News

NDLEA Seizes 255,500 Tramadol, 75.75kgs Skunk From Canada …Arrests Dubai-Bound Pregnant Woman Intercepts Europe-Bound Cocaine

Published

3 years ago

February 6, 2023

Operatives of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) have recovered no fewer than 255,500 pills of tramadol and diazepam from an Italy-based suspect, Duru Josephat, at the Murtala Muhammed International Airport, Ikeja, Lagos State.
It was gathered that Josephat concealed the drugs in two of the bags he was travelling with to Milan, Italy on an Ethiopian airline flight.
The NDLEA Spokesperson, Femi Babafemi, made the disclosure in a statement, yesterday.
Babafemi disclosed that the suspect confessed he bought the drugs in Onitsha, Anambra State, and was taking them to Italy to sell.
He noted that the NDLEA operatives also seized 75.75kgs of cannabis indica, which came from Montreal, Canada.
The spokesperson of the anti-drug agency revealed that the consignment was hidden in a container of four used vehicles with number MSCU 5336680.
He said the consignment had been traced to a suspect, Steve Adigwe, who is already in custody, and his accomplice, Cedrick Maduweke, who is still on the run.
Similarly, the operatives of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) have arrested a pregnant woman, Sylvester Gloria Onome, after 800grammes of skunk were discovered in two small radio sets she was sending to Dubai, the United Arab Emirates (UAE) via the Murtala Muhammed International Airport, Ikeja, Lagos State.
The NDLEA Director, Media and Advocacy, Femi Babafemi disclosed that the pregnant woman was arrested on Monday, January 30, 2023.
He stated that the NDLEA operatives, on the same day, intercepted a consignment going to Congo Kinshasa, containing 111 bottles of body cream that were used to conceal 24.50kgs of ephedrine, a chemical precursor and active ingredient to produce methamphetamine.
He stated that the cargo was later traced to a trader at Alaba trade fair complex in the Ojo area of Lagos State, Onyekachukwu Uduekwelu, after the initial arrest of two freight agents.
The NDLEA spokesman revealed that another housewife, Okpara Chizoba Victoria, was arrested at her residence at 37 Obashola street, Ijesha area of Lagos on Friday, January 27 following the seizure of 300grammes of skunk hidden in a bag of crayfish she was sending to Dubai, UAE through a freight agent.
Babafemi added that the NDLEA operatives at the SAHCO export shed of the Lagos airport, on Thursday, January 26, intercepted a sack of new clothes going to Sierra Leone.
He said a parcel of white crystalline substance that tested positive to methamphetamine with a gross weight of 1kg, as well as 300grammes of skunk and 100grammes ecstasy (MDMA) were recovered after a thorough search of the consignment, adding that a freight agent, Mfonabasi Victor Joseph, was arrested in connection with the seizure.
Meanwhile, the operatives of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) have foiled attempts to export large consignments of cocaine, heroin, methamphetamine, and ephedrine to Dubai, the United Arab Emirates (UAE), and Europe through various disingenuous modes of concealment by desperate drug cartels via the Murtala Muhammed International Airport, Ikeja, Lagos State.
The NDLEA operatives also arrested the suspects behind the bids.
Top on the list of those arrested in connection with the seizures is a Nigerian based in Athens, Greece, Iwuozor Edward Chinedu.
The NDLEA Director, Media and Advocacy, Femi Babafemi, stated that Chinedu was debarked from an Ethiopian airline flight on Friday, February 3 after officers in the tarmac team of NDLEA intercepted two bags during a secondary check exercise at the foot of the aircraft.
He noted that when the bags were searched in the presence of Chinedu and other airport stakeholders, two big pellets wrapped with foil papers and some sprinkles of pepper were recovered from each of the two sides of one of the bags, adding that the pellets were used to construct false walls at the sides of the bag.
The NDLEA spokesman said the two parcels contained substances that tested positive to cocaine and heroin with a gross weight of 1.30kgs and 900grammes, respectively.
Babafemi noted that Chinedu, during a preliminary interview, claimed he came to Nigeria three months ago to do surgery, which he was not comfortable doing in Athens.
He stated that the suspect further claimed he was given the bag to deliver in Greece for a fee of N2 million.
While appreciating the efforts and commitment of the officers of the anti-drug agency towards ridding Nigeria of the menace of illicit drugs, the NDLEA Chairman/Chief Executive Officer, Brig.-Gen. Mohammed Buba Marwa (rtd), urged them and their compatriots across the country not to relent.

News

Cleric Predicts Breakthrough, Warns of Political and Security Challenges in 2026

Published

1 day ago

January 12, 2026

The Tide

The Founder and Senior Pastor of Liberty Hour Ministry, Port Harcourt, Apostle Chikadibia John Wodo, has expressed optimism that 2026 will usher in uncommon breakthroughs and good fortune for Nigeria, particularly in the areas of political, economic, and spiritual development, with Rivers State playing a key role.

Apostle Wodo made this declaration in his special New Year message, where he stated that individuals and forces standing as obstacles to the manifestation of God’s will in the new year would face bitter consequences. He cautioned that corrupt political leaders risk backlash from the very people they govern if they fail to change their ways.

The cleric warned against the escalation of political tension in Rivers State and called on residents and religious leaders to intensify prayers for lasting peace. He also urged Governor Siminalayi Fubara to remain resolute in leadership, reminding him to uphold his vows to God by continually seeking divine guidance in decision-making and governance amid evolving challenges.

Assessing the broader national situation, Apostle Wodo called on Nigerian leaders to repent and govern with a heightened sense of responsibility, noting that the cries and supplications of the masses have drawn divine attention. He further warned of alleged plots to disrupt a smooth democratic transition in 2027 and appealed for prayers to avert such an agenda.

According to him, Nigerians are yearning for genuine socio-economic transformation and freedom from political oppression. He challenged the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to redeem its credibility by ensuring free, fair, and credible elections devoid of undue political interference.

The cleric also predicted that insecurity could worsen in the coming year and warned of the possible emergence of a strange ailment, stressing that Nigeria’s political challenges can only be resolved through equity, fairness, and justice, especially in the treatment of minorities, the vulnerable, and the disadvantaged.

Apostle Wodo further claimed that some clerics and General Overseers have compromised their faith and incurred divine displeasure, calling for sincere repentance to restore their relationship with God. He also advised early preparedness to mitigate natural disasters such as fire outbreaks and flooding, particularly in rural communities.

He concluded by urging Nigerians to remain prayerful, vigilant, and united as the nation navigates the opportunities and challenges of 2026.

News

Ado Royal Family Disowns Alleged Installation of Amanyanabo of Okrika

Published

1 day ago

January 12, 2026

The Tide

The Ado Royal Family of Okrika has firmly disassociated itself from the alleged self-enthronement of Hon. Godknows Tam George as the Amanyanabo of Okrika and Clan Head, describing the action as unlawful, illegitimate, and a threat to the peace of the ancient kingdom.

The family, which described itself as the sole legitimate custodian of the history, traditions, and stool of the Amanyanabo of Okrika, stated that it has not installed any king and has not commenced the formal process for such installation.

This position was contained in a statement jointly signed by Prof. Sotonye Fyneface-Ogan (Ogan Ado Royal House), Alabo Engr. Henry Semenitari Abam (Abam Ado Royal House), and Alabo Prince Oriyeorikabo Fibika (Fibika Ado Royal House). The statement was presented to journalists on Friday at the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ) Press Centre, Moscow Road, Port Harcourt.

According to the statement, the purported action by Hon. Tam George amounts to “a blatant assault on the collective integrity of the Okrika people” and constitutes “a criminal act of impersonation with the potential to destabilize the peace and socio-political fabric of our ancient kingdom.”

The family stressed that Hon. Tam George was never presented as a candidate by the Ado Royal Family and did not undergo any of the mandatory rites, consultations, or confirmations required by Okrika customs.

“The Ado Royal Family has never presented him as a candidate, nor has he undergone any of the prerequisite rites, consultations, or confirmations. His actions are those of a lone interloper, operating in a vacuum of legitimacy,” the statement read.

It further emphasized that the stool of the Amanyanabo of Okrika and Clan Head is a sacred institution rooted in centuries-old traditions and spiritual heritage, not something to be claimed through academic qualifications, political ambition, or personal interest.

Speaking during the briefing, Prof. Sotonye Fyneface-Ogan reiterated that the process of crowning an Amanyanabo is clearly defined and has not yet begun.

“To crown a king, there is a process, and those processes have not taken place,” he said. “We are the chiefs; we are the ones that will be part of the selection. Honestly, we have not started the selection process; we have only begun discussions.”

He explained that during the proper selection process, chiefs supervise nominations from each constituent house, with each house expected to nominate two or three candidates—steps which, he noted, have not been carried out.

“I want to assure the public that none of the Ado family chiefs has given Hon. Tam George any sign of approval,” Prof. Fyneface-Ogan added.

Efforts to obtain the reaction of Hon. Godknows Tam George proved unsuccessful. Repeated attempts through phone calls, text messages, and WhatsApp messages were unsuccessful, as he did not respond as of the time of filing this report.

By: Tonye Orabere

News

PH Traders Laud RSG’s Fire Safety Sensitisation Campaign

Published

1 day ago

January 12, 2026

The Tide

Traders in Port Harcourt, Rivers State, have commended the Rivers State Government (RSG) for its ongoing fire emergency and safety sensitisation campaign across major markets in the state.

Speaking on behalf of traders at Nowa Market, Borikiri Old Port Harcourt Township, the market chairman, Mr. Innocent Chukwuma, praised Governor Sir Siminalayi Fubara for initiating the awareness programme in designated markets and public places.

Chukwuma described the exercise as timely and impactful, noting that it was the first time the Rivers State Government had carried out such a campaign in Nowa Market. According to him, the sensitisation would educate traders on fire emergencies and the necessary precautions to prevent outbreaks.

He urged traders to strictly apply the safety measures taught during the campaign, both during business hours and after closing their shops.

“I want to thank the Rivers State Governor, Sir Siminalayi Fubara, and the Ministry of Special Duties for coming to our aid, especially during this dry season,” Chukwuma said.

“This is the first time we are seeing government presence in our market in this manner. We lack words to thank our God-sent governor, particularly for providing us with fire extinguishers and other firefighting equipment.

“We will do exactly what we have been taught today to ensure there is no fire incident in our market. We will always switch off all electrical appliances before closing for the day,” he added.

Similarly, the Chairman of Mile 3 USTRE Modern Market, Mr. Gift Nkesi Benjamin, applauded the state government for the distribution of fire extinguishers and other fire safety equipment.

“We will adhere strictly to the safety guidelines and instructions given to us today to ensure there is no fire outbreak in our market,” Benjamin stated.

“On behalf of Mile 3 USTRE Modern Market, I sincerely thank the Rivers State Government and the Ministry of Special Duties for bringing this important campaign to our market.”

At Rumuwoji Market (popularly known as Mile 1 Market), the Chairman, Chief Hon. Godpower O. Wobo, also expressed gratitude to the state government for the sensitisation exercise. He assured that traders would comply fully with government directives to prevent future fire incidents.

Responding on behalf of Governor Siminalayi Fubara, the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Special Duties, Mr. Sokari D. P. George, thanked the traders for their cooperation and warm reception.

He emphasised that safety remains paramount, especially during the dry season, and urged traders to be cautious in their daily activities.

Mr. George disclosed that the theme of the 2025 fire safety campaign is “Controlled Fire Is a Friend, Uncontrolled Fire Is an Enemy.”

He cautioned against refuse and bush burning around buildings and warned traders not to store fuel in unauthorized places such as homes, offices, markets, or public buildings.

“Follow all fire safety guidelines and instructions,” he urged.

The permanent secretary also noted that Governor Fubara prefers a zero-fireworks approach during festive periods to ensure public safety, stressing that the government has invested heavily in markets and expects traders to take responsibility for protecting them.

By: Kiadum Edookor