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.
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………..
Crime
Arrested Boko Haram Suspects: Adeleke Commends Security Operatives, Assures Safety Of Residents
Osun State Governor, Senator Ademola Adeleke has commended the personnel of the Department of State Services (DSS), on the successful operation, that led to the arrest of 10 suspected members of Boko Haram/Islamic State’s West Africa Province (ISWAP) in Ilesa, Osun State.
Gov Adeleke expressed his feelings in a statement on micro-blogging site, X, on Saturday.
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According to the statement, Gov Adeleke hailed the alertness of security operatives, to eliminate the threats posed by the suspected terrorists, which gives further assurance that our security agencies are up to the task of sustaining peace and security of every part of Nigeria.
He particularly commended the intelligence gathering of the personnel of the State Service, who have painstakingly monitor the activities of the suspected criminals and moved swiftly to cut off their dastardly act.
“This is a welcome development and a big relief, not just for us as a government but to the people of the state and Nigeria in general. I commend the security operatives for their alertness and intelligence driven operation. We have absolute confidence in our security forces to keep protecting us”, Gov Adeleke declared.
He assured that his administration will continue to cooperate with security agencies and support their operations to ensure maximum protection of lives and property of Osun people, noting that this remains top of his priority.
“As the Chief Security Officer of Osun State, I will continue to give priority to issues of security of my people. I will continue to support efforts of security agencies to guard against any breakdown of law and order in any part of Osun. We will sustain the good relationship and collaboration that currently exists between our administration and the security agencies in the state” the Governor noted.
Gov Adeleke enjoined residents of Osun to continue to be watchful, and report any suspicious activity in their neighborhoods to relevant security agency, while assuring that Osun will continue to be a peaceful state under his watch.
“I hereby call on my people to continue to live in peace and harmony and be at alert to report any suspicious activities or behavior around them to the relevant security authorities. Together, we will ensure that Osun remains the most peaceful state in Nigeria” he concluded.
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