Crime
NDLEA raids drug warehouse in Lagos, recovers N4.8billion worth of opioids
..Intercepts $20miilion counterfeit notes in Abuja; arrests wanted teenage bandit in Sokoto, another teenager for drugs in Enugu
Multi-billion naira worth of illicit drugs were again seized at a warehouse tucked in the midst of popular International Trade Fair Complex, Alaba, Ojo area of Lagos by operatives of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency, NDLEA on Saturday 19th August.
Recovered from the warehouse owned by a wanted billionaire drug baron, include: 1.4 million (1,400,000) pills of tramadol 225mg weighing 826kgs; 3.2 million (3,200,000) pills of codeine with gross weight of 3,360kgs; and 2,841 cartons of codeine syrup containing 284,100 bottles with 28,410 litres of the psychoactive substance, with a combined street value of Four Billion Eight Hundred and Twenty Million Five Hundred Thousand Naira (N4,820,500,000) only.
During the operation that lasted hours, a suspect, Paulinus Ojukwu, who is Chief Security Officer to the wanted drug baron who parades as automobile spare parts dealer, was arrested and now assisting ongoing investigation.
The latest drug warehouse bust is coming on the heels of the arrest of a drug baroness, Faith Ebele Nwankwo who was nabbed on Wednesday 9th August with Two Million Seven Hundred and Fifty Thousand (2,750,000) pills of tramaking, a brand of tramadol 225mg and 250mg recovered from her residence at House 6, C close, 3rd Avenue, Festac area of Lagos and a warehouse located at Plot 3432 Sola Akinsola Street, Divine Estate, Amuwo Odofin, Lagos.
Meanwhile, NDLEA operatives on Friday 18th August intercepted Twenty Million US Dollar notes ($20 million) suspected to be counterfeit during a stop and search operation along Abaji – Lokoja road, within the Federal Capital Territory.
The suspected fake money was recovered from a bus coming from Lagos to Abuja, while the 53-year-old driver of the vehicle, Onyebuchi Nlededin was arrested.
The previous day, Thursday 17th August, Jude Ndubuisi, 52, was arrested with 2.2 kilograms of methamphetamine during a raid operation at Kabusa village, FCT.
The suspect was initially arrested with 20.75kg cannabis on 7th July 2022 and was on court bail following his ongoing prosecution when he was nabbed for yet another drug crime.
Another raid of two notorious drug joints within the FCT: Dei Dei and Tora-Bora Hills led to the recovery of 82.8kg skunk, 1.8kg rohypnol and 1.2kg diazepam on Wednesday 16th August.
In Osun, NDLEA operatives in the early hours of Saturday 19th August destroyed clusters of cannabis farms measuring about 3.49000 hectares (over 7.5 tons) at Mopatedo in Ifedayo local government area of the State.
Two suspects: Sunday Otogbo, 40, and Peter Andel Makra, 35, were arrested inside the cannabis farms.
Additional 30kg cannabis weeds and 16.9kg of cannabis seeds were also recovered from the farms.
At least, three suspects: Ndubuisi Okorie, 44; Ebilima Emmanuel, 38, and Okechukwu Anthony Smart, 40, were arrested in connection with the seizure of 168kg cannabis consignment from them when their vehicle was intercepted along Owerri-Onitsha expressway, Imo state on Saturday 19th August.
Another shipment of controlled drugs containing 6,000 capsules of tramadol, 1,200 tablets of swinol, 155 bottles of codeine syrup and 20 tabs of Molly was equally seized on the same road on Sunday 13th August while a follow-up operation in Oyigbo area of Port Harcourt, Rivers state led to the arrest of the owner of the consignment, Remigius Ogechukwu, 33.
While a teenager, Boniface Odinakachukwu, 19, was apprehended with 99.4kg skunk at Isikwe Road, Achi in Oji-River LGA, Enugu state on Friday 18th August, a wanted teenage bandit, Aliyu Mohammed Altine, 19, was arrested by NDLEA operatives along Illela- Sokoto road with some wraps of skunk on Thursday 17th August.
The suspect who is on the wanted list of the police has since been transferred to the police in Sokoto state for further investigation.
While expressing his satisfaction with the professional conduct of the officers and men involved in the Lagos, FCT, Sokoto, Osun, Imo and Enugu operations as well as the results of the raids, Chairman/Chief Executive Officer of NDLEA, Brig. Gen. Mohamed Buba Marwa (Retd) charged operatives of the Lagos command to ensure that the fleeing baron is smoked out from his hiding to face charges.
He urged them and their colleagues across the country to intensify the heat on drug cartels.
Femi Babafemi
Director, Media and Advocacy
NDLEA Headquarters Abuja
Sunday 20th August 2023
Crime
LASEPA arrests 94 suspected criminals in midnight raid
The Lagos State Environmental Protection Agency (LASEPA) has arrested 94 suspected criminals during a midnight operation in the Agege area of Lagos state.
In a post on X on Wednesday, Tokunbo Wahab, commissioner for environment and water resources, said LASEPA conducted the raid along the rail-track from Pen-Cinema under bridge to Fagba Junction.
“The area was raided in response to complaints from residents, commuters and concerned citizens, on the nefarious activities of illegal squatters, miscreants and suspected criminal elements along rail-track corridors,” he stated.
He noted that the operation began at about 2:30 am and spanned more than five kilometres, with shanties and illegal structures dismantled.
“94 suspects were apprehended during the midnight operation and locally fabricated short gun, several wraps of illicit substance suspected to be cannabis sativa, charm as well as a jack knife were recovered,” he added.
Wahab said the suspects would be charged to court accordingly.
Crime
U.S. marshals offer $25,000 reward for capture of Nigerian fugitive, Olalekan Olawusi
The United States Marshals Service (USMS) has announced a $25,000 reward for information leading to the capture of Olalekan Abimbola Olawusi, a Nigerian national wanted since 2017 for first-degree murder and severe child abuse charges in Rhode Island.
According to the statement as seen by Nairametrics, Olawusi is considered one of the USMS’s 15 Most Wanted fugitives and is believed to have fled to Nigeria, where he may be receiving assistance from family members.
According to the USMS, Olawusi is facing multiple charges, including first-degree murder and two counts of inflicting serious bodily harm on a child.
Additionally, he is wanted for unlawful flight to avoid prosecution.
“The United States Marshals Service (USMS) is requesting assistance in locating Olalekan Olawusi. Olawusi is wanted in Rhode Island for first degree murder and two counts of inflicting serious bodily injury to a child. He is also wanted for Unlawful Flight to Avoid Prosecution,”
Olawusi’s crimes are severe, and his evasion from prosecution necessitates this public appeal for assistance. The agency noted that Olawusi has been labelled a flight risk and is considered armed and dangerous.
The USMS has offered a reward of $25,000 for credible information leading to Olawusi’s arrest. Officials caution the public not to approach or attempt to apprehend him due to the dangers associated with his capture.
Anyone with information is encouraged to contact their local U.S. Marshals Service District Office, call the USMS Communications Center at 1-800-336-0102, or submit a tip through the USMS Tips platform.
The fugitive’s background and physical description
- Name and aliases are listed as Olalekan Abimbola Olawusi, also known as Olekun Olawusi.
- His date of birth is July 15, 1976. Olawusi is described as a male with black hair and brown eyes, weighing approximately 185 lbs and standing at 5’8″.
- His last known location was Providence, Rhode Island, U.S., and he is believed to have suspected ties in Nigeria.
Notice to law enforcement
- Before proceeding with an arrest, law enforcement officers are instructed to verify the warrant through the National Crime Information Center (NCIC).
- If Olawusi is apprehended or his location is determined, officers are directed to contact the nearest U.S. Marshals Service office, the American Embassy or Consulate, or to call the U.S. Marshals Service Communications Center at 1-800-336-0102. Tips can also be submitted through the U.S. Marshals Service Tips platform.
- USMS officials stress the need for public cooperation in locating Olawusi.
- The authorities urge anyone with knowledge of his whereabouts to report it immediately, supporting efforts to deliver justice.
Crime
YouTuber Johnny Somali faces 10-yr prison sentence for kissing statue in South Korea
American YouTuber Johnny Somali has faced widespread criticism after a controversial video showed him kissing and posing with a statue dedicated to Korean women who were victims of sexual slavery during Japan’s occupation of Korea.
Somali’s actions, captured during his visit to the Changdong History and Culture Park in Seoul, have ignited anger among Koreans and beyond.
In a video posted on October 9, the YouTuber was seen kissing the Statue of Peace in Itaewon, central Seoul, and performing a dance in front of the memorial.
The statue honors tens of thousands of young Korean women who were subjected to forced sexual slavery by the Japanese military from 1910 to 1945.
According to The Korea Times, Somali expressed remorse for his actions in a video released by YouTube channel Jcompany on Thursday.
Standing beside the statue, he bowed and offered an apology to the Korean people: “I want to apologize to Koreans. I didn’t understand the significance of the statue.”
Johnny Somali admitted that he had intended the stunt as entertainment for his American audience but now recognized his actions as disrespectful.
He concluded his apology in Korean, adding, “I’m truly sorry.”
The incident has spurred ongoing criticism, with many Koreans and others voicing their disapproval over what they see as a profound lack of cultural sensitivity and respect.
-
Celebrities6 days ago
AY Makun, Basketmouth discuss their 17-year feud
-
Education5 days ago
Keystone Bank Renovates Schools In Zamfara, Says Governor Lawal’s Feats In 17 Months Surpass Over 20 Years Of Previous Administrations
-
Business3 days ago
No November salary for workers without valid residents registration number, says Kwara state government
-
World1 week ago
Trump claims victory over Harris in US presidential election
-
Special Features5 days ago
Bodex Media Announces Frank Edoho as Host for Bodex Social Media Hangout (BSMH) 5th Edition
-
Entertainment1 week ago
Davido under fire for participating in US election
-
Celebrities5 days ago
Why would you post pictures in your underwear? – Portable out calls Tiwa Savage
-
World1 week ago
Trump will bring the world closer to peace, says Tinubu in congratulatory message