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Tag: NDLEA

  • Court refuses Abba Kyari’s bail, sends him to Kuje Prisons

    Court refuses Abba Kyari’s bail, sends him to Kuje Prisons

    A Federal High Court, Abuja, on Monday, declined to grant the bail application of suspended DCP Abba Kyari.

    Justice Emeka Nwite, in a ruling, held that the the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) had placed sufficient evidence before the court to refuse the bail request.

    Justice Nwite also rejected bail plea of Kyari’s co-defendants.

    The NDLEA, in its counter affidavit, held that it was inappropriate to grant bail to the applicant because of the facts and circumstances of the case.

    The anti-narcotic agency described Kyari as “a flight risk.”

    It argued that if granted bail, the suspended DCP might jump bail.

    The agency, who said the applicant might interfere with the evidence if granted bail, urged the court to dismiss Kyari’s bail plea.

    It argued that the medical challenges of the applicant was not beyond the capacity of the agency’s medical personnel.

    The judge, in the ruling, aligned with NDLEA’s arguments and dismissed the request.

  • [See Photo] 2 drug dealers excrete 165 wraps of cocaine

    [See Photo] 2 drug dealers excrete 165 wraps of cocaine

    The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) said that two drug traffickers have excreted a total of 165 wraps of cocaine following their arrest at the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport, (NAIA), Abuja.

    The Director, Media and Advocacy, NDLEA, Mr Femi Babafemi said this in a statement on Sunday in Abuja.

    Babafemi who named the suspects as Elvis Iro, 53 and Uwaezuoke Christian, 42 said that they were arrested by operatives of the NDLEA.

    He said that the suspects excreted the drugs while under observation in the Agency’s custody.

    According to him, the 53-year-oldman, Iro a father of four children hails from Abiriba, Ohafia local government area of Abia state.

    “He was arrested on Saturday March 19, upon his arrival on board Ethiopian Airline flight from Addis-Ababa for ingesting 65 pellets of cocaine weighing 1.376kg.

    “During preliminary interview, he claimed he’s an interior decorator but had to go into drug trafficking because he needed money to start a coffee business.

    “He also said he had to venture into the business to take care of his family and stock his newly acquired shop with curtain materials/accessories in Lagos.

    “He said he would have been paid One Thousand ($1,000) U.S. dollars on successful delivery of the drug in Abuja, Babafemi said.

    The NDLEA spokesperson said Christian on the same flight, was also arrested on arrival for ingesting 100 pellets of cocaine with a total weight of 2.243kg.

    Babafemi said that the suspect, who hails from Ojoto, Idemili South Local Government Area of Anambra state, claimed to be a businessman dealing in baby’s wears before venturing into drug trafficking.

    “During preliminary interview, he said he traveled to Addis Ababa on Thursday March 17 to buy the drug for Ten Thousand ($10,000) U.S. dollars and returned on Saturday 19th March when he was arrested.

    “He said he sold his land in his village and took loans from friends to be able to raise money to buy the drug.

    “He claimed he had to go into drug to raise money for his business after being duped of Fifteen Thousand ($15,000) U.S. dollars by his friend who lives in China, ” Babafemi said.

    Babafemi said that the Chairman, NDLEA, retired Brig. Gen.- Buba Marwa, commended the officers and men of NAIA for their diligence and vigilance.

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  • Again, NDLEA seizes 1.9million tablets of Tramadol, Codeine at Lagos airport

    Again, NDLEA seizes 1.9million tablets of Tramadol, Codeine at Lagos airport

    Again, within 48hours operatives of the National Drug Enforcement Agency, NDLEA, have seized over 1.9 million tablets of Tramadol and Codeine imported into the country from Pakistan and United Kingdom through the Murtala Muhammed International Airport, MMIA, Ikeja Lagos.

    TheNewsGuru.com, (TNG) reports this was contained in a statement issued by the Spokesman of the anti-narcotics agency, Femi Babafemi on Wednesday stating that:

    “Of the total seizures, 40 cartons of Co-Codamol, a brand of paracetamol with Codeine, which is classified as Opioid, were seized from a freight agent, Eraikhueme Ehis.

    “The seizure made on Thursday March 10 translates to 349, 800 tablets weighing 336kg. The consignment came from London, UK as a consolidated cargo through the SAHCO Import Shed of the airport. The consolidated cargo was declared as personal effects but was discovered to contain some medicaments.

    “In the same vein, no less than 1, 584,000 tablets of Tramadol were recovered on Tuesday 15th March by NDLEA operatives in collaboration with Aviation Security (AVSEC) and Customs service personnel at the airport. The seizure includes 17 cartons of 250mg Tramadol branded as “Tamra” weighing 669.70kg and five cartons of 225mg Tramadol under the brand name “Royal” with a gross weight of 217.15kg.

    “The psychotropic substance, which was imported into the country from Pakistan was smuggled through the airport tarmac using one of the vehicles of the Skyway Aviation Handling Company (SAHCO) and was intercepted at the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN) Personnel Yard. Two suspects: Ofijeh John Mova, a SAHCO driver and Nyam Gazu Alex who is a security guard with the Nigerian Aviation Handling Company (NAHCO) have so far been arrested in connection with the seizure.

    “The previous day, Monday 14th March, a total of 2,160 tablets of Co-codamol weighing 1.95kg and 240 tablets of Tramadol were also intercepted in a consolidated cargo from the UK at the SAHCO import shed of the airport. Follow up operations led to the arrest of the importer of the consignment, Omonijo Temidayo the following day Tuesday 15th March.

    Similarly, follow up operations have also led to the arrest of Hajiya Mariam Saliu in Edo state on Monday 14th March after investigations uncovered her as the brain behind attempt to export 1.55kg cannabis to Dubai through the Lagos airport on 5th March.

    Meanwhile, NDLEA operatives have arrested one of the kingpins behind the attempt to smuggle 11.93 kilograms of Cocaine to Accra, Ghana through the Seme land border, Lagos. The 50-year-old suspect, Oyewunmi Ademola Ahmed was arrested on Tuesday 15th March at Mile 2 area of Lagos after series of follow up operation following the arrest of a driver, Osagie Anthony with the 11.913kg cocaine at Gbaji, Seme-Badagry expressway on January 23.

    In Kwara, a drug dealer, Hope John, 30, was arrested on Saturday 19th March at Goodness area of Offa with different quantities of cannabis, methamphetamine, designer drug and cocaine.

    Chairman/Chief Executive of NDLEA, Brig. Gen. Mohamed Buba Marwa (Retd) has commended the officers and men of the MMIA, Kwara and Seme Border Commands of the Agency for their commitment, dedication to duty and maintaining cordial working relationship with other stakeholders in their areas of responsibility.

  • NDLEA nabs 52yrs man with black liquid cocaine

    NDLEA nabs 52yrs man with black liquid cocaine

    A 52-year-old father of four, Okeke Adolphus Anayochukwu, has been arrested by the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency, NDLEA, with black liquid cocaine at the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport (NAIA).

    Director, Media and Advocacy, NDLEA Headquarters, Abuja, Femi Babafemi, who disclosed this in a statement on Sunday, said this was the first time such has happened.

    According to NDLEA spokesman, the suspect, who claimed to be a businessman, was arrested with 20.75 kilograms of black liquid cocaine on Tuesday 15th March upon his arrival at the Abuja airport onboard Qatar Airways flight from Sao Paulo, Brazil through Doha, Qatar to Abuja.

    Babafemi explained that the liquid was discovered upon search of Okeke’s two luggage stuffed with six smaller bags containing 32-makeup mascara, which tested positive for cocaine.

    “Married with four children, the indigene of Oraifiti in Akwusigo local government area of Anambra State claims he was a businessman dealing in children wares before delving into the illicit drug business. He claimed he met the person who gave him the consignment to deliver in Nigeria for a fee of Two Million (N2, 000,000) Naira at a drinking joint in Brazil,” the Agency’s spokesman said.

     

     

    He added that in other operations across the country, different quantities of various drugs were recovered from suspects.

    The statement reads, “At least three persons: Tony Samson, Paul Adamu, and Reuben Waziri were arrested in Kaduna on Friday 18th March with 18,380 tablets of Tramadol, and 12,500 tablets of Diazepam and Exol-5 tablets.

    In Anambra, NDLEA operatives on Thursday 17th March intercepted a bus with reg. No AGU 460 ZW, at Obosi bridge heading to Aba, Abia state from Onitsha. Upon search, seven and half jumbo sacks of cannabis weighing 362kg were recovered while the driver, Ifeanyi Anyamele admitted to being the owner of the drug exhibits.

  • Malami makes further clarifications on DCP Abba Kyari

    Malami makes further clarifications on DCP Abba Kyari

    Abubakar Malami (SAN), Attorney-General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, has made further clarifications on investigations concerning the suspended Deputy Commissioner of Police, Abba Kyari.

    Malami fielded questions from State House correspondents after the Federal Executive Council (FEC) meeting presided by Vice President Yemi Osinbajo on Wednesday at the Presidential Villa, Abuja.

    He said it was mischievous to insinuate that he was trying to exonerate Kyari as he only requested an enhancement of investigations.

    He added that Kyari is facing trial before Justice Inyang Ekwo of a Federal High Court in Abuja on charges of illegal drug business.

    “Starting with the issue of Abba Kyari as raised, may be, by way of an insight into the workings of the Office of the Attorney-General and Federal Ministry of Justice, you need to understand that it is not, and has never been the functions and duties of the Office of the Attorney-General to conduct investigations

    “So, generally speaking, when issues are raised that have some criminal undertones; the responsibility of the Office of the Attorney-General is to refer same to the relevant agencies of government that are saddled with the responsibility of investigation inclusive of perhaps, the Police, ICPC, EFCC, among others.

    “So, with that in mind, during the course of investigation, there is naturally a need for correspondents and exchange of mutual correspondents between the offices.

    “Fundamentally, after the investigation, when report is presented to the Office of the Attorney-General, the Attorney-General will review same to see whether there is need for enhancement of investigation along the line as it relates to certain key elements of the offence.’’

    He said that it was the aforementioned that one needed to understand what actually transpired in the case of Kyari.

    Malami said that allegations were made, investigations were conducted, and then requests for further enhancement of investigation were indeed made by the Office of the Attorney-General.

    “For the purpose of covering the field in arriving at an informed decision one way or the other.

    “So, while this process of correspondence between the Office of the Attorney-General and indeed, the Police is ongoing, it is indeed, a work-in-progress and never a conclusive position.

    “So, that is what I can tell you clearly; there was indeed a request for investigation; interim investigation report was presented to the Office of the Attorney-General; and the Attorney-General requested for further enhancement into the investigation, and highlighted some areas in respect of which enhancement of investigation is required.

    “So, it is indeed premature or perhaps, mischievous for any conclusion to have been driven in the direction of exonerating or otherwise of the reliability or responsibility relating thereto.’’

    On the electoral bill, Malami said that as far as legislative process was concerned, the Constitution was clear.

    He said the constitution was clear in the sense that it was the responsibility of the National Assembly to legislate and functions associated to enactment, laws and legislations are exclusive to the National Assembly.

    “National Assembly has taken a position, and if the government is in anyway of the opinion that there are certain conflicts associated with the constitution, in terms of breaching the provisions of the constitution relating to law-making, the government has a lot of options to consider and exploit.

    “One of the options is to request or demand the National Assembly to consider; the other option, if the government feels strongly about it, it may consider the judicial option which is equally available and open to all.

    “And then, the third option is to look at the law within the context and spirit of the law to see what it can do; and all these options are on table.

    “No position has been conclusively taken on the part of the government; the government is reviewing; the government is looking and the government will come up with a position at the appropriate time if the need for further action is required; if there is no need for such action, the government will take as presented.’’

    He said, however, that no position had been taken by the executive on what needed to be done on the issue in respect to the stance of the National Assembly.

  • NDLEA raises alarm over Abba Kyari’s plan to escape

    NDLEA raises alarm over Abba Kyari’s plan to escape

    The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency, NDLEA, on Monday, alleged that suspended Deputy Police Commissioner, DCP, Abba Kyari, plans to escape from Nigeria.

    NDLEA claimed that Kyari planned to flee Nigeria to avoid facing punishment for his crimes.

    The agency raised the alarm while urging an Abuja Federal High Court not to grant Kyari bail.

    In a 21-paragraph counter-affidavit, the agency argued that Kyari would “escape and had the capacity to interfere with witnesses.”

    The Director, Prosecution and Legal Services, Joseph Sunday, stated this while adopting the counter-affidavit before Justice Emeka Nwite on Monday.

    NDLEA had linked Kyari and four former members of the Police Intelligence Response Team, IRT, to an international drug cartel.

    The former IRT boss was caught alongside the four officers after they attempted to bribe an agent of the NDLEA with $61,000 to facilitate the release of seized cocaine.

  • Drug deal: How Abba Kyari’s co-defendants are behaving unruly in detention – NDLEA

    Drug deal: How Abba Kyari’s co-defendants are behaving unruly in detention – NDLEA

    The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), on Monday, accused three co-defendants, in the alleged drug trafficking case against suspended DCP Abba Kyari and others, of being unruly while in its custody.

    NDLEA lawyer and director, Prosecution and Legal Services, Joseph Sunday, made the allegation before Justice Emeka Nwite of a Federal High Court, Abuja.

    The development came shortly after Justice Nwite fixed March 28 for ruling on the bail application of the defendants, including Kyari.

    Sunday, who told Justice Nwite that ASP Bawa James, Insp. Simon Agirigba and Insp. John Nuhu did not conduct themselves well while in their custody, prayed the court to make an order transferring them to a correctional centre.

    “The 3rd to 5th defendants were very unruly while in our custody,” he said, urging the court to make an order for their transfer.

    He said if they were ready to undertake to be of good conduct, the agency would be ready to admit them back in its custody.

    But counsel for the 3rd defendant (ASP Bawa James), Michael Mbanefo, expressed surprised at Sunday’s remark.

    N. Y. Chiwar, lawyer to Insp. Simon Agirigba and Insp. John Nuhu (4th and 5th defendants), informed that the allegation was due to the difficult of members of their families having access to them.

    Chiwar, who undertook that the defendants would be of good behaviour, prayed the court to allow them to continue to be kept in NDLEA custody.

    Ruling, the judge held that in view of the undertaking by their counsel to the effect that they would be of good behaviour while in custody, “I am minded to grant the prayer.”

    Nwite, however, said that if there was any report contrary to the undertaking, he would revoke the order.

    Earlier, Mahmud Magaji, SAN, counsel for Kyari and Ubia, told the court that a bail application was filed in respect of his clients.

    Magaji, who said the offences with which Kyari and Ubia are being charged are bailable ones, also said that the constitution gave the court the discretionary power to do so.

    He urged the judge to grant the bail on liberal terms.

    He based his argument on the presumption of innocence of Kyari and Ubia as enshrined in the Nigerian constitution, until the court decides otherwise.

    The lawyer argued that the law provides that the defendants be given an opportunity, time and space to prepare for their defence.

    “The presumption of innocence granted to every accused person will be lost if the defendants are denied bail.

    “The defendants have undertaken to be present in court throughout the duration of their trial,” he further argued.

    However, counsel to the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), Joseph Sunday, a director of Prosecution and Legal Services, opposed the bail application.

    Corroborating, counsel for the 4th and 5th defendants, Chiwar, argued that “issues of defence involves sober reflection, and the defendants’ prolonged incarceration will deny them that right to ample time and facilities to defend themselves.”

    He also urged the court to admit then to bail.

    But, the lawyer to the 3rd defendant, Mbanefo, could not move his client’s bail application due to late service of NDLEA’s counter affidavit to his bail request.

    Reacting, NDLEA’s lawyer, Sunday, prayed the court to refuse the bail request by Kyari and all the other defendants.

    He said their reasons for opposing the application were in paragraph 3.5 of their counter affidavit.

    After listening to the arguments of all the lawyers in the suit, the judge adjourned the case until March 28 for ruling on the 1st, 2nd, 4th and 5th defendants’ bail application

    He, however, fixed March 28 for hearing a bail application by 3rd defendant.

    The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that while Kyari is the 1st defendant; ACP Sunday J. Ubia, ASP Bawa James, Insp. Simon Agirigba and Insp. John Nuhu are 2nd to 5th defendants in the charge marked FHC/ABJ/57/2022.

    The police officers, including Kyari, were four members of the Inspector-General of Police Intelligence Response Team (IRT), who pleaded not guilty to the eight-count charge bordering on alleged drug trafficking.

    But Chibunna Patrick Umeibe and Emeka Alphonsus Ezenwanne are the 6th and 7th defendants respectively, who pleaded guilty to counts five, six and seven preferred against them.

    Umeibe and Ezenwanne are the two alleged drug traffickers that were arrested at the Akanu Ibiam International Airport in Enugu.

  • BREAKING: Abba Kyari’s wife slumps in court as N4.2 billion is traced to husband

    BREAKING: Abba Kyari’s wife slumps in court as N4.2 billion is traced to husband

    There was pandemonium at the Abuja Division of the Federal High Court on Monday as a lady, Ramatu Yakubu Kyari, identified as the wife of the suspended Deputy Commissioner of Police, DCP, Abba Kyari, on Monday, slumped at the court and was quickly rushed to a nearby office by NDLEA officers.

    TheNewsGuru.com (TNG) reports at the resumed trial of Abba Kyari, Ramatu slumped and fell to the ground shortly after the trial Judge, Justice Emeka Nwite adjourned the bail application of her husband until March 28.

    Justice Nwite, who adjourned the ruling, ordered Kyari and other police officers seeking for a bail to be remanded in the custody of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) pending the determination of the matter.

    The middle aged woman, who wore a black Hijab, however, fell on the floor while armed operatives of the NDLEA were leading Kyari and the others away from the court premises.

    Though she appeared lifeless on the floor, she was quickly carried up and rushed inside one of the offices on the third floor of the court by some officials of the NDLEA and lawyers.

    As at the time of filing this report, efforts were on to secure an inhaler for her, even as one of the women that accompanied her to the court, hinted that she was asthmatic.

    The development delayed the NDLEA officers from conveying the defendants to their office as they waited for Kyrai outside the court premises for about 45 minutes before he was led into the waiting vehicle.

    Ramatu later came out with the aid of members of families and friends who assisted her out of the court.

    TNG reports the NDLEA had on Monday, urged the court to deny Kyari and all the other Defendants bail.

    The drug law agency told the court that Kyari, who hitherto headed the Police Intelligence Response Team, IRT, would escape from the country and make himself unavailable for trial, should he be released from custody.

    Meanwhile, the NDLEA says it has traced the sum of N4.2 billion to the accounts of Abba Kyari and his co-defendant, ACP Sunday Ubua.

    According to the drug enforcement agency, not less than N1.4bn passed through Kyari’s account while he was commander of the IRT.

    However, Kyari’s deputy, Ubua, may have received far more than him as not less than N2.8bn was traced to his eight bank accounts.

    According to investigations, Ubua allegedly received a lump sum of N2.664bn on August 15, 2019.

    The NDLEA is now working on the assumption that the sums traced to Kyari and his deputy may be connected to the sale of some illicit substances including Tramadol worth N3bn.

  • Suspended DCP Abba Kyari, deputy pray court for bail

    Suspended DCP Abba Kyari, deputy pray court for bail

    Suspended DCP Abba Kyari and his co-defendant, ACP Sunday Ubia, on Monday, asked a Federal High Court, Abuja, to admit them to bail.

    Kyari and Ubia, through their lawyer, Mahmud Magaji, told Justice Emeka Nwite while arguing the bail application

    Magaji, who said the offences with which Kyari and Ubia are being charged are bailable ones, also said that the constitution gave the court the discretionary power to do so.

    However, counsel to the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), Joseph Sunday, a director of Prosecution and Legal Services, opposed the bail application.

    Also, counsel to other police officers in the matter, also urged the court to grant their clients bail.

    The natter is still ongoing as at the time of filing the report.

    On March 1, Justice Inyang Ekwo of a Abuja Federal High Court, refused to grant the bail application of Kyari.

    Justice Ekwo ruled that the application had been overtaken by events following an order of a sister court, granting the NDLEA’s prayers to detain Kyari for another 14 days to enable it conclude its investigation.

    The judge in that ruling held that the court, which gave the order in favour of NDLEA on Feb. 22, was a court of coordinate jurisdiction.

    He, however, said he was inclined to hear Kyari’s fundamental enforcement rights suit with the urgency it deserves after the expiration of the 14-day court order, and adjourned until March 15.

    Justice Zainab Abubakar of the FHC sitting in Abuja had granted the agency’s application to have Kyari and other suspects linked to the alleged drug trafficking detained for 14 more days to complete its investigation.

    Kyari, through his lawyer, had, on February 21, approached the court with an ex parte motion and originating summons seeking a bail and asking the court to enforce his fundamental human rights, which he alleged had been breached by unlawful arrest and detention.

  • NDLEA traces N4.2bn to DCP Abba Kyari, deputy’s account

    NDLEA traces N4.2bn to DCP Abba Kyari, deputy’s account

    The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency, NDLEA, has reportedly traced N4.2bn to former Commander of the Intelligence Response Team, DCP Abba Kyari; as well as his deputy, ACP Sunday Ubia bank accounts.

    The drug enforcement agency is said to have sent the fresh facts to the Attorney-General of the Federation, Abubakar Malami.

    Recalled that NDLEA had narrated how it filmed the moment Kyari, was negotiating a drug deal for the release of 25kg of cocaine and offered $61,400 cash to NDLEA officer.

    NDLEA said not less than N1.4bn passed through Kyari’s account while he was commander of the IRT, PUNCH reports.

    However, Kyari’s deputy, Ubia, may have received far more than him as not less than N2.8bn was traced to his eight bank accounts.

    According to investigations, Ubia allegedly received a lump sum of N2.664bn on August 15, 2019. The NDLEA is now working on the assumption that the sums traced to Kyari and his deputy may be connected to the sale of some illicit substances including Tramadol worth N3bn.

    A source said, “You will recall that the NDLEA is investigating an allegation that Kyari and his team seized a large consignment of tramadol in a warehouse at Amuwo Odofin in Lagos. The consignment was worth about N3bn.

    “The IRT under Kyari’s command seized these drugs and they are believed to have sold the consignment to a cartel afterward. It was around the time of this seizure that Kyari’s deputy received a deposit of N2.664bn in his personal bank account. Out of this money, he purchased FBN Insurance shares worth about N100m.”