News
64-Year Old Widow, 5 Others Held For Drug Trafficking
The National drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) has arrested a 64-years old widow, Mrs. Afolayan Elizabeth Adeniyo for purportedly ingesting 80 wraps of cocaine weighing 1.060 kilograms.
The suspect, Mrs. Adeniyo who resides in Ibadan, the Oyo State capital was arrested at the Murtala Muhammed International Airport, Ikeja, Lagos, while trying to board a Liberian flight to Paris.
In a statement signed by NDLEA Head of Public affairs, Mr. Mitchell Otoyeju, said the mother of six claimed she needed money to pay for her children’s school fees.
The statement further read that “I lost my husband 10 years ago and I have six children. A lady that used to give me money and food is the one that led me into the drug business. She wanted to take my daughters abroad for prostitution, but I refused. I wanted them to be educated, because I did not go to school.
She took me to Benin where I swallowed 60 bitter cola. She then gave me N10,000:00. After that, she gave me drugs to swallow and took me in her car to Lagos Airport. She promised to pay me 3,000 Euros out of which she gave me 1,000 Euros”, the suspect narrated.
Another mother of four, Mrs. Omolara Owolabi Agbeke, who claims to be a sachet water hawker at Mushin, was arrested on her way to London on Arik air.
According to the agency, the suspect confessed to have ingested 100 wraps of illicit drugs, adding that she was promised money for the act.
“I am married with four children I have been selling sachet water at Mushin market for the past six years. I needed money to take care of my children because I am tired of selling water. I did not tell my husband because I know he will not agree to it. I collected the drug at Mushin Market, took it home and swallowed it in my home when the children were not at home”, Omolara said.
Another suspect, Udide Afam Okwudili was nabbed last month allegedly trying to board a KLM flight to Amsterdam. The auto parts dealer who has a shop at Sadiku Street, Lagos was said to have ingested 85 pieces of cocaine weighing 1.625kg.
“I was taken to a hotel at Kirikiri where they brought 100 pieces of the drugs in an empty pack of Nescafe but I was able to ingest only 85. They gave me 1,200 Euros out of the 3,000 Euros they promised to pay me. I did it because my father’s burial comes up in January next year and I am the first son”, he said.
Chukwukelu Ebuka Peter, a street hawker in Brazil was also nabbed last month during inward screening of South Africa Airline passengers from Brazil.
He was alleged to have swallowed 63 pieces of cocaine and was to be paid half a million naira. Okwara Festus, who ingested 87 wraps of cocaine was also arrested while returning from Brazil. He was to be paid half a million naira.
Another suspect, Aganana Elechukwu was on his way to Austerdam last month when he was caught by officials of NDLEA at the airport where he allegedly excreted 34 pieces of cocaine weighing 655 grams. While Nwachukwu Aloysius, Nnamdi, who lives in Spain was also caught with 86 pieces of drugs on their way to Madrid and Spain respectively.
The suspects according to the NDLEA will soon be charged to court.
The Rivers State chapter of the All Progressives Congress Christian Leaders Forum has expressed strong confidence in the capacity of All Progressives Congress (All Progressives Congress) candidates in the state to deliver effective governance if elected into office in the coming elections.
The State Coordinator of the forum, Archbishop Lucky Aroh, made this known during a breakfast and thanksgiving meeting held in Port Harcourt, where leaders gathered to pray for the stability of the party and the safety of its candidates ahead of the 2027 general elections.According to him, the meeting was convened to seek divine intervention for peace, unity, and security among APC candidates across Rivers State.
“Today we are praying for APC stability in Rivers State and the security of our candidates that have been elected to contest the 2027 elections. It is a breakfast meeting,” Aroh said.
He further expressed optimism that the party’s candidates would not disappoint the people if entrusted with leadership responsibilities.
“They will not fail when elected into office. We are here as fathers of the land to let them know, and I must tell you the truth that these are the authentic people that will do well in Rivers State,” he added.
Speaking earlier, the National Chairman of the forum, Professor Olanrewaju Abraham, commended the Rivers State chapter for organizing the programme, noting that the national body of the forum believes strongly in the power of prayer.
He stated that political leadership provides an opportunity to influence society positively, including advancing moral and spiritual values, while expressing confidence that APC candidates at all levels would emerge victorious in the upcoming elections.
Also speaking, the Rivers State Women Leader of the APC, Hon. Darling Amadi, praised the forum for its commitment to prayers for peace, stability, and the protection of party candidates.
Represented by the Deputy Women Leader of the party in the state, she described the initiative as commendable and urged other political and support groups within the party to emulate the gesture in promoting unity and stability.
By: John Bibor, Menebe Emmanuel & Fortune Paibi
Prominent businessman and philanthropist, Elder Anthony Osagwe-Ogo, was celebrated in grand style as he marked his 70th birthday anniversary, with distinguished Nigerians, business leaders, and golf enthusiasts gathering to honour his remarkable contributions to society.
The colourful celebration took place at the Port Harcourt Golf Club, where friends, associates, and well-wishers converged to pay tribute to the revered elder statesman.
Chairman of the occasion, High Chief (Dr.) Ikenna Okafor, described the celebrant as a detribalised Nigerian whose generosity, humility, and commitment to humanity have earned him admiration across different communities and backgrounds.
According to Dr. Okafor, Pa Osagwe-Ogo’s impact on society and the development of his community remains unparalleled. He noted that members of the golfing community are proud to be associated with a father figure who consistently promotes the welfare and well-being of those around him.
He further stated that the history and growth of the Port Harcourt Golf Club cannot be told without acknowledging the significant role played by the celebrant, whose wisdom, encouragement, and leadership have helped sustain the club over the years.
“We are here to celebrate a man who has impacted humanity positively, a peace-loving individual and an epitome of hope for the younger generation. We pray to emulate his virtues. Today, we celebrate a bridge-builder, a trailblazer, and an iconic leader whose life continues to inspire many,” Dr. Okafor said.
He expressed delight at the large turnout of guests from various walks of life, describing it as a testament to the respect and affection Pa Osagwe-Ogo commands within and beyond Rivers State.
In his response, the celebrant, Pa Anthony Osagwe-Ogo, expressed profound gratitude to God for preserving his life and granting him the privilege of attaining the milestone age of 70.
He also thanked members of the Port Harcourt Golf Club, family members, friends, and associates for identifying with him during the celebration and for their unwavering support over the years.
The event featured the cutting of the birthday cake, presentation of awards to deserving members of the club, goodwill messages, and moments of celebration among guests.
The ceremony was attended by notable personalities from the business community, the golfing fraternity, and other sectors, all of whom joined in celebrating the life and legacy of the respected elder statesman.
Rivers State Governor, Sir Siminalayi Fubara, and the Permanent Secretary of the Rivers State Ministry of Information and Communications, Dr. Honour Kuru Sirawoo, have been honoured with awards of recognition in connection with the 2026 Democracy Day celebrations held in Port Harcourt.
The awards, which formed part of activities marking Nigeria’s Democracy Day on June 12, were formally presented on Tuesday at the Ministry of Information and Communications in Port Harcourt.
Presenting the awards was Hon. Abdul Hameed Oladipupo Alli, popularly known as “Mr. Nigeria,” Publisher of Asiwaju Trumpet Magazine and Achievers World International Magazine.
Governor Fubara was recognised for his efforts in sustaining peace, stability, and a conducive political atmospherJohn Bibor / Menebe Emmanuel / Fortune Paibie in Rivers State. The organisers noted that his administration has fostered harmony and strengthened civic participation across the state.
Dr. Sirawoo, on the other hand, was honoured for his exemplary administrative leadership and significant contributions to effective information management within the Ministry of Information and Communications.
Representing Dr. Sirawoo at the presentation ceremony, Dr. Christian Davies received the award on his behalf and expressed gratitude for the recognition. He described the honour as a reflection of Dr. Sirawoo’s unwavering commitment to professionalism, excellence, and dedicated public service.
Dr. Davies assured the organisers that the award would be formally conveyed to the Permanent Secretary.
The event also featured the presentation of commemorative publications highlighting major governance and civic milestones in Rivers State, including Easter celebrations, Workers’ Day activities, the Governor’s third anniversary in office, and Democracy Day programmes.
Organisers of the awards commended the Rivers State administration for what they described as sustained peace, political stability, and improved civic engagement, noting that these achievements have contributed significantly to the state’s continued development.
By: Jessica Sambol