    He, therefore, urged the students to take advantage of the existing Federal Government’s Student’s Loan Scheme for their benefit.

    He promised that the commission would identify with all the noble programmes of the students in the zone if invited.

    Hammajoda encouraged the students’ leaders on their crusade against students’ involvement in internet crime.

    “We are sinking day by day with corruption. So let’s educate ourselves that this cyber crime will not take you anywhere.

    ”All of us are victims. Nobody has protection against it.

    ”Anyone can be attacked. We have a very sound youth population with a very high IQ (intelligence quotient) and ingenuity to do many things,” he said.

    Also speaking, Chief of Staff to the Chairman, Michael Nzekwe, noted that “cybercrime has done too much damage to us as a country.

    ”If you check and find out how much it affected us, you’ll be shocked.

    ”Internationally, the image of the country has been battered. When you travel outside the country they look at you in a certain way with your green passport.

    ”So, cybercrime is just one thing that all of us have to put our hands together and be deliberate and intentional to see that we eliminate. EFCC has done so much in ensuring that.”