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Four drug lords bag 28-yr jail term, forfeit houses, N67m, $50,000

Fola Badmus9 months ago9 months ago07 mins

Four drug kingpins arrested in connection with the historic seizure of 2,139.55 kilograms of cocaine at an Ikorodu residential estate in 2022 have been convicted by a Federal High Court, Lagos, presided over by Justice Yellim Bogoro who sentenced them to various jail terms totaling twenty-eight (28) years with hard labour. The convicts: Soji Jubril Oke, 71; Wasiu Akinade, 55; Emmanuel Arinze Chukwu, 67; and Kelvin Christopher Smith, 44, a Jamaican, were charged with six counts in charge number: FHC/L/607C/2022 in October and December 2022, while the trial of the fifth suspect, Oguntolure Sunday arraigned along with them is still ongoing in court. The charges border on conspiracy to form and operate a drug trafficking organization (DTO); management and financing of a DTO; importation and possession of 2,139.55 kilograms of cocaine, among others. Operatives of a special operations unit of NDLEA had in a well-coordinated and intelligence-led operation on Sunday 18th September, 2022 raided a house located at 6 Olukuola crescent, Solebo estate, Ikorodu, Lagos where the over 2.1 tons of cocaine were seized, the largest singular cocaine seizure in the history of Nigeria’s anti-narcotic operations. The drug kingpins were picked from hotels and their hideouts in different parts of Lagos between the night of Sunday 18th and Monday 19th September, 2022. After over two years of diligent prosecution, the trial judge handed the Jamaican, Kelvin Christopher Smith four years imprisonment with hard labour; Emmanuel Arinze Chukwu got a total of 16 years; Soji Jubril Oke got five years with hard labour and Wasiu Akinade three years with hard labour. The trial judge however gave the convicts varying options of fine with the exception of one of them who will serve his full jail term without an option of fine. They were also to forfeit a grey colour Toyota Tacoma SUV marked AAA-734HT registered in the name of Emmanuel Chukwu; $50,000:00 USD (Fifty Thousand US Dollars) belonging to Chukwu; N55,099,509.50 (Fifty-Five Million, Ninety-Nine Thousand, Five Hundred and Nine Naira, Fifty Kobo only) also belonging to Chukwu; the sum of N9,003,168.06 (Nine Million Three Thousand, One Hundred and Sixty Eight Naira Six Kobo only) belonging to Wasiu Akinade and N3,052,295.20 (Three Million, Fifty Two Thousand, Two Hundred and Ninety Five Naira Twenty Kobo only), also belonging to Akinade. The Agency also in another suit marked FHC/L/MISC/672/2024 and filed before Justice Bogoro on 9th December 2024 after an initial interim forfeiture order, secured the final forfeiture of two houses linked to members of the drug cartel. According to the trial court: “That an Order of final forfeiture and confiscation is granted in favour of the Federal Government of Nigeria, Landed Property/House Number 6 Olokunola Street, Sholebo Estate, Ikorodu Lagos, Lagos State, as contained in Exhibit NDLEA 2A, 2B, and 2C attached to this application used for the storage and concealment of 2,139.55kg (More Than Two Tons) Cocaine, an illicit substance similar to Heroin and LSD. “That an Order of final forfeiture and confiscation is granted in favour of the Federal Government of Nigeria, Landed Property/House Number J9, Road 3, Close 1, Victoria Garden City (VGC) Estate, Lagos, Lagos State, as contained in Exhibit NDLEA 3 attached to this application reasonably believed to be bought with proceeds derived from trafficking in illicit drug substances (proceeds of crime) as in relief 1 of this Motion. “That an Order is granted directing the sale or disposal by any other means provided by law of the forfeited House/Landed Property by the Applicant and the payment of the proceeds therefrom to the Federal Government of Nigeria.” While commending all the officers and men of the Agency involved in the extensive investigation and prosecution of members of the drug cartel, Chairman/Chief Executive of NDLEA, Brig. Gen. Mohamed Buba Marwa (Rtd) said the case is a historical blow to the drug cartels and a strong warning that they’ll not only go to jail but will equally lose all their investments in illicit drug consignments including all the properties and wealth acquired through the criminal trade.

Gov. Abiodun appoints Oluwatoyin Taiwo as Chief of Staff

Fola Badmus9 months ago9 months ago02 mins

The Ogun State Governor, Prince Dapo Abiodun has appointed Dr. Oluwatoyin Taiwo as his Chief of Staff. Prior to this appointment, Dr. Taiwo was the Deputy Chief of Staff (DCOS) to the governor. The Chief of Staff’s letter of appointment was handed over to him by Governor Abiodun on Wednesday, according to a statement signed by the Special Adviser on Media and Strategy to the governor, Hon. Kayode Akinmade. The appointment, according to the letter, took effect from 18th December 2024. The Governor, while congratulating the new Chief of Staff, described the appointment as well-deserved, the statement added. Dr. Taiwo served as Commissioner for Culture and Tourism during the first term of Governor Abiodun and was subsequently elevated to the position of Deputy Chief of Staff before his new role. He is an alumnus of Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile-Ife, where he obtained a B.Sc. in Statistics before pursuing further degrees up to Ph.D.

Tinubu condoles Jigawa Governor over mother’s demise

Fola Badmus9 months ago9 months ago01 mins

President Bola Tinubu has condoled with the Jigawa State governor, Malam Umar Namadi, over the passing of his mother, Hajiya Maryam Namadi. Hajiya Maryam, who was the family’s matriarch, died on Wednesday, December 25. She has been buried according to Islamic rites in the governor’s hometown of Kafin Hausa. President Tinubu extolled the deceased’s community service and strongly encouraged her family to immortalise her by continuing her philanthropic undertakings, thereby ensuring her legacy lives on. In a comforting message, the president urged Governor Namadi and other family members who survived the deceased to take solace in the enduring good name left behind by her.

UniAbuja: SERAP threatens to sue FG over attack on media

Fola Badmus9 months ago9 months ago03 mins

Socio-Economic Rights and Accountability Project (SERAP) has threatened to sue should the Federal Government fails to investigate assault on Channels TV crew at University of Abuja. The nonprofit, nonpartisan, legal and advocacy organization committed to promoting human rights, transparency, and accountability in governance claimed security operatives brutally assaulted Channels TV crew covering a protest at the University of Abuja (UniAbuja) and vandalised the crew car, after detaining them for over an hour on Tuesday. The organisation however urged the President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration to immediately instruct the Inspector General of Police to thoroughly investigate the alleged assault on the media crew. In a statement on the organisation’s official X handle on Wednesday, SERAP demanded that those suspected to be responsible must be identified and prosecuted. “The authorities must ensure justice and effective remedies for the journalists and crew affected, including financial compensation and repair or replacement of the damaged vehicle and equipment. “We’ll see in court if the recommended measures are not promptly taken. “Those responsible for physically attacking journalists and the UniAbuja authorities need to be held to account. The administration needs to make clear that attacks against journalists and media workers will not be tolerated. “No journalists should face physical violence for doing their jobs. “Nigerian authorities should guarantee that all journalists in the country are able to carry out their work without fear of reprisals. The de facto impunity for crimes against journalists and media workers must end. “The Nigerian Constitution 1999 [as amended] in section 39 guarantees the rights to freedom of expression, information and the media. Similarly, article 9 of the African Charter on Human and Peoples’ Rights and article 19 of the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights to which Nigeria is a state party protect freedom of expression, information and the media. “The constitutional provisions and international standards serve as a critical check on authorities at all levels,” SERAP stated. Professors at UniAbuja were protesting the selection process for the university’s vice-chancellor, and the Channels TV crew was present to cover the demonstration.

Sanwo-Olu greets Lagosians at Christmas, assures of better 2025

Fola Badmus9 months ago9 months ago03 mins

Lagos State Governor, Mr Babajide Sanwo-Olu, has rejoiced with residents of the State, particularly the Christians as they join the rest of the world to celebrate this year’s Christmas, which marks the birth of Jesus Christ. Speaking at the Lagos House, Marina on Tuesday during the presentation of a book, titled “Beyond Rhetorics: Sanwo-Olu Unprecedented ” which was written in his honour by the Lagos State Governors Office Correspondents (LAGOCO), Governor Sanwo-Olu assured that his administration will do more for Lagos residents next year. “We wish you all the very best of the season. We say to you that, next year, we will work better, smarter, bigger for the citizens of Lagos,” he said. Governor Sanwo-Olu, while appreciating LAGOCO for the book, described journalists, particularly those covering the Lagos State Governor’s Office as the “real engine of growth.” He said: “We want to assure you that we will not disappoint you. We will ensure that the book is available in every nook and cranny of the State and even beyond the State. “Through its pages, readers will find insights into the governance and leadership principles that guide our administration, as well as the collaborative spirit that drives our vision for a better Lagos. “I extend my gratitude to LAGOCO for this initiative and to everyone who has contributed to the creation of this book. Together, we will continue to work towards a Lagos that is not only a hub of innovation and opportunity but also a beacon of hope for future generations.” Speaking earlier, the Chairman of the Lagos State Governors Office Correspondents (LAGOCO), Mr. George Okojie, said Governor Sanwo-Olu has endeared himself to the residents through the projects executed in various sectors as captured in the book. He commended the Governor for sustaining the giant strides being recorded in the development of Lagos State. The book presentation was attended by the Deputy Governor, Dr. Obafemi Hamzat, the Secretary to the State Government, Barrister Mrs. Abimbola Salu-Hundeyin, the Head of Service, Mr. Bode Agoro, the Commissioner for Information and Strategy, Mr. Gbenga Omotoso and other cabinet members.

Senator Dino Melaye visits mom’s tomb at Christmas

Fola Badmus9 months ago9 months ago01 mins

A former Senator of the Federal Republic, Dino Melaye has again visited the graveside of his mom, Deaconess Comfort Melaye, on Christmas Day. Melaye on his X handle former Twitter was spotted observing solemn moment, he bowed down his head and walked away. The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) Gubernatorial candidate in the 2024 Kogi State elections and a member of the 8th Nigeria National Assembly, representing Kogi West Senatorial district, against the video he posted on social wrote; “Mummy I miss you, till we meet to part no more.” The Senator’s mum, Deaconess Comfort Melaye JP died in 2019.

Dozens perish in plane crash

Fola Badmus9 months ago9 months ago03 mins

Dozens of people have died after a passenger plane crashed with about 70 people on board in Kazakhstan, local officials said. Authorities in Azerbaijan, where the flight originated, said there were at least 30 survivors. Azerbaijan Airlines flight J2-8243 caught fire as it attempted to make an emergency landing near the Kazakh city of Aktau. The plane was en route to Grozny in Russia but it was diverted due to fog, the airline told the BBC. Footage shows the aircraft heading towards the ground at high speed with its landing gear down, before bursting into flames as it lands. The airline said the plane “made an emergency landing” about 3km (1.9 miles) from Aktau. It took off from the Azerbaijani capital Baku at 03:55 GMT on Wednesday, and crashed around 06:28, data from flight-tracking website Flightradar24 showed. Reports from Russian media say the aircraft collided with a flock of birds before crashing, but this has not yet been confirmed. Officials from the countries involved have stated different numbers for those who were on board and for those who survived. The airline said 62 passengers and 5 crew members were on board the Embraer 190 but other reports put the total at 72. The reported number of survivors ranges from 28 to 32. Those on board were mostly Azerbaijani nationals, but there were also some passengers from Russia, Kazakhstan, and Kyrgyzstan. Unverified video footage showed survivors crawling out of the wreckage, some with visible injuries. Both Azerbaijan and Kazakhstan have launched investigations into the accident. Embraer told the BBC it was “ready to assist all relevant authorities”. The BBC has contacted Azerbaijan Airlines for comment. Embraer, a Brazilian manufacturer, is a smaller rival to Boeing and Airbus, and has a strong safety record.

Nigerian Army intensifies efforts to combate oil theft

Fola Badmus9 months ago9 months ago02 mins

The Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lieutenant General Olufemi Oluyede, has directed the troops of the 6 Division of the Nigerian Army to strengthen operations against oil theft to ensure a significant increase in the nation’s oil production. The COAS issued this directive during a working visit to the 6 Division in Port Harcourt on Tuesday. Condemning the current level of crude oil output as inadequate, Lieutenant General Oluyede emphasized that for Nigeria’s economy to thrive, efforts to protect oil production must be ramped up. He called on the troops to work with greater resolve in creating a secure environment for oil exploration and production. He also underscored the importance of maintaining integrity and avoiding any association with criminal elements or activities. The COAS warned that any personnel found colluding with economic saboteurs or engaging in unlawful acts will face severe consequences in line with military and national laws. The COAS also urged the troops to uphold the highest standards of professionalism in their operations and reassured them of his commitment to improving their welfare and providing the necessary resources to enhance their operational effectiveness. General Oluyede reminded the troops that they are pivotal to the success of the government’s efforts to stabilize the economy for the benefit of all Nigerians, and therefore must approach their duties with the utmost dedication and integrity.