The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) has secured a total of 95 years in prison for four convicted drug kingpins—Ogbuji Christian Ifeanyi, Iloduba Augustine Chinonye, Shuaibu Nuhu Isa (alias Don), and Zidon Zurga—over cocaine and high-potency cannabis (skunk) trafficking valued at more than ₦4.6 billion. The Federal High Courts in Lagos and Yola, Adamawa State, delivered the sentences after separate convictions. NDLEA operatives arrested Ogbuji Christian Ifeanyi at Murtala Muhammed International Airport (MMIA), Ikeja, Lagos, on September 18, 2024, during an Ethiopian Airlines passenger clearance from Addis Ababa. He was caught smuggling 817 wraps of cocaine, weighing 19.40 kilograms, with an estimated street value of ₦4.65 billion. This came just 16 months after his previous conviction for ingesting 93 pellets of cocaine. His first arrest was on May 10, 2023, at Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport (NAIA), Abuja, after arriving from Uganda via Addis Ababa with 1.986 kg of cocaine. Convicted on July 13, 2023, by Justice Mobolaji Olajuwon of the Federal High Court in Abuja (Charge No: FHC/ABJ/CR/192/2023), he received a two-year sentence or a ₦3 million fine, which he paid to secure his release. Undeterred, Ogbuji was re-arrested at Lagos Airport on September 18, 2024, with an even larger cocaine consignment. He was later charged before Justice Yellim Bogoro of the Federal High Court, Lagos (Charge No: FHC/L/845C), on January 16, 2025, and sentenced on February 28, 2025, as follows: - Five years imprisonment on Count One, with a ₦7 million fine option. - Ten years imprisonment on Count Two, without a fine option. - If he fails to pay the ₦7 million fine, he will serve a total of 15 years in prison. The court also ordered the forfeiture of all monetary exhibits and items seized at his arrest. Iloduba Augustine Chinonye’s Case Iloduba Augustine Chinonye, 51, was arrested on December 31, 2021, at Akanu Ibiam International Airport, Enugu, for ingesting 58 wraps of cocaine. While in transit through Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, he excreted 48 wraps, expelling the remaining 10 under NDLEA custody after his January 1, 2022, arrest. He was arraigned before Justice Folashade Giwa Ogunbanjo of the Federal High Court, Enugu (Charge No: FHC/EN/CR/18/2022). Following a three-year trial, he was convicted on March 5, 2025, and sentenced to: - Five years imprisonment on each count, totaling 10 years, running concurrently from his conviction date. Shuaibu Nuhu Isa (a.k.a Don) & Zidon Zurga’s Case Shuaibu Nuhu Isa, 55, and Zidon Zurga, 50, were arrested on November 25, 2024, along the Numan-Yola Road, Adamawa State, while transporting 500.8 kg of skunk concealed in: - A Toyota Hilux (Lagos NT 829 AAA) - A Prado SUV with a fake Presidency number plate (01B-266 FG) Arraigned before Justice Bala Usman of the Federal High Court, Yola (Charge No: FHC/YL/150/2024), they were convicted on February 7, 2025, and sentenced to: - 35 years imprisonment each on two counts, totaling 70 years combined. - An alternative fine of ₦25 million each. Additionally, the court ordered the interim forfeiture of the vehicles used in the drug trafficking operation. NDLEA Chairman Commends Judiciary & Investigators NDLEA Chairman/CEO, Brig Gen Mohamed Buba Marwa (Rtd.), praised the trial courts and NDLEA investigative teams at MMIA, Akanu Ibiam International Airport, and Adamawa State Commands for their dedication and professionalism in securing these convictions.

Two people have been reported dead following a violent clash between rival cult groups in Ughelli Community, Ughelli North Local Government Area of Delta State. Waffi TV gathered that several individuals sustained severe injuries during the confrontation between the Eiye and Vikings Confraternities, who were reportedly fighting for territorial dominance. As of the time of this report, it remains unclear whether the deceased were members of either group, and no cult faction has claimed responsibility for the fatalities. The clash, which lasted several hours last night, saw the rival groups firing gunshots into the air while attacking each other and passersby with dangerous weapons. Delta State Police Public Relations Officer, SP Bright Edafe, confirmed the incident in a text and WhatsApp message to our correspondent in Warri, stating simply: “Confirmed.”

Service of songs reception ceremony for the celebration of the life and legacy of late Mrs. Pinapina Otuaro (Nee Omula) aka Nene. The mother of the Former Deputy Governor, Deacon Kingsley Burutu Otuaro. This grand event is held at the residence of the Former Deputy Governor, in order to provide an opportunity for friends, family, and dignitaries to pay their respects to the life testament of the late matriarch and mother of the people. Her philanthropic and nurturing gestures towards all who came in contact with her during her long and healthy lifetime is felt deeply in the hearts of all present at the occasion. An auspicious downfall of rain marked the beginning of the reception, after which the ceremony kickstarted with full vigor, embellishing the state with the colorful regal of attendees. The event is attended by Top Government and state high-ranking officials Including Commissioners, Special Advisers, different organisations, house of assembly members, Family Members, Friends, Close relatives and associates of the deceased. It is truly a celebration of life.

The Federal Capital Territory Police Command has apprehended a former immigration officer attempting to sell advanced firearms to bandits operating in the Abuja-Kaduna forests. The dismissed officer, whose identity remains undisclosed, was arrested during an intelligence-led operation by the police. Addressing journalists in Abuja on Wednesday, the Officer in Charge of the Anti-Kidnapping Unit, Mustafa Mohammed, stated that the operation prevented the weapons from reaching criminals who could have used them lethally. Mohammed said, “Acting on intelligence, the command intercepted these guns from a dismissed immigration officer attempting to sell them to bandits terrorising the Abuja-Kaduna forest. The intelligence was received in time, and the arms were intercepted while he was trying to make the delivery.” Mohammed said among the recovered weapons was a Scorpion CZ EVO3, an advanced, fully automatic firearm with an inbuilt silencer. “This is the latest model, the 2022 version of the Scorpion series. It can be used in single, automatic, or burst mode. It is a highly sophisticated weapon, and its magazine can hold between 20 to 30 rounds, depending on the configuration. We also recovered 52 rounds of ammunition which could have posed a severe threat had they fallen into the hands of criminals.” On his part, the FCT Commissioner of Police, Tunji Disu, said a total of 300 suspects were arrested between January and February 28, 2025. Disu said, “In its sustained effort to rid the Federal Capital Territory of crime and criminal elements, the FCT Police Command has intensified its operations, carrying out a series of high-impact raids from January 1st to February 28th, 2025. “These decisive actions, driven by intelligence and executed with tactical precision, have led to the arrest of 300 suspects and the recovery of a significant cache of arms, ammunition, and illicit substances. Total number of armed robbers arrested: 59. “Total number of kidnappers and informants arrested: 10. Total number of armed robbers neutralized: nine. Total number of kidnappers neutralized: seven. Total number of cultists arrested: 16.” He also said targeted raid and clearance operations were conducted in identified criminal hideouts. Disu said, “Demonstrating an unwavering commitment to the safety of residents, the Command deployed specialized tactical teams to raid identified criminal hideouts and black spots across the FCT. These operations covered high-risk areas, including Dei-Dei, Karu, Gwarinpa, Jikwoyi, Karimo and Maitama. “Additionally, abandoned buildings across the city, frequently used as hideouts and bases for planning illicit activities, have been identified and will be subject to continuous monitoring and raids.”

The Bauchi State Police Command has arrested 20-year-old Safiyanu Dalhatu for allegedly killing his mother by beating her. The command’s Police Public Relations Officer, Ahmed Wakil, revealed this in a press statement on Tuesday. He explained that, “On February 24, 2025, Peace and Security Committee members in the Abujan Kwata area of Bauchi reported an incident to the ‘A’ Divisional Police Headquarters. “At about 3pm, Safiyanu Dalhatu, a 20-year-old male resident of Abujan Kwata, allegedly assaulted his biological mother, Salama Abdullahi, a 40-year-old female of the same residence. “Safiyanu Dalhatu is accused of attacking Salma Abdullahi with a heavy pestle, resulting in fractures to both of her hands as well as other bodily injuries.” Wakil noted that upon receipt of the report, the Divisional Police Officer, Abdullahi Muazu, led a team of detectives to the scene and transported the victim to the Abubakar Tafawa Balewa Teaching Hospital, Bauchi for medical attention, where a medical professional confirmed her death. The statement noted that “Initial investigations suggest that the altercation between the suspect and his biological mother precipitated the assault. “The suspect has been apprehended, and the pestle used in the incident has been recovered and documented as exhibits.”

The Nigerian Navy’s Forward Operating Base (FOB) Escravos has shut down three illegal refining sites in Delta. FOB Escravos Commanding Officer, Navy Capt. Ikenna Okoloagu, revealed this to journalists on Tuesday in Warri. According to Okoloagu, the illegal refining sites were dismantled on Tuesday at Obodo in Omadinho Community, Warri South-West Local Government Area of Delta. “The Nigerian navy’s fight against crude oil theft, pipeline vandalism and other acts of economic sabotage has yielded another result. “The FOB, Escravos discovered and deactivated three illegal refining sites at Obodo in Omadinho Community on Tuesday. “The sites were laden with about 3,700 litres of stolen crude oil and 2,600 litres of illegally refined Automotive Gasoline Oil (AGO). “The products were contained in five ovens, 12 dug out pits and 33 polythene sacks,”he said. Okoloagu credited the success of the operations to credible intelligence, aligning with the ongoing Operation DELTA SANITY II. He emphasized the Base’s commitment to fulfilling the Strategic Directives of the Chief of Naval Staff (CNS), Vice Adm. Emmanuel Ogalla, aimed at eliminating illegal activities in the maritime domain. The navy captain cautioned oil sector saboteurs to desist, warning that anyone apprehended would face prosecution. However, he reassured that perpetrators would not be allowed to operate freely within the Base’s areas of responsibility. Notably, the Base had also deactivated four illegal refining sites in the same community on Wednesday.

Operatives of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) have apprehended 42-year-old Angolan businessman, Mbala Abuba, for attempting to smuggle cocaine to Istanbul, Turkey. Abuba, from Zaire Province, Angola, was detained on Tuesday, February 25, 2025, at Mallam Aminu Kano International Airport, Kano, as he attempted to board Egypt Air flight MS 880 to Istanbul via Cairo. According to a statement from the agency’s spokesperson, Femi Babafemi, a body scan revealed that Abuba had ingested narcotics, leading to his immediate observation. After several hours, he expelled 120 pellets of cocaine, totaling 1.829 kilograms, in seven rounds. “In his statement, the suspect claimed he was into the business of township delivery services in Angola before delving into the illicit drug trade,” the statement added.

The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) has arrested a 59-year-old international drug kingpin, Ogbonnaya Jeff, who had been on the run for 17 years. He was apprehended at his hideout in Ojo, Lagos, following a long-standing manhunt. Speaking in Abuja on Monday, NDLEA Chairman/CEO, Brig. Gen. Buba Marwa (retd.), revealed that the agency’s Special Operations Unit had been tracking Ogbonnaya based on an Interpol Red Notice and intelligence from South Korea’s National Intelligence Service. Marwa further disclosed that NDLEA had gathered solid evidence linking Ogbonnaya to drug trafficking, including recruiting young Nigerians as couriers to smuggle illicit substances into South Korea. He said, “The major development that warranted this special briefing pertains to the arrest of a drug lord wanted across the world as the leader of an international drug trafficking organization. “On Wednesday, February 12, 2025, we arrested Ogbonnaya Kevin Jeff, a 59-year-old drug baron. The suspect was apprehended at his hideout at No. 3, Ibukunoluwa Taiwo Close, off LASU Road, Lagos. He had been under NDLEA investigation before his arrest. As a result, we have comprehensive intelligence on his activities and incontrovertible facts confirming that he is a notorious drug lord who recruited young Nigerians as couriers to smuggle illicit substances into the Republic of Korea (South Korea). “Our records reveal that many Nigerians apprehended outside the country for drug-related offences were linked to him. Furthermore, we have established that he laundered drug proceeds through the importation of electronics and other goods. Following his arrest, a search of his residence led to the recovery of multiple Nigerian international passports belonging to different individuals, many of which contained Korean visas. Additionally, we recovered some illicit substances stored at the back of his house.” Marwa said Ogbonnaya had previously served a one-year prison term in South Korea in 2007 before being deported to Nigeria in 2008. However, he resumed his illicit operations, orchestrating drug shipments to the Far East. “His dossier indicates that he served a one-year prison sentence in the Republic of Korea in 2007 and was deported to Nigeria in 2008. Despite this, he continued his illicit trade, remaining actively involved in drug trafficking operations to the Far East. “Presently, he is wanted in the Republic of Korea for multiple drug trafficking offences in collaboration with his accomplices. An INTERPOL Red Notice was issued for his arrest and extradition to the country for offences committed between 2023 and 2024. “From a series of interdictions, it has been established that Ogbonnaya is the ringleader of a drug trafficking organization responsible for smuggling narcotics into the People’s Republic of Korea. He has been orchestrating operations remotely, giving instructions to drug mules and domestic suppliers who are members of his syndicate spread across Cameroon, Ghana, Burkina Faso, Liberia, and other East and Southern African countries.” Marwa stated that between December 2023 and April 2024, Ogbonnaya allegedly directed two couriers—Santa Elizabeth Pieterse and Carl Yohan Stephan Brisman—to smuggle five kilograms of methamphetamine into South Korea via international flights. “On October 5, 2023, at a location in Burkina Faso, the suspect dispatched 6,051.06 grams of skunk, concealed in dried chillies and jujube, to a Korean, Kim Dong Wook, at a designated address in Jinju City, Gyeongsangnam-do, South Korea. The package arrived at Incheon Airport on October 19, 2023, at 7:20 a.m. via Air France. “Investigation reveals that while residing in Nigeria, he directed his drug couriers, Santa Elizabeth Pieterse and Carl Yohan Stephan Brisman, to smuggle a total of five kilograms of methamphetamine into South Korea via overseas flights between December 2023 and April 2024. In recent times alone, he has sent illicit drugs worth over N1.4 billion in street value to South Korea. “Ogbonnaya maintains another domestic carrier, identified as ‘Asa,’ who delivers drug consignments to a warehouse operated by Okori Emmanuel, a Nigerian who serves as his supply manager in South Korea. As of now, two arrest warrants have been issued against Ogbonnaya by the Seoul Central District Court in January and June 2024. These warrants charge him with importing narcotic drugs in violation of Article 3-7 of South Korea’s Narcotics Control Act, an offence punishable by a maximum sentence of life imprisonment.”