News

NDLEA Abort Drug Consignments in Lagos, Abuja Airports

Published

2 months ago

November 18, 2024

Operatives of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), have thwarted attempts by drug syndicates to export large consignments of cocaine, methamphetamine and opioids through the Murtala Muhammed International Airport (MMIA), Ikeja Lagos and the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport (NAIA), Abuja to the United Kingdom, Italy, Turkey and Qatar.

This is contained in a statement issued on Sunday by the spokesman of the agency, Femi Babafemi, in Abuja.

He said the NDLEA operatives, in a series of intelligence-led operations, recovered the illicit drugs and arrested the masterminds.

“A total of 13 parcels of cocaine weighing 4.40kgs going to the United Kingdom via Frankfurt on a Lufthansa Airlines flight were intercepted by NDLEA officers at the export shed of the Lagos airport on 5th November, 2024 while a businessman linked to the consignment, Ekeocha Anayo Nelson, was tracked and arrested on 8th November,” Babafemi said.

He also said the attempt by another businessman, Adegbite Solomon (aka Obama), to export 7,800 pills of tramadol, 180 tablets of rohypnol, and 60 bottles of codeine to Italy was foiled at the departure hall of the Lagos airport on Monday 11th November when NDLEA operatives arrested him after recovering the opioids concealed in food and other items while attempting to board an Ethiopian Airlines flight to Italy.

The suspect claimed to have travelled to Europe through the Mediterranean Sea and earned a living as a street beggar before delving into logistics business.

Also related is the arrest of another businessman, Anoke Kingsley Roomy, with 1,100 pills of tramadol 225mg hidden in his luggage while attempting to board his Ethiopian Airline flight going to Istanbul, Turkey, at the Terminal 1 of the Lagos Airport on Friday 15th November.

Meanwhile, following credible intelligence, NDLEA officers of the Directorate of Operations and General Investigation (DOGI), and their counterparts from the FCT Command of the agency on Friday 15th November raided a hotel room at the Federal Housing Authority Estate, Lugbe, Abuja, where they arrested two suspects: Omeh Uchenna Jude, 36, and Anene Valentine Chigozie, 34.

Recovered from them was 1.8kg methamphetamine, which they were preparing to travel with to Qatar.

Another suspect, Akande Moruf Olasunkanmi, was arrested with 1.8kg methamphetamine by officers of the Special Operations Unit of the NDLEA at his no. 9 Durojaiye Street, Lawanson area of Surulere, Lagos after weeks of intelligence and surveillance.

Abuja Reports

Tinubu Orders More Road Projects Across FCT Area Councils –Wike

Published

22 minutes ago

January 25, 2025

Samson Adeyanju

By Our Correspondent

President Bola Tinubu has mandated the expansion of road infrastructure across all area councils in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Minister Nyesom Wike revealed on Saturday.

Speaking at the commissioning of the Saburi Road in the Abuja Municipal Area Council (AMAC), Wike announced the reconstruction of the Dei-Dei Market Road to Life Camp.

The project, set to begin in February, will include streetlights to restore the market’s international status.

Wike commended AMAC Chairman Christopher Maikalangu for delivering impactful projects, saying, “Your chairman has shown exceptional capacity and deserves recognition.”

He also disclosed plans to include the Zaudna to Kagini Road in the 2025 budget, ensuring every council benefits from development projects.

The Minister highlighted Tinubu’s commitment to equitable governance, promising upgrades to schools and urging residents to remain patient as challenges are addressed.

Maikalangu, who described Wike as a “God-sent leader,” praised the timely completion of the Saburi Road, which has boosted economic activities in Gwagwa Ward.

He appealed for additional interventions, including roads and bridges in neglected communities like Zaudna and Kaba.

Residents expressed satisfaction with the government’s efforts and pledged their support for ongoing initiatives.

Entertainment

Qing Madi Named Spotify EQUAL Africa Artist for January 2025

Published

33 minutes ago

January 25, 2025

Samson Adeyanju

By Our Correspondent

Rising Nigerian singer Qing Madi has been honored as Spotify’s EQUAL Africa Artist for January 2025.

This recognition follows her earlier feature on Spotify’s EQUAL playlist and her distinction as one of Nigeria’s most-streamed female artists in 2024.

Passionate about using her music to impact lives, Qing Madi stands out in the male-dominated industry with her unique artistry.

She incorporates metaphors and layered meanings into her lyrics, evoking deeper emotions and perspectives in her listeners.

Reflecting on her journey, she remarked, “As a female artist, I’ve learned to work a hundred times harder than my male counterparts to have my voice heard.

My unique perspective shapes my writing and music, allowing listeners to explore profound emotions through my songs,” she said.

Entertainment

Nigerian Idol Season 10 Auditions Open

Published

41 minutes ago

January 25, 2025

Samson Adeyanju

By Our Correspondent

MultiChoice Nigeria has commenced auditions for the 10th season of Nigerian Idol, themed “Your Voice, Your Victory.”

The auditions, which began on Friday, January 17, 2025, will close on Sunday, February 2, 2025. Young Nigerians aged 16 to 30 are encouraged to showcase their singing talent.

To participate, aspiring contestants must upload a 30-second video of themselves singing a song of their choice on the Africa Magic website.

Dr. Busola Tejumola, Executive Head of Content and Channels West Africa at MultiChoice, highlighted the show’s impact, stating, “Nigerian Idol is more than a talent show; it’s a platform to inspire, transform lives, and celebrate the power of music.”

Nigerian Idol has consistently discovered talent, built careers, and entertained audiences across Africa over the past decade.