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Tag: NDLEA

  • KUJE PRISON: How Abba Kyari escaped assassination by 190 inmates

    Suspended Deputy Commissioner of Police, Abba Kyari, has escaped assassination by enraged inmates and offered N200,000 bribe to each of them after they accused him of insincerity in bribe-for-release transactions while in active service.

    TheNewsGuru.com (TNG) reports that prison officials are considering shifting Kyari to the custody of the State Security Service (SSS).

    According to a source, the attack occurred on May 4, months after Kyari, who is on trial for drug-related offenses, was remanded.

    An official noted that his assailants numbered over 190 people, the majority of whom were incarcerated for narcotics offenses.

    Before his arrest, Abba Kyari, a deputy commissioner of police, was a decorated cop and the head of the Inspector-General Police’s Special Intelligence Response Team.

    First, he was suspended from police duty after being named as a collaborator in Ramon Abbas – Hushpupi’s international fraud and money laundering conspiracy, dubbed by American investigators last July.

    The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) accused him of being involved in a drug trafficking conspiracy in February, while he was on suspension awaiting the outcome of an internal investigation.

    Kyari appeared to be outlining his use of his team to promote drugs and discussing the distribution of criminal riches in a video provided by the agency.

    It was gathered that the Kuje assailants claimed Kyari prosecuted them despite taking bribes from them.

    Kyari was characterized as a “dodgy criminal” by one of the sources, a state investigator and intelligence official revealed.

    The suspended police officer has never been convicted of a crime and maintains his innocence in the allegations against him.

    Informants maintained that Kyari was “eliminating lesser (drug) traffickers to clear the field for Afam Ukatu,” a suspected billionaire drug lord linked to Mr Kyari’s N3 billion Tramadol deal.

    “Inmates said that after being arrested, Kyari wanted money to drop the case, but that he nevertheless prosecuted them.”

    However, a spokesman for the Nigerian Correctional Service, Francis Enobore, disputed that Kyari was attacked.

    Meanwhile, officials with firsthand knowledge of the attack, as well as internal records from the service, confirmed the attack.

    Kyari was rescued by officials, according to our sources, and is now being held in a separate cell “under heavy protection where no one sees him for fear of attack or poisoning.”

    He had to pay each of the dissatisfied inmates N200,000 in “first settlement payments” and then “purchased DSTV subscriptions for cells to buy loyalty and tranquillity,” according to one source.

    DCP Abba Kyari leading his men during an operation

    However, Enobore, who speaks for the correctional service, said, “I am not aware Abba Kyari paid anybody to secure his safety in prison.”

    Kyari is alleged to have amassed wealth far in excess of his fair earnings by inverting his role as a law enforcement officer and involving in illicit activities.

    In April, NDLEA said they marked properties in Borno, Kano, Lagos, and Abuja ‘linked’ to the disgraced officer.

    Despite the ‘settlements’ the aggrieved inmates have continued to threaten Mr Kyari’s life, sources said.

    “Regardless of the level of protection, they vowed to get him. The inmates have given him an ultimatum to return all he extorted from them or be killed.

    “Relevant officials have assessed that he will be killed or badly injured if he continues to be remanded in Kuje,” a source said.

    An official recommendation has therefore been made that Kyari should be transferred out of Kuje to an SSS facility.

    “So far, he has every relevant officer on his payroll. They do his bidding, he sees his wife, and he has access to mobile devices and marabouts,” one source added.

  • NDLEA arrests wanted drug baroness in Delta

    NDLEA arrests wanted drug baroness in Delta

    Operatives of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), have broken the backbone of a major drug cartel distributing outfit in Delta and adjourning states and arrested a wanted drug baroness.

    This is contained in a statement by the Director, Media and Advocacy, NDLEA, Mr Femi Babafemi, on Tuesday in Abuja.

    Babafemi said that the 59-year-old Bridget Emeka, a.k.a ‘Mama’, was arrested on Sunday, May 15, at her palatial mansion where she cooks and distributed crack cocaine, Methamphetamine and other illicit substances.

    He said that no fewer than nine of her staff and associates were arrested along with her in a coordinated simultaneous operations at her expansive residence and drug bunks.

    This, he said, were where she accommodates drug users and sells illicit substances to them and others in parts of Warri, Delta state.

    According to him, apart from various quantities of Crack Cocaine, Methamphetamine, Molly, and Loud seized from her home and drug bunks; a pump action gun was also recovered.

    He said “15 cartridges, documents, two cars, mobile phones, drug paraphernalia such as sodium bicarbonate and polythene wrappings were also recovered for further investigation.

    “Five of her staff that cook, cut, package and distribute the drugs were found in her house located at Favour Street, Otukutu, Effurun, Warri.

    “Four of her associates were equally arrested at her drug bunks in other parts of the town during the raids by Strike Force officers of NDLEA supported by the military,” he said.

    Babafemi said that the drug baroness had been under surveillance for weeks after her identification as a major distributor of illicit drugs in the South South state.

    He said that the suspect cooks Cocaine into Crack Cocaine for local distribution and consumption in drug joints.

    “Some of the paraphernalia for making Crack recovered from her house include sodium bicarbonate.

    “This is the main adulterant and recipe for making crack cocaine as well as transparent nylon used in wrapping the finished product,” he said.

    Babafemi quoted the Chairman of the NDLEA, Retired Brig.-Gen. Buba Marwa, as commending the officers and men involved in all the processes leading to the eventual execution of the operation plan.

    Marwa also appreciated the armed forces for their unwavering support to the agency.

  • Traditional medicine board inaugurates taskforce to check illegality in Ogun

    Traditional medicine board inaugurates taskforce to check illegality in Ogun

    The Ogun Alternate Medicine Board (OGAMB) has inaugurated a taskforce to curb unlawful practices in the subsector, as part of its effort to stamp out quackery.

    The OGAMB Chairman, Mr Balogun Olaleye, made this known in Abeokuta on Friday, at a one-day workshop.

    The workshop was staged with the National Association of Nigeria Traditional Medicine Practitioners (NANTMP) and the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA).

    The theme of the event was “The Impact of Selling and Preparation of Herbal Medicines in Nigeria”.

    Olaleye said that the taskforce would also checkmate those with criminal tendencies in traditional medicine practice.

    He said that the move would enable members operating in the various specialised fields to have separate taskforces that would be working with the state enforcement team to flush out quacks and reposition the subsector.

    He noted that the enforcement mechanism put in place for alternate medicine practice in Ogun had become compulsory.

    “The rate at which quacks are denting the image of the practice due to carefree attitude of some practitioners will no longer be tolerated in the state.

    “Quacks in the subsector must leave the state now or they will be arrested and prosecuted by the law,” he warned.

    In his address, the State Commandant, NDLEA, Commander Mathew Eije, said that alternate medicine practice was as old as the evolution of man on earth and long existed before the introduction of orthodox practice.

    According to him, the agency is ready to wage war against drug abuse.

    He warned traditional practitioners to be very careful with what they sell to the public.

    In his remarks, the Police Public Relations Officer, DSP Abimbola Oyeyemi, commended the collaboration, saying that it would go a long way in sanitising the subsector.

    Oyeyemi said it was compulsory for all practitioners to join necessary associations that have to do with their practice and to register with the government to be certified.

    He added that anyone who had not registered with the government was not qualified to practice in the state and that such a person would be treated as a criminal.

    Earlier in his address of welcome, the state Chairman, NANTMP, Chief Samson Soyoye, commended the present administration for considering the health sector and traditional medicine as one of its priorities.

    Soyoye said that the commitment of the governor and the board had inspired them to be more committed.

    He assured the government that with the inauguration of the task force, the association would be more dedicated to the practice of alternative medicine.

  • My life at risk in prison – Suspended DCP, Kyari

    My life at risk in prison – Suspended DCP, Kyari

    The suspended Deputy Commissioner of Police and former Commander – Intelligence Response Team, Abba Kyari has alleged a threat to his life at the Nigerian Correctional Service (NCoS), Kuje.

    Kyari lamented that he is not safe sharing the same correctional facility with criminals.

    The suspended Deputy Commissioner of Police, DCP, disclosed this while urging an Abuja Federal High Court to review his bail application initially rejected.

    Kyari’s remark was contained in a document presented to the Abuja Federal High Court by his lawyer, Nureini Jimoh.

    The document reads partly: “At the centre, the applicants who were head and deputy head of the Intelligence Response Team of the Nigeria Police Force met stiff resistance, attack and open threats to the lives of the applicants by series head (sic) of criminal gang that they had busted.

    “There is no correctional centre that the criminals that have been arrested by the IRT under the headship of the applicant in furtherance of their constitutional and statutory duties as police officers cannot be found and there is a high likelihood of threat to the lives of the applicants.”

    In March, the court had ordered that Kyari be remanded at Kuje Correctional Centre pending the conclusion of his trial.

    He was arrested by the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) on February 12 and was arraigned on March 7 over allegations of drug trafficking.

  • NDLEA arrests two pregnant women at MMIA over illicit drugs

    NDLEA arrests two pregnant women at MMIA over illicit drugs

    The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency, NDLEA, has arrested two pregnant women at the Murtala Muhammed International Airport, MMIA, Ikeja, Lagos for attempting to import and export illicit drugs through the airport in the last week.

     

    Also arrested by the agency is a Brazilian returnee, Nworie Phillip Chikwendu who was arrested on Tuesday May 3rd during an inward clearance of passengers on Qatar Airways flight from Sao Paulo, Brazil enroute Doha to Lagos.

     

    In a statement on Sunday, by its Director, Media & Advocacy, Femi Babafemi, during a thorough search of Chikwendu’s luggage, two parcels of cocaine were discovered concealed in a pair of brown slippers hidden in his ox blood backpack.

     

    According to the statement; “further search of the pair of black slippers worn by the suspect also led to the recovery of additional two parcels of cocaine built into the soles of his foot wears, bringing the total to four parcels weighing 800grams.

     

    “When undergoing preliminary interview, Nworie who claimed to be a barber in Sao Paulo, said he came to Nigeria for the burial of his father. He confessed he decided to get into the criminal act because his trip was sponsored by his Brazil-based friend who gave him the drug to deliver in Lagos for a fee of N2, 000, 000.

     

    “The following day, Wednesday 4th May, NDLEA operatives at the SAHCO export shed of the airport intercepted some cartons of alcoholic drinks suspected to contain illicit drugs. A freight agent who brought the consignment for export to Dubai, UAE, Shola Ogunrinde was immediately arrested while a follow up operation led to the arrest of a pregnant woman, Mrs. Seun Babatunde, who operates an alcohol joint in Pleasure area of Iyana Ipaja.

     

    “When the cartons were opened in the presence of the agent and the pregnant owner, seven parcels of cannabis and a sachet of ecstasy drug (MDMA) were found concealed inside Cans of black bullet alcoholic drinks. In her confession, Mrs. Babatunde claimed the drugs were being sent to her husband who lives in Dubai.

     

    “The second pregnant woman, Mrs. Gloria Asibor was arrested on Thursday 5th May while attempting to board a Turkish Airline flight to Bolonia, Spain via Istanbul, Turkey. A search of her luggage containing food items led to the discovery of 300 tablets of 200mg and 225mg high dosage Tramadol concealed in crayfish.

     

    “Meanwhile, large consignments of psychoactive substances have been intercepted in parts of Northwest, Northeast and North central. In Kaduna, a drug dealer, Obinna Anene a.k.a Young Alhaji was arrested on Friday 6th May at Buwaya Kaduna with 50,000 tablets of Diazepam weighing 9kg; 595 tablets of Tramadol weighing 318grams and 8 tablets of Co-codamol weighing 6grams.

     

    “Same day, a trafficker, Alhaji Modu Yahaya was caught with 26.5kg cannabis in Damaturu, Yobe state while travelling in a commercial vehicle from Abuja to Maiduguri, Borno state.

     

    “At least, nine drug dealers were arrested by operatives in Lagos on Thursday 5th May during raids in black spots in Mushin Olosha and Akala as well as Langbasa and Ikota in Ajah area of the state with different quantities of Cocaine, Heroin, Methamphetamine, Cannabis, and Skuchies.

     

    “Those arrested include: Kehinde Ilori; Osho Demola Nurudeen; Kamarudeen Isiaka; Kazeem Ishola; Afeez Adebolade; Oguntana Aduragbemi; Chuks Alowai; Mrs. Bola Kazeem and Kehinde Ogunleye.

    “In Plateau, NDLEA operatives on Saturday 7th May intercepted a truck carrying 673.3kg cannabis along Bassa/Rukuba Barracks road in Jos while the driver and his assistant fled into the bush. In other parts of the state capital, two dealers; Manga Emmanuel and Yusuf Usman were arrested with 34 pinches of cocaine and 400grams of cannabis at old airport and Rikkos respectively.”

     

    TheNewsGuru.com reports that the Chairman/Chief Executive of NDLEA, Brig. Gen. Mohamed Buba Marwa (Retd) has commended the officers and men of the MMIA, Kaduna, Yobe, Lagos and Plateau Commands of the Agency for the arrests and seizures.

     

    He charged them and those in other commands across the country to sustain the heat on drug cartels as well as balance their drug supply reduction and drug demand reduction efforts.

     

  • NDLEA uncovers N22b worth of imported Tramadol

    NDLEA uncovers N22b worth of imported Tramadol

    The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) has said that ongoing investigation of a suspected drug baron, (name withheld) has led to the discovery of more than N22billion worth of tramadol.

    This is contained in a statement by NDLEA Director Media and Advocacy, Mr Femi Babafemi, on Tuesday in Abuja.

    Babafemi said that the investigation led to how the suspect in October 2019 imported into Nigeria two containers, containing 1,284 cartons of Tramadol with market value of over N22billion.

    He said that the statement was to counter insinuations by some hirelings that NDLEA had no evidence to pin a crime on the suspect, widely believed to be the chair of a group of firms.

    According to him, after months of surveillance, the suspect was eventually arrested on board a flight to Abuja at the MM2 Terminal of the Lagos airport, Ikeja, on Wednesday April 13.

    “Investigations revealed that he is been a major importer of large consignments of different brands and high dosages of Tramadol Hydrochloride, ranging from 120mg, 200mg, 225mg and 250mg, all of which are illicit.

    “He (withheld) owns pharmaceutical and plastic manufacturing companies, which he used as a cover to import illicit drugs into Nigeria.

    “The agency said in the course of investigating the N3billion Tramadol saga between the suspect and the Abba Kyari’s IRT team, its operatives have unearthed more evidences.

    According to Babafemi, the suspect has been importing large quantities of Tramadol far above the approved threshold allowed into Nigeria.

    “No doubt the suspect will soon have his day in court, ” he said.

  • NDLEA intercepts N1.1bn travellers’ cheques, 10.89kg cocaine at Lagos airport

    NDLEA intercepts N1.1bn travellers’ cheques, 10.89kg cocaine at Lagos airport

    The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) has intercepted travellers’ cheques in various foreign currencies of over an N1.1billion at the Murtala Muhammed International Airport, (MMIA), Ikeja, Lagos.

    This is contained in a statement by Mr Femi Babafemi, Director, Media and Advocacy, of the agency, on Sunday in Abuja.

    Babafemi said that at least, one suspect, Oguma Uchenna, had been arrested in connection to an attempt to export the cheques.

    These cheques, he said, were neatly concealed inside four bound hardcover books, disguised as academic project literature, to the United Kingdom.

    He said that the financial instruments suspected to be counterfeits were discovered on April 27, at the Nigerian Aviation Handling Company Plc (NAHCO) export shed of the Lagos airport.

    He explained that the discovery was made during cargo examination of some consignments meant for exportation to the UK on a cargo flight.

    “A breakdown of the cheques shows they have monetary values of two hundred and eighty-seven thousand, six hundred and twenty-three dollars, thirty-one cent ($287, 623.31)

    “One million, four hundred and fifty-six thousand, three hundred Canadian dollars ($1,456,300) and One million, two hundred and ninety-seven thousand, eight hundred (1,297,800) euros.

    “This is with a total value of one billion, one hundred and fifty-seven million, six hundred and seventy thousand, four hundred and sixty-nine Naira and ninety-two kobos (N1,157, 670,469.92),” he said.

    In the same vein, operatives of NDLEA at the airport had foiled attempts by drug traffickers to smuggle into the country, 10.89 kilograms of cocaine, through a Qatar Airways flight.

    Babafemi said that the illicit drug was hidden in seven children’s duvets, packed in an unaccompanied bag from Brazil.

    He quoted the chairman of the NDLEA, retired Brig. Gen. Buba Marwa, as commending the officers and men of the MMIA, for the seizures and arrests in the past week.

    Marwa charged them and their compatriots across the country, to remain steadfast and vigilant in their areas of responsibility.

  • Drug integrity test on aspirants: IPAC rejects NDLEA’s proposal

    Drug integrity test on aspirants: IPAC rejects NDLEA’s proposal

    The Inter-Party Advisory Council (IPAC) has rejected the proposal that political parties should make drug integrity test part of its screening requirements for aspirants seeking elective offices in 2023 general election.

    National Chairman, IPAC, Yabagi Sani, stated this in a statement in Abuja.

    Newsmen reports that the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) has proposed that political parties should carryout drug test on all aspirants seeking to contest political offices on their platforms.

    Sani described the proposal as “outrageous, outlandish, preposterous, despicable and deliberate attack” on the sensibilities of lovers of democratic governance in Nigeria.

    “The awkward proposal portrays politicians as drug addicts who must be certified fit to run for various elective offices by the agency. It is reprehensible and unacceptable,” he said.

    Sani demanded an apology from NDLEA and advising the anti-narcotic agency to desist from impugning on the character and integrity of politicians, including those contesting for president who are patriotic, highly respected.

    “It is high time we begin to show regard for the nation’s political leaders as obtainable in other democracies.

    “It is obvious that political parties’ activities are guided by the 1999 Constitution as amended, the Electoral Act 2022, INEC guidelines/regulations and respective parties’ guidelines.

    “There is no justification whatsoever for extra constitutional requirements as proposed by the NDLEA .

    “This is the position of the Supreme Court ahead of the contentious 2003 general election where it held that INEC had no power to impose nomination fees on aspirants vying for elective offices outside the requirements provided by the constitution.

    “This is the clear position of the law and the position of IPAC for aspirants seeking political offices in the 2023 general elections.”

    Sani said that political parties would not be distracted by the NDLEA’s proposal.

    He added that IPAC would continue to uphold democratic ideals ethics and ethos as parties jointly build a better, greater and prosperous democratic society.

    “IPAC strongly condemns drug abuse by misguided citizens and urges NDLEA to discharge its duties in tandem with the law establishing it.”

  • Cocaine deal: Court gives NDLEA go-ahead to review facts in Abba Kyari’s trial

    Cocaine deal: Court gives NDLEA go-ahead to review facts in Abba Kyari’s trial

    A Federal High Court in Abuja granted the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA)’s application to review facts of the two defendants who pleaded guilty in the ongoing trial of suspended DCP Abba Kyari and others on alleged cocaine deal.

    Justice Emeka Nwite, in a ruling, dismissed the objection raised by counsel for Kyari and other co-defendant officers that granting the request might jeopardise their case.

    The two defendants are Chibunna Umeibe and Emeka Ezenwanne, who are 6th and 7th defendants respectively in the matter.

    They are the two alleged drug traffickers arrested at the Akanu Ibiam International Airport in Enugu, who pleaded guilty to five, six and seven counts preferred against them by the anti-narcotic agency.

    Delivering the ruling, the judge agreed with the NDLEA and counsel to Umeibe and Ezenwanne that the objectors had not given sufficient evidence why they would be prejudiced if the court granted the request.

    Justice Nwite aligned with the argument that keeping Umeibe and Ezenwanne in prison while the trial of others last was to infringe on their right to fair hearing going by Section 36(4) of 1999 Constitution (as amended).

    He held that the objection lacked merit, and ordered the NDLEA to commence the review of facts of the 6th and 7th defendants’ case.

    Nwite then adjourned the matter until May 26 for review of facts and hearing of the motion on notice.

    The NDLEA had, on March 7, arraigned Umeibe and Ezenwanne alongside Kyari, ACP Sunday Ubia, ASP Bawa James, Insp. Simon Agirigba and Insp. John Nuhu on eight counts.

    They were the suspended officers of the Intelligence Response Team (IRT) Unit formerly led by Kyari.

    They had pleaded not guilty to all the counts leveled against them.

    Although Umeibe and Ezenwanne’s names were also mentioned in counts three and four where allegations bordering on conspiracy were leveled against Kyari and others, they were not ask to take a plea on these two counts

    However, NAN reports that shortly after the plea was taking, counsel for the NDLEA, Joseph Sunday, prayed the court to grant a leave to review the charges against Umeibe and Ezenwanne in order for the court to sentence them accordingly.

    But Kanu Agabi, SAN, had objected to the prosecuting lawyer’s request.

    Agabi argued that should the court convict and impose a sentence on the duo, it would jeopardise Kyari’s and the other four defendants’ case.

    According to him, convicting and sentencing these two defendants who have pleaded guilty to the charge will be prejudicial to our clients case.

    He contended that Umeibe and Ezenwanne might have “pleaded guilty out of ignorance.”

    Besides, he said the fact that their names were also mentioned in counts three and four made the matter worse.

    He pleaded with the court to put the sentence and conviction of the two defendants on hold, pending the determination of the matter.

    After taking arguments from lawyers to the parties, Nwite had adjourned the matter until today for ruling.

     

  • NDLEA nabs drug baron behind N3bn Tramadol linked to Abba Kyari’s team

    NDLEA nabs drug baron behind N3bn Tramadol linked to Abba Kyari’s team

    Billionaire drug baron behind the N3billion Tramadol deal involving the embattled suspended Deputy Commissioner of Police, Abba Kyari-led Intelligence Response Team, IRT, Chief Afam Mallinson Emmanuel Ukatu has been arrested by operatives of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency, NDLEA.

    This was contained in a statement issued and signed by the anti-narcotics agency’s spokesman, Femi Babafemi stating that:

    “After months of surveillance and evading arrest, Ukatu who is Chairman of Mallinson Group of Companies was eventually nabbed onboard a flight to Abuja
    at the MM2 terminal of the Lagos airport, Ikeja on Wednesday 13th April.

    Investigations reveal hes been a major importer of large consignments of different brands and high dosages of Tramadol Hydrochloride, ranging from 120mg, 200mg, 225mg and 250mg, all of which are illicit. Ukatu owns pharmaceutical and plastic manufacturing companies, which he used as a cover to import illicit drugs into Nigeria. This is in addition to operating 103 bank accounts, most of which are used to launder money.

    Ukatu came under watch last year after five cartons of Tramadol 225mg were seized from his staff on 4th May 2021 when he sent them to sell to undercover police officers (unknown to Ukatu) from the then Kyari-led IRT of the Nigeria Police, Ikeja Lagos. The price of a carton of Tramadol was negotiated at N17million each as against the then black market value that ranged between N18million and N20million a carton in Lagos.

    After the arrest of Ukatu’s staff: Pius Enidom and Sunday Ibekwete, Kyaris men were then led by the suspects to Mallinson’s warehouse at Ojota in Lagos where 197 additional Cartons of Tramadol 225mg were seized by the IRT Team. The monetary value of the 202 cartons of Tramadol seized from Mallinson in one day was over N3billion.

    Three weeks after the seizure, the Kyaris IRT team transferred only 12 Cartons of the Tramadol with one truck and a suspect to the Lagos Command of the NDLEA, leaving 190 cartons unaccounted for. After over eight months of following the lead, anti-narcotic officers of the Agency eventually arrested Ukatu at the Lagos airport on 13th April 2022. Kyari and four top members of his team are already facing trial for a different but similar offence at a Federal High Court in Abuja.