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Hair stylist, dispatch rider arrested for selling drug-laced chin-chin to students

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A 20-year-old hair stylist, Josephine Odunu and a dispatch rider, Edesemi Ikporo, 30, have been arrested by operatives of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency, NDLEA, for selling and distributing illicit drug-laced chin-chin to school students and at social parties in Yenagoa, Bayelsa state.

This is contained in a statement signed by Director, Media & Advocacy, NDLEA Headquarters Abuja, Femi Babafemi.

According to Babafemi, NDLEA officers on patrol around Opolo area of Yenagoa had on Sunday 10th March 2024 intercepted the motorcycle dispatch rider, Edesemi and recovered 200grams of chin-chin produced with cannabis sativa, which he was on a mission to deliver to a buyer.

“A swift follow up operation led to the arrest of the hairdresser, Josephine, who distributes the drugged chin-chin from the salon where she works in Kpansia area of Yenagoa. A search of the salon also led to the recovery of 3.00kilograms bringing the total weight of the illicit substance seized from the duo to 3.2kg.

“Investigations reveal that they distribute the chin-chin often laced with cannabis and tramadol to students and at birthday parties. While Edesemi handles the delivery to buyers, Josephine is a major distributor to a wanted suspect who produces the drugged chin-chin,” he stated.

Babafemi also revealed that NDLEA operatives in Adamawa state on Wednesday arrested two wanted suspects while on their way from Onitsha, Anambra state where they had gone to buy a consignment of tramadol containing 14, 428 pills of the opioid.

“In the same vein, NDLEA operatives in Adamawa state on Wednesday 13th March arrested two wanted suspects: Ajim Samuel (aka Boss), 30, and Davidson John Joshua (aka Dantala), 36, while on their way from Onitsha, Anambra state where they had gone to buy a consignment of tramadol containing 14, 428 pills of the opioid which they tucked in the body compartments of their black Honda Civic car marked YLA 623 SL. They were nabbed along Numan-Jalingo road. Also recovered from them were 21grams of cannabis and monetary exhibits totaling N19, 280.

“In Osun state, commercial bus driver, Ogunleye Adegoke, 49, was arrested along Gbongan-Ibadan road after NDLEA operatives discovered 2,000 capsules of tramadol, 60 tablets of rohypnol and 10 bottles of codeine syrup concealed in the spare tyre compartment of his vehicle. While a total of 343,000 pills of opioids were seized by NDLEA officers from a suspect, Lawan Abubakar, 33, in Azare town, Katagum, Bauchi state on Friday 15th March, same day the Nigerian Army transferred a suspect, Muhammadu Rabi’u, 37, with 64,000 pills of tramadol recovered from him to the Bauchi state command of NDLEA.

“At least, 24kg of cannabis was seized from the driver of a transport company, Ikechukwu Obialo, at Sagamu Interchange, Ogun state by NDLEA operatives on Wednesday 13th March, while in Kano, two suspects: Ali Amadu, 27, and Adamu Hassan, 33, were nabbed with a total of 125.3kg cannabis; 3,400 pills of tramadol; and 30 bottles of codeine syrup. They were arrested on Monday 11th March at Gadar Tamburawa area, and Friday 15th March at Tsamiya Babba, Hotoro respectively,” he stated.

Babafemi added,”While 118 kilograms of cannabis were recovered from a warehouse in Masaka area of Nasarawa state on Saturday 16th March, NDLEA operatives in Edo state on Thursday 14th March arrested a suspect, Kole Samuel, 50, with 75kg of same psychoactive substance at market area, Otuo, Owan East LGA. Same day, operatives raided the Oloma-Okpe forest in Akoko Edo LGA where they destroyed 3,944.2075 kilograms of cannabis on 1.577683 hectares of farmland.

“With the same vigour, the various commands of the Agency across the country continued the War Against Drug Abuse, WADA, advocacy campaign in the past week. Some of them include: WADA sensitisation lecture for students and teachers of Government Day Secondary School, Michika, Adamawa; students and staff of Nana Aisha Secondary School, Damaturu, Yobe; students of Dee Unique International School, Abesan, Ipaja, Lagos and students and staff of Purple Crown Secondary School, Uwani, Enugu as well as a WADA advocacy visit to the paramount ruler of Alesa -Eleme kingdom, Emperor JD Nkpe 11, Rivers state.”

While commending the officers and men of the Bayelsa, Adamawa, Osun, Bauchi, Nasarawa, Edo, Kano, and Ogun Commands of the Agency for their outstanding feats in the past week, Chairman/Chief Executive Officer of NDLEA, Brig. Gen. Mohamed Buba Marwa (Retd) equally applauded their counterparts in all the commands across the country for intensifying their WADA advocacy lectures thus creating a fair balance between their drug supply reduction and drug demand reduction efforts.

 

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Man stabs mother to death for ‘being poor’, police reacts

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Man stabs mother to death for ‘being poor’, community reacts

A 22-year-old man identified as Godwin in the Elebele Community of Ogbia Local Government Area (LGA) of Bayelsa State has reportedly stabbed his mother to death.

The suspect was said to have stabbed her mother over allegations that she hindered his destiny.

Residents of the community said Godwin returned to the community few weeks ago after months of sojourn in Benin City, Edo State.

While some claimed that a pastor had warned the deceased of the impending danger, cautioning her not to accept strange gift from her son, others claimed the suspect returned with strange behaviour, making claims that one “Baba” had warned him that his destiny and wealth is held back by his deceased mother.

Confirming the incident, the Youth President of the Elebele Community, Comrade Precious Okala, said on arrival at the scene, they found a bloody corpse of the deceased, while the killer son was held and tied by the youths of the community.

He said: “We were told that since the boy came back from Benin City, Edo State, he has been behaving strangely. On the fateful day, he was reported to have had a struggle with his mother and stabbed her with a knife in the stomach.

“The boy was heard saying that one “Baba” had told him that the mother is in possession of his destiny and wealth”.

The Spokesman of the State Police Command, ASP Musa Mohammed, said the case had been transferred to the State Criminal Investigation Department (SCID) for detailed investigation.

 

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‘Ashes and heartbreak’ – Nine-year-old boy sets parents’ house ablaze

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'Ashes and heartbreak' - Nine-year-old boy sets parents’ house ablaze

A nine-year-old boy has reportedly set his parents’ three-bedroom flat apartment, located at No. 52 Mandate Housing Estate, Ilorin, Kwara state on fire on Thursday.

It was gathered that the fire was accidentally caused by a nine-year-old child playing with matches, which ignited a mattress and escalated the blaze.

The incident that was confirmed by the head, Media and Publicity of the state Fire Service, Hakeem Adekunle, occurred when the young boy was playing with the matches.

The Fire Service official also recalled a fire incident which happened last year in the Ilorin metropolis, when a young boy completely razed down his parents’ house.

“When he heard the sound of his father’s car pulling into the driveway, panicked and afraid of being scolded, he quickly lit a firecracker and tossed it under the bed, thinking it would remain hidden,” he said.

“Moments later, his father walked in, oblivious to what had just happened. Excited to celebrate, the father decided to take the family out for some shopping. They locked the house and left, completely unaware of the smoldering danger spreading beneath the bed. By the time they returned, the fire had consumed the entire house, leaving nothing but ashes and heartbreak behind.”

Adekunle who said that the two incidents highlighted importance of vigilance and safety, urged parents to educate their children on the dangers of firecrackers and ensure they are used responsibly, if at all.

“Let us all work together to prevent such tragedies this festive season. As the festive season approaches, we must emphasize the dangers of firecrackers, commonly known as bangers.

“We strongly urge the public to prioritize safety at all times, especially, as children spend their holiday at home with limited supervision while many parents are at work,” he added.

He also urged parents and guardians to keep matches, lighters, and other flammable materials out of children’s reach as well as educate children on the dangers of playing with fire.

 

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US court sentences Nigerian national to eight years over $6 million fraud

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US court sentences Nigerian national to eight years over $6 million fraud

A Nigerian national, Okechukwu Valentine Osuji, has been sentenced to eight years in prison by a U.S. court in New Haven, Connecticut, for his role in a $6 million business email compromise (BEC) scheme.

The 39-year-old was convicted of wire fraud, conspiracy to commit wire fraud, and aggravated identity theft.

Operating across multiple countries, including the United States, Osuji and his co-conspirators targeted businesses and individuals by impersonating trusted entities in electronic communications.

Their scheme spanned various sectors, including finance, non-profit organizations, and food services, deceiving victims into transferring funds to accounts controlled by the fraudsters.

The perpetrators used “money mules” — both witting and unwitting — to receive and launder stolen funds. Among the victims was an elderly woman who lost her life savings and home after being manipulated through a romance scam.

Her personal bank account was also used to facilitate fraud against a business targeted by the group.

Osuji was arrested in Malaysia in 2022 and extradited to the United States for trial. On May 1, 2024, he was found guilty.

At his sentencing, the court ordered him to pay restitution to the victims.

The scheme caused significant financial harm, with losses and intended losses totalling over $6 million, according to the U.S. Department of Justice.

Co-conspirators include Nigerian national Tolulope Bodunde, who was sentenced to two years in prison in October, and John Wamuigah, who remains in Malaysia awaiting extradition proceedings.

The case was investigated by the FBI New Haven Field Office and the Stamford Police Department, with assistance from international authorities, including the Royal Malaysia Police.

Principal Deputy Assistant Attorney General Nicole M. Argentieri of the Justice Department’s Criminal Division and U.S. Attorney Vanessa Roberts Avery for the District of Connecticut announced the sentence, stating their commitment to combating cybercrime and transnational fraud.

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Court sentences couple to combined 16-year jail term for N52m fraud

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Court sentences couple to combined 16-year jail term for N52m fraud

The Special Offences Court sitting in Ikeja, Lagos State has convicted and sentenced a couple, Harry Uyanwanne and Oluwakemi Odemuyiwa (a.k.a Kristein Uyanwanne) to a combined 16-year imprisonment for stealing N52 million.

Justice Mojisola Dada sentenced the duo alongside one Temple International Church.

Justice Dada also ordered that the third defendant, (Temple International Church) be deregistered and closed down for using the name of God and church to defraud people.

The judge while delivering judgement found the 3 defendants guilty of a seven counts charge brought against them by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC).

The anti-graft commission had arraigned the couple on February 25, 2020. At their arraignment, they pleaded not guilty, and the prosecution commenced trial.

During the trial, the prosecution counsel, Babatunde Sonoiki called five witnesses while the defence counsel called two witnesses.

The judge held that the prosecution proved its case beyond reasonable doubt and therefore found both defendants guilty.

On count one, Justice Dada sentenced the duo to three years imprisonment, while on count two to six, the first defendant was sentenced to seven years imprisonment.

Second defendant (Odemuyiwa) was sentenced three years imprisonment but discharged and acquitted them on count seven.

Uyanwanne is sentenced to 10 years, Odemuyiwa (a.k.a Kristein Uyanwanne) is sentenced to six years. The judge ordered that the sentence is to run concurrently.

The judge also ordered the convicts to make restitution of the sum of N31 million to the nominal complainant within 60 days of the judgment.

It would be recalled that the prosecution had alleged that sometime in March 2016, the duo dishonestly converted to their own use the sum of N10 million, the property of the late Mrs. Odemuyiwa Janet Adeola.

Also, the defendants with false intent to defraud, allegedly sold the property known as Plot 32, Block 9, Magodo Residential Scheme 1, Ikeja Local Government to one Mr. Kingsley Atere for the sum of N42 million on the false presentation that the first defendant was authorised to sell the property by the owner, the late Mrs. Odemuyiwa Janet Adeola.

Their offences are said to be contrary to Section 1 (2) and (3) of the Advance Fee Fraud and Other Related Offences Act No. 14 2006 and sections 278 and 285 (1) of the Criminal Law of Lagos State of Nigeria No. 11, 2011.

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Hon. Ukah flags off-road construction in Delta State, lauds Gov Oborevwori governance

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Hon. Ukah flags off-road construction in Delta State, lauds Gov Oborevwori  governance

In a significant initiative aimed at promoting good governance in Delta State under the leadership of the current governor, Rt. Hon. Sheriff Oborevwori, Hon. Chief Patrick Ukah, the former Secretary to the State Government, has officially inaugurated the construction of new road projects on Thursday.

This event focused on the development of Leo Okonweze Street, located off Ezenei Avenue, as well as the reconstruction of Odozi Obodo/Aninta/Anenta Street, also situated off Ezenei Avenue. Both streets are in the Oshimilli South Local Government Area of Delta State.

The road construction projects are part of a broader effort to improve infrastructure, enhance connectivity, and support the economic growth of the local communities. With these developments, the state government aims to ensure better access and mobility for residents, thereby contributing to the overall progress and well-being of the Delta State populace.

Hon. Ukah, the Director General of Delta State Capital Territory Development Agency, who performed the flag-off at Oshimilli South Local Government, noted that the road is significant not only to Oshimilli LGA but also to Delta State and the good governance of the current governor, as it provides a thoroughfare for the people.

Governor Sheriff Oborevwori appointed Chief Patrick Ukah as the Director-General of the Delta State Capital Territory Development Agency. Ukah has a commendable track record in public service, having served as the Commissioner for Information from 2015 to 2019, the Commissioner for Basic and Secondary Education from 2019 to 2021, and the Secretary to the State Government from 2021 to 2023.

The experienced administrator has been commended by stakeholders in the state for his immense contribution to ensuring the governor’s blueprint is followed.

Ukah has established a track record that demonstrates trust and competence, contributing to his credibility as the Director-General of his agency.

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Hoodlums kill two Police operatives in Anambra

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Police Inspector kills himself over financial difficulties in Adamawa

Two police officers attached to the Anambra State command were Thursday killed by hoodlums.

The officers were attacked and killed in Nnewi, during a gun duel with the hoodlums.

It was gathered that during the duel, the hoodlums tossed an improvised explosive device (IED) at the police operatives, and it exploded, killing two of the men in the squad, while their patrol van was also set ablaze.

The state police command confirmed the incident. The spokesperson of the command, SP Tochukwu Ikenga, in a press release said the manhunt for the attackers have commenced.

He said: “Joint Security Force begins manhunt operation on armed men who murdered two police operatives on investigation activities in the early hours of today 3/10/2024 at Uruagu, Nnewi North.

“Preliminary information reveals that the armed men started shooting sporadically on sighting the police operatives and threw an improvised explosive into their operational vehicle.

“Unfortunately, two of the operatives paid the supreme price while the vehicle caught fire.

“Given the above, the command calls on members of the public especially the eyewitnesses and others to aid the ongoing police operations in the area.”

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