Crime
NDLEA Thwarts Efforts to Ship Cannabis, Tramadol in Crayfish Sack
By Edozie Obasi-Eze
The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) has thwarted the efforts of unscrupulous businessmen to export illicit drugs to Dubai from Nigeria.
Director, Media and Advocacy, NDLEA, Femi Babafemi, on Sunday in Abuja, said the Agency detected 15 parcels of cannabis and 600 grams of tramadol concealed in a sack of crayfish packaged for Dubai, United Arab Emirates (UAE).
According to Babafemi, the Agency seized the consignment and subsequently arrested a freight agent, Osahor Ekwueme, who presented it for export.
In a similar development, Babafemi disclosed that the Agency also apprehended a suspected drug trafficker, Ifeanyi Egbuwaohia, in the Igando area of Lagos State.
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He explained that the arrest came weeks after the NDLEA’s operatives intercepted 5.20kgs of cannabis concealed in kegs of palm oil enroute Dubai at the Nigerian Aviation Handling Company (NAHCO).
Egbuwaohia was arrested at the NAHCO export shed of the MMIA, Lagos, was the brain behind the seized consignments, Babafemi added.
“Though Ifeanyi works as a technician at Computer Village, Ikeja but beneath his known business, he also works with a drug network in Dubai, where he sends illicit drugs for distribution.
“Few hours after his arrest, another consignment of 2.60kgs of the same substance sent by him for export to Dubai was also intercepted by operatives at the airport.
“Another consignment of 1.30kgs of cannabis concealed in reconstructed engine blocks going to Dubai have also been seized.
“It was intercepted at the Skyway Aviation Handling Company Plc export shed while two persons: Olatunji Temiola and Osemojoye Sunday have been arrested in connection to the bid,” Babafemi averred.
. . . As Operatives Recover Dangerous Weapons, Other Assets
As part of the efforts of the Nigeria Police Force (NPF) to emplace peace and public safety across Nigeria, operatives attached to the Imo State Police Command achieved a significant milestone in the ongoing battle against terrorism.
The feat saw operatives neutralised three deadly terrorist kingpins associated with the Eastern Security Network (ESN), destroyed their camps and recovered weapons.
In a statement on its verified handle on micro-blogging site, X, on Saturday, the NPF wrote, “On January 24, 2025, operatives from the Command’s tactical Unit following credible intelligence launched a coordinated operation aimed at locating and dislodging the terrorist hideouts.
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“The police operatives located the terrorists’ hideout in a forest within Ihube, Okigwe LGA. Upon approach, the operatives came under heavy fire from suspected IPOB/ESN terrorists but demonstrated exceptional courage and engaged the attackers in a fierce gun battle.
“The operation resulted in the neutralization of 6 members of the terrorist group, with 3 being ESN kingpins identified as Ifeanyi Anayo a.k.a. Zuma De Rock (28), Chukwuemeka Odionyenfe a.k.a. Nmimi (22), and Kingsley Sunday (21)— all natives of Ogube, Ihube in Okigwe Local Government Area, and the recovery of five AK-47 rifles, 552 rounds of live ammunition, Improvised Explosive Devices (IEDs), several communication equipment, along with 8 operational motorcycles used by the group.
“Prior investigations had revealed the involvement of the group in several high-profile crimes, including the attack on the Owerri Correctional Center on April 5, 2021, the killing of five policemen in Umunna, Okigwe, on December 12, 2022, and the burning of Arondizuogu Police Station on February 8, 2022.
“The group was also involved in multiple kidnappings, including those of WAEC staff on June 5, 2023, four reverend sisters on August 21, 2022, and four Chinese nationals on December 6, 2023.
“The Inspector-General of Police, IGP Kayode Adeolu Egbetokun, Ph.D., NPM., has commended the gallant operatives for their exceptional display of bravery and coordination.
“The IGP charges police operatives across commands and formations to sustain the tempo and implement the Force’s action plan aimed at reducing crimes drastically in the first quarter of the year 2025.
“The Nigeria Police Force remains unyielding in its goal towards ensuring national security and public safety.
“Members of the public are hereby urged to remain vigilant and work collaboratively with the Nigeria Police Force to promote peace and ensure a safer environment for all citizens.”
The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has withdrawn the arrest warrant issued against Ezekiel Thankgod, the former manager of renowned gospel singer, Mercy Chinwo.
Biztellers reports that Thankgod is facing allegations of involvement in a $345,000 fraud case.
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The arrest warrant had been issued by Justice Alexander Owoeye of the Federal High Court on January 16, 2025, following an ex parte application by the EFCC seeking to compel Thankgod’s appearance in court.
During a court session on Friday, EFCC counsel, Mrs. Bilikisu Buhari, applied to withdraw the warrant, stating that the charges had already been served on Thankgod’s lawyer, Mr. Monday Ubani, SAN, during open court proceedings.
She argued that the warrant was no longer necessary.
Justice Owoeye granted the application and formally vacated the bench warrant.
Oba Otudeko, Chairman of Honeywell Group, appeared in the Federal High Court in Lagos on Monday to challenge charges of N12.3 billion fraud.
Biztellers reports that the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) had filed a 13-count indictment against Otudeko, along with Olabisi Onasanya, former Managing Director of FirstBank Plc., Soji Akintayo, a former board member of Honeywell, and Anchorage Leisure Ltd.
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During the proceedings, the defendants’ lawyer, Mr. Bode Olanipekun (SAN), raised an objection, stating that the charge had not been properly served to Otudeko or his co-defendants.
Olanipekun emphasized this issue as a reason for protest in court.
The EFCC has accused the individuals and the company of fraudulently obtaining N12.3 billion under false pretenses.
More to follow………..
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