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Tag: Lagos

  • UK, Italy, Turkey, Qatar-bound cocaine, meth consignments intercepted in Lagos, Abuja

    . .how NDLEA nabbed masterminds at MMIA, Abuja hotel; foils bid to smuggle opioids into Lagos from Ghana

    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 have been thwarted by operatives of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency, NDLEA, who in series of intelligence led operations recovered the illicit drugs and arrested the masterminds.

    A total of 13 parcels of cocaine weighing 4.40kg cocaine 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.

    The bid 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 also 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. He 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 Airlines flight going to Istanbul, Turkey at the terminal 1 of the Lagos airport on Friday 15th November.

    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 operatives of a Special Operations Unit in NDLEA at his 9 Durojaiye street, Lawanson area of Surulere, Lagos home after weeks of intelligence and surveillance.

    In another intelligence led operation, officers of an NDLEA task force on Saturday 16th November foiled the attempt by a trans-border trafficker, Emmanuel Okechukwu Okeke to smuggle 50,000 pills of tramadol 225mg from Ghana into Lagos.

    The pills were concealed in the body compartments of a Toyota Hummer Bus belonging to GUO Transport Company, driven by the suspect.

    The vehicle was intercepted at Ijanikin area of the Lagos-Badagry expressway while coming from Ghana.
    In Edo state, not less than 997kg cannabis was recovered during raids in parts of the state.

    While 680kg cannabis and a Sienna bus marked FST-320 AE were seized at a bush path to Oghada forest in Oghada, Orhionmwan LGA, 180.5kg of same substance was recovered from a suspect, Cecilia Ibe, 31, at Ofosu forest, Ovia South West LGA and 136.5kg evacuated from a building in Otuo community, Owan East LGA on Thursday 14th November.

    A suspect, Ifejimagha Chinonso was on Wednesday 13th November nabbed with 88.3kg cannabis by NDLEA operatives on patrol along the Lagos-Ibadan expressway while personnel of Kano Command of the Agency on Friday 15th November arrested Ahmed Goni, 30, at Gadar Tamburawa, Kano- Zaria road where they recovered from him 65,730 capsules of tramadol.
    In Kwara state, NDLEA operatives arrested a suspect Adio Sulaiman with 120.8kg cannabis and some litres of codeine at Gaa Odota in Ilorin West LGA, while Kelechi Obichere, 42, was nabbed with 75kg cannabis at Eziobodo, Owerri West LGA, Imo state on Thursday 14th November. A total of 563.74 kilograms of same psychoactive substance were recovered from a 60-year-old suspect Anthony Anakabi, following his arrest at Iyalode, Iyana church area of Ibadan, the Oyo state capital.

    With the same vigour, Commands and formations of the Agency across the country continued their War Against Drug Abuse, WADA, sensitization activities to schools, worship centres, work places and communities among others in the past week.

    These include: WADA enlightenment lecture to students and staff of Government Day Secondary School, Bazza, Adamawa; Community Secondary School, Ogan-Ama, Rivers state; NKST Secondary School, Adikpo, Benue state; Government Secondary School, Tambuwal, Sokoto state; Government Girls Secondary School, Kunchi, Kano; Ebele Chu Group of Schools, Nkpor Onitsha, Anambra; and Army Cantonment Senior Boys High School, Ojo, Lagos state, among others.
    While commending the officers and men of MMIA, DOGI, DI, Oyo, Lagos, Imo, Kwara, Kano, and Edo Commands of the Agency for the arrests and seizures, Chairman/Chief Executive Officer of NDLEA, Brig. Gen. Mohamed Buba Marwa (Rtd) stated that their operational successes and those of their compatriots across the country especially their balanced approach to drug supply reduction and drug demand reduction efforts are well appreciated.

  • Fear grips residents as fire envelops factory in Lagos

    Fear grips residents as fire envelops factory in Lagos

    Fire broke out late Wednesday night, enveloping a factory in Ikeja, Lagos, and causing damage estimated in billions of naira. The blaze erupted around 10 p.m., forcing workers and residents nearby to evacuate the area to ensure their safety.

    Margaret Adeseye, Director of the Lagos State Fire and Rescue Service, reported that emergency responders received a distress call at 8:41 p.m. and promptly dispatched teams to the scene. The fire was well underway when they arrived at Imperio International, situated at 6 Ayodele Diyan Street, off Ladipo Oluwole Street in Ikeja.

    According to Adeseye, the blaze originated in a warehouse storing a variety of flammable products, including body sprays and creams, which fueled the intensity of the flames. “Our team has managed to contain the fire to the warehouse block, effectively preventing it from spreading to other buildings within the complex,” she noted.

    At the time of this report, the exact cause of the fire remains unknown, and firefighting efforts continue. Thankfully, no injuries or fatalities have been reported so far.

  • Fire reportedly engulfs Ajah market in Lagos, goods worth millions destroyed

    Fire reportedly engulfs Ajah market in Lagos, goods worth millions destroyed

    A fire incident occurred on Sunday evening at Ajah Market, near Alesh Bus Stop in the Lekki area of Lagos State, destroying goods and items worth millions of naira.

    The fire started around 9 pm and ravaged several shops and stores containing combustible materials.

    According to Dr. Femi Oke-Osanyintolu, the Permanent Secretary of the Lagos State Emergency Management Agency (LASEMA), the agency, in collaboration with the Lagos State Fire and Rescue Services, acted swiftly to contain the fire. However, the cause of the blaze remains unknown at this time.

    Fortunately, there were no casualties or injuries, as traders were not present due to the market being closed for Sunday.

    “The LASEMA Response Team, along with the Lagos State Fire and Rescue Service, managed to prevent the fire from spreading to neighboring buildings,” Oke-Osanyintolu reported. “Efforts are ongoing to completely extinguish the fire and salvage remaining valuables.”

  • BREAKING! Onigbongbo council chairman in Lagos is dead

    BREAKING! Onigbongbo council chairman in Lagos is dead

    The Chairman of Onigbongbo Local Council Development Area (LCDA), Oladotun Olakanle, has passed away.

    Oladotun was born on February 3, 1970, in Ikeja, Nigeria.

    As of the time this report was compiled, the cause of his death remains unknown.

    A source informed Akelicious that the deceased council boss was spotted at the Diamond Jubilee birthday celebration of one of his colleagues, which took place at Radisson Blu, Ikeja, Lagos just two nights ago.

    The source verified that he passed away early on Saturday morning.

    The late Oladotun hailed from two ancestral lines: the Abejide family of Oke-Agbe, Akoko, Ondo State, and the Adeleye Ramoni Fayemi clan of Agboroko Town in the Iba LCDA of Badagry Division in Lagos State.

    Oladotun’s education started at Primary School in Agege, Lagos State, after which he attended Kagoro Road Primary School, Kaduna, Kaduna State.

    He furthered his education at Community Secondary School, Egbeda, Kwara State, where he obtained his WAEC in 1987. He then proceeded to the Institute of Basic and Applied Sciences and sat for the IJMB in 1989.

    Later, he obtained a B.Sc. in Sociology and a Master’s degree in Public Administration (MPA) from Lagos State University, Ojo and Agege campuses.

  • Fire disrupts Lagos train operations

    Fire disrupts Lagos train operations

    The Lagos Metropolitan Area Transport Authority (LAMATA) says the Blue Line train operations will resume on Sunday morning after it was disrupted by fire.

    Mr Kolawole Ojelabi, Head, Corporate Communication, LAMATA, disclosed this in a statement.

    “LAMATA acknowledge a spark, inducing fire on Saturday at a section of the Lagos Rail Mass Transit (LRMT) near the old NEPA Station by Eko Bridge around Apongbon area of Lagos Island.

    “As a result, passenger operations of the Blue Line were disrupted.

    “Following the spark, the system isolated the section for investigators and engineers from the independent power plant, powering the train, to trace the source of the fire.

    “The closed-circuit camera along the section promptly alerted emergency staff who triggered the emergency response process,” he said.

    The official said that no passengers on the train and workers were in danger following the fire incident

    He said that engineers were working hard to replace the burnt cables.

    “LAMATA is committed to ensuring safe operations of the Blue Line, the first rail system to be powered by electricity in West Africa,” he said.

  • Lagos Gov’t pays N740m accrued pensions

    Lagos Gov’t pays N740m accrued pensions

    The Lagos State Government has paid N740 million accrued pension rights to another set of 348 retirees.

    Mr Babalola Obilana, Director General, Lagos State Pension Commission(LASPEC), confirmed this at the 107th batch retirement bond certificate presentation ceremony on Friday in Lagos.

    Obilana said the payment was for the retirees’ past service benefits before the start of the Contributory Pension Scheme (CPS) in 2007.

    According to him, the state government is committed to supporting retirees throughout their retirement journey.

    Obilana commended Gov. Babajide Sanwo-Olu for his prompt support payment of pension obligations.

    He also lauded the governor for the various policies initiated to better the lives of the retirees.

    The director general explained that Lagos State has made significant strides in enhancing transparency, efficiency, and sustainability of its pension systems.

    He stated that implementation of the CPS provided a more equitable distribution of benefits, ensuring that all workers had access to a reliable pension at retirement.

    According to him, LASPEC is committed to maintaining an efficient and robust pension process.

    He said: “My team is consistently focused on improving our processes, ensuring timely payments, and enhancing the overall experience for retirees.

    “Our dear state has transited to paying retirement benefits in the same year our officers retire.

    “This is an accomplishment that reflects our dedication to fulfilling Gov. Sanwo-Olu’s goal of financial security for Lagos State retirees.”

    LASPEC has also launched sensitisation programmes to educate current employees and those close to retirement about the CPS and the necessary documents for processing retirement benefits.

    These events featured experts, who are specialists in financial literacy and investment options.

    Obilana said this was to ensure that the state’s retirees were well-equipped to manage their finances effectively in their new phase of life.

    He added that the state government had also implemented free health insurance and subsidised public transportation for Lagos State retirees, demonstrating its commitment to their welfare.

    “I extend my heartfelt congratulations to each retiree receiving their retirement bond certificate today.

    ” This is a moment to celebrate your achievements, contributions, and the legacy you left behind.

    “We celebrate the culmination of years of dedicated service by our retirees, who have tirelessly contributed to the growth and development of the state.

    “Your hard work, commitment, and sacrifices have laid the foundation for the progress we enjoy today.

    “Let me remind you that retirement is not an end but a new beginning.

    “Embrace this time with enthusiasm, pursue your dreams, and continue to contribute to your communities in meaningful ways,” he said.

    Also speaking at the event, Mrs Funmilayo Aiyelabola, a retiree, appreciated the state government for having the interest of the retirees at heart.

    She also commended the LASPEC team and the Pension Fund Administrators(PFAs) for their support and for being highly professional in processing the retirement benefits.

  • Driver dies as trucks collide in Lagos

    Driver dies as trucks collide in Lagos

    The Lagos State Emergency Management Agency(LASEMA) has confirmed the death of a driver as two trucks collided near the Cane Village, Maryland area of the state.

    The agency’s Permanent Secretary, Dr Olufemi Oke-Osanyintolu, who confirmed this in a statement on Friday, said the accident was as a result of brake failure.

    “LASEMA in response to distress calls through the 767 and 112 toll-free lines at 12.08hrs, activated the response team from Command and Control Centre, Alausa, Ikeja.

    “Upon arrival at the incident scene, it was discovered that there was an accident involving a concrete mixer truck, registration number DGW 208 XA and another truck, registration number SMK 906 YE.

    “Investigation conducted by the response team revealed that one of the trucks suffered brake failure, lost control and crashed into a JUSTRITE truck, whose driver was loading items.

    “The truck further rammed into the building beside the road and crashed into two people in the process,” he said.

    Oke-Osanyintolu said that the JUSTRITE truck driver died instantly while the two other victims sustained injuries and had been transported to Gbagada General Hospital.

    “The agency’s response team has activated necessary safety measures for the protection of responders at the incident scene.

    “Also, the response team has activated traffic control measures and is currently involved in managing the traffic,” he said.

  • Lagos locks down major Island road for Afropolis Dance event

    Lagos locks down major Island road for Afropolis Dance event

    The Lagos State Government has announced the closure of J Randle Road, Onikan, Lagos, for nine days for the Afropolis Dance Event.

    The road will be fully closed between Lagos City Mall and the National Museum, before Onikan Roundabout, for the event.

    According to the Commissioner for Transportation, Oluwaseun Osiyemi, the event, organised in collaboration with the Ministry of Tourism, Arts, and Culture, is scheduled for a duration of nine days, starting from Saturday, 26th October, 2024, to Sunday, 3rd November, 2024, lasting 24 hours daily.

    “Consequently, there was a full road closure of J Randle Road, Onikan Lagos, between Lagos City Mall and National Museum before Onikan Roundabout for the event.

    “In view of the traffic implication, motorists were enjoined to use alternative routes highlighted as follows:

    “Traffic from Awolowo Road going to Tafawa Balewa Square Road would turn left into Onikan Roundabout to connect King George V Road and link Marina Exit to connect with Force Road to access Tafawa Balewa Road to continue their journeys,” Osiyemi said.

    The commissioner said traffic from Outer Marina going to Awolowo Road would turn left into Force Road to link Tafawa Balewa Road and connect Old Defence Road to link Tafawa Balewa Square to Macarthy Street and access Onikan Road to link Awolowo Road to continue their journeys.

    “Traffic from Third Mainland Bridge/Ring Road going to Awolowo Road would turn left into Force Road to link Tafawa Balewa Road to connect Old Defence Road to access Tafawa Balewa Square to link Macarthy Street and connect Onikan Road to link Awolowo Road to continue their journeys.

    “Traffic from Awolowo Road going to Tafawa Balewa Square would have a through traffic via Onikan Roundabout to continue their journeys”.

  • Train crushes man to death in Lagos

    Train crushes man to death in Lagos

    A yet-to-be-identified man on Monday morning was tragically killed after being struck by a moving train around the Ikeja area of Lagos State.

    The Permanent Secretary of the Lagos State Emergency Management Agency (LASEMA),Dr. Olufemi Oke-Osanyintolu, confirmed the development, stating that the agency received a distress call at 8:28 a.m.

    Oke-Osanyintolu added that the agency’s response team recovered the body, bagged it, and handed it over to the State Environmental Health Monitoring Unit (SEHMU) for transport to the morgue.

    Oke-Osanyintolu said in a statement, “The Lagos State Emergency Management Agency, LASEMA, in response to distress calls via the 767/112 Toll-Free lines at 0828hrs, and activated the Eagle Response Team from Cappa Base,” 

    “On arrival of the Eagle response team at the incident scene by 0902hrs, LRT discovered the body of an adult male laying dead on the railway track.

    “Further investigations by the Eagle Response Team revealed that the adult male was reportedly hit by a moving train in the early hours of the day,” he added.

    The incident is coming less then two weeks after a 50-year-old man, identified as Emmanuel, was killed by a moving train near the Arena Shopping Mall in the Oshodi area.

  • #EndSARSMemorial: Police arrest protesters at Lekki tollgate

    #EndSARSMemorial: Police arrest protesters at Lekki tollgate

    Some  protesters who converged on the Lekki tollgate in Lagos State have been arrested by the police.

    The protesters had assembled at the tollgate in commemoration of the shooting by soldiers on October 20, 2020.

    Young persons protesting against police brutality had called for the disbandment of the Special Anti-Robbery Squad (SARS) over brutality.

    In compliance with the demand, the police authorities disbanded SARS but the protesters refused to leave the streets, especially the tollgate which had become a landmark for the protest.

    Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu had declared curfew, but the protesters refused to leave the tollgate, prompting deployment of soldiers.

    The soldiers had opened fire, resulting in deaths, according to witnesses, but the military authorities and the federal government denied the killings.

    Amnesty International had said at least 12 protesters were gunned down during the military intervention.

    On Sunday morning, which marked the 4th anniversary of the incident, some protesters gathered at the tollgate, singing and waving placards.

    However, policemen on ground tried to disperse them with teargas and gunshots. In the process, some of them were arrested.

    Details later…