Crime
Nigeria Customs Foils N1.183bn Drug Smuggling Attempt At Apapa Port
The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) has successfully thwarted a syndicate’s attempt to smuggle illicit drugs worth N1.183 billion into the country through the Apapa Port in Lagos.
This was achieved through a series of seizures made at both the AP Moller Terminal and the Kachicares Bonded Terminal.
According to a statement by the Command’s Public Relations Officer, Chief Superintendent of Customs Usman Abubakar, the first three containers were intercepted at the AP Moller Terminal, while the final seizure of 236,783 bottles of cough syrup, packed in 2,174 cartons, was made at the Kachicares Bonded Terminal.
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The Customs Area Controller of the Apapa Command, Comptroller Babatunde Olomu, emphasized that these seizures reflect the service’s unwavering stance against smuggling, especially of illicit drugs.
Detailing the operation, Olomu said, “On the 11th of October 2024, our officers, during a joint examination of a 40-foot container numbered MRKU0377493, discovered 34,800 bottles of CSP cough syrup, an expired and prohibited substance. The syrups were concealed in 174 cartons with 200 bottles per carton.”
The same day saw another interception within the terminal, where a separate 40-foot container, TGBU8886020, was found to contain 39,700 bottles of DSP cough syrup, packed in 100 bottles per carton.
Further inspections on October 15, 2024, uncovered a 40-foot container numbered TCKU6800526, initially declared to contain essential goods. Upon examination, 19 cartons of CSJ cough syrup, concealed for smuggling, were found.
The final discovery was made at Kachicares Resources Terminal on the same day, where a container labeled SUDU8579006, said to contain kitchen wares, was found to hold Barcadin cough syrup.
In total, 1,584 cartons of the illicit substance were concealed, along with an additional 83 loose bottles.
Comptroller Olomu warned smugglers, saying, “Apapa Command is committed to seamless trade facilitation powered by robust stakeholder engagement, but we will not compromise on our revenue collection and anti-smuggling mandates.
“For the umpteenth time, I want to warn perpetrators of unlawful trade to steer clear from Apapa Port as our eagle-eyed officers, relying on intelligence and technology, are out to uncover all smuggling attempts.”
Codeine abuse, prevalent in many illicit cough syrups, has been linked to harmful effects, including nausea, drowsiness, impaired judgment, and irrational behavior.
The NCS has reaffirmed its commitment to curbing the entry of such dangerous substances into Nigeria.
Crime
Court Pushes Malami, Son’s Terrorism Financing Trial to April 15
The Federal High Court in Abuja has adjourned the alleged terrorism financing and illegal firearms possession case involving former Attorney-General of the Federation, Abubakar Malami, and his son, Abdulaziz Malami, until April 15 and 16.
Justice Joyce Abdulmalik granted the adjournment on Tuesday after the prosecution requested more time to prepare for the trial.
During the court session, lead prosecuting counsel, Akinlolu Kehinde (SAN), informed the court that he had only recently been assigned to handle the case and needed additional time to consult with witnesses.
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“I got the instruction to take over the prosecution of the case on Monday and so I need time to interface with the witnesses,” Kehinde told the court while asking for a new hearing date.
Counsel for the defendants, Shuaibu Arua (SAN), did not oppose the request for adjournment.
Following the application, Justice Abdulmalik granted the request and fixed April 15 and 16 for the continuation of the trial.
The Department of State Services (DSS) had earlier arraigned the former justice minister and his son on a five-count charge bordering on alleged terrorism financing and unlawful possession of firearms.
According to the charge marked FHC/ABJ/CR/63/2026, Malami was accused of allegedly aiding terrorism financing by failing to prosecute suspected financiers whose case files were reportedly forwarded to him while he served as Attorney-General of the Federation and Minister of Justice.
The defendants were also accused of illegally storing firearms and ammunition at their residence located in Gesse Phase II Area of Birnin Kebbi Local Government Area of Kebbi State without lawful authority.
Items allegedly recovered include a Sturm Magnum 17-0101 firearm, 16 Redstar AAA 5’20 live cartridges, and 27 expended Redstar AAA 5’20 cartridges.
The alleged offences are said to violate provisions of the Terrorism (Prevention and Prohibition) Act, 2022, as well as the Firearms Act, 2004.
The trial is expected to continue in April when the court begins full hearing of the case.
Crime
How Routine FRSC Patrol Exposed Wanted Driver, Recovered Stolen Sienna
A routine patrol by the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) has led to the recovery of a stolen vehicle in Lagos and the exposure of a wanted driver, highlighting the importance of proper vehicle documentation and cooperation with authorities.
The incident occurred at the RS2.1114 Isolo Unit Command, where officers stopped an ash-coloured Toyota Sienna bearing registration number LSD438GK for a Vehicle Licence Violation (VLV) on Saturday, February 28, 2026, at about 5:11 p.m.
While the driver initially failed to present valid documents, further checks revealed the vehicle had been reported stolen and the driver was already declared wanted.
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The suspect was subsequently handed over in handcuffs to the Nigeria Police Force, Ajao Division, for further action.
The FRSC credited the recovery to the National Vehicle Identification Scheme (NVIS), a digital framework that strengthens vehicle verification and tracking.
The scheme has reportedly helped identify, trace, and recover numerous stolen vehicles nationwide, while curbing criminal syndicates involved in vehicle theft and identity manipulation.
In a statement, Assistant Corps Marshal Olusegun Ogungbemide stressed that enforcement is not only about traffic compliance but also crime prevention and public safety, urging motorists to always carry valid documentation and cooperate with patrol officers.
Corps Marshal Shehu Mohammed commended the Isolo team for their vigilance, affirming the FRSC’s commitment to leveraging technology, intelligence, and strategic partnerships to protect lives and property on Nigerian roads.
Crime
Election Scandal in Abuja: Woman Busted With 20 Voter Cards in Kabusa
A major election scandal unfolded on Saturday in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) as security agents apprehended a young woman in the Kabusa area for allegedly possessing 20 voter cards during the ongoing area council elections.
The woman, dressed in a black shirt and red trousers with a white scarf, was intercepted at Polling Unit 001 in Kabusa Primary School.
She was immediately escorted into a police van by security personnel, raising concerns about the integrity of the election process.
SEE ALSO: Chaos At Nyanya Polling Unit As PDP, ADC Accuse APC of ₦1,000 Vote Buying
Meanwhile, the Minister of the FCT, Nyesom Wike, was on the ground monitoring the elections.
He visited several polling units, including the Karu Chief’s Palace, to interact with adhoc staff of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) and assess voter turnout.
Wike reportedly inquired about the progress of the voting and the challenges faced by election officials.
This incident comes amid reports of low voter turnout and other electoral irregularities in parts of Abuja, underscoring ongoing concerns about electoral security and transparency in the FCT area council elections.
Authorities have assured that investigations are ongoing, and the suspect may face legal action pending further verification of her actions.





