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- January 5, 2025
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NDLEA arrests wanted drug kingpin, Nollywood filmmaker over illicit drug shipments
The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) announced that its operatives have arrested a wanted drug kingpin and Lagos socialite, 61-year-old Alhaja Aishat Feyisara Ajoke Elediye. According to NDLEA, Elediye was apprehended on Wednesday, January 1, 2025, in her mansion in the Okota area of Lagos, following the interception of a truckload of illicit drug
NDLEA arrests wanted drug kingpin, Nollywood filmmaker over illicit drug shipments
The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) announced that its operatives have arrested a wanted drug kingpin and Lagos socialite, 61-year-old Alhaja Aishat Feyisara Ajoke Elediye.
According to NDLEA, Elediye was apprehended on Wednesday, January 1, 2025, in her mansion in the Okota area of Lagos, following the interception of a truckload of illicit drug consignment from her staff the same day.
This was disclosed on Sunday in a statement by Femi Babafemi, Director of Media & Advocacy, NDLEA Headquarters, Abuja.
Babafemi revealed that the kingpin’s so-called invincibility was shattered when NDLEA operatives, acting on intelligence, intercepted a white Isuzu truck carrying 44 jumbo sacks containing 1,540 kilograms of imported cannabis. The truck was driven by one of her staff members, 41-year-old Abideen Adio.
He further disclosed that the operatives stormed her hideout at 33 Adebayo Oyewole Street, off Ago Palace Way, Okota, where they arrested her.
“On the surface, Alhaja Ajoke is a businesswoman who imports fabrics and shoes from China, but beneath that façade is a massive illicit drug trade. She is also recognized as the Iyalaje of Blessing Sisters, an influential club of society women in Lagos,” Babafemi stated.
In another major operation, NDLEA announced the arrest of a US-trained Hollywood and Nollywood filmmaker, Emeka Emmanuel Mbadiwe, who is also a motivational speaker. Mbadiwe was arrested in his hotel room in Lekki after the arrest of his partner, Uzoekwe Ugochukwu James, earlier that same day at a warehouse in Ajao Estate, Ikeja.
The NDLEA alleged that James was sent by Mbadiwe to retrieve a shipment of 33 parcels of “Loud,” a potent strain of cannabis weighing 17.30 kilograms. The shipment arrived at the import shed of Murtala Muhammed International Airport, Ikeja, on December 24, 2024, from the United States on a Delta Airlines flight, concealed in large wooden boxes.
Announcing other interceptions, Babafemi noted, “In Kwara State, a fresh graduate, Khadijat Abdulraheem, 24, and a 20-year-old student of the University of Ilorin, Ayomide Morakinyo, were arrested on Sunday, December 29, 2024, by NDLEA operatives along Tanke-University of Ilorin Road, Oke Odo, Ilorin. They were found to be producing and selling drug-laced cupcakes to students in the community. A search of their apartment revealed 42 pieces of the drugged cakes.”
Babafemi continued, “An ex-convict, Sodade Sunday Eniola, who was arrested by operatives of the Tincan Command of NDLEA in June 2024 for drug trafficking, prosecuted, and sentenced to four years in prison, has been arrested again by officers of the MMIA Strategic Command for passport racketeering. After his conviction by a Federal High Court in Lagos on June 14, 2024, he paid a fine of ₦750,000 and was released.
“However, in a series of operations in December 2024, NDLEA operatives at the export shed of Lagos airport intercepted 52 passports of different countries concealed in shoe soles and food items. Further investigations led to the arrest of four members of three syndicates involved in the racket. The suspects, Sodade Sunday Eniola, Ayinde Saheed Awwal, Salaudeen Afeez Ayode, and Sheriff Adebayo Bamigbade, were handed over to the Zonal Command of the Nigerian Immigration Service in Lagos on December 30, 2024, for further investigation and possible prosecution.”
In another development, NDLEA officers at the Port Harcourt Ports Complex, Onne, Rivers State, recovered 316,800 bottles of codeine-based syrup from two containers during a joint examination of the shipments with Nigeria Customs and other security agencies on December 31, 2024. The seizure followed credible intelligence processed by the Port Harcourt Port Command.
In Kano, NDLEA operatives raided Mafarki, Dan Dishe, in Dala Local Government Area on December 31, 2024, recovering 149,090 pills of tramadol and Exol-5 from a local dealer, 45-year-old Ismail Muhammad.
Reacting to the developments, NDLEA Chairman/Chief Executive Officer, Brig. Gen. Mohamed Buba Marwa (Rtd), commended the officers and men of the MMIA, Lagos, Kano, PHPC, and Kwara Commands for their arrests and seizures. Marwa praised their operational successes and highlighted the importance of their balanced approach to drug supply reduction and drug demand reduction efforts.
NDLEA arrests wanted drug kingpin, Nollywood filmmaker over illicit drug shipments
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- January 5, 2025
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Northern elders demand suspension of tax reform bills, urge dialogue
The Northern Elders Forum has reiterated its opposition to the Federal Government’s proposed Tax Reform Bills, demanding their immediate suspension and calling for extensive dialogue with stakeholders. The forum criticised the Federal Government for failing to engage critical stakeholders and experts before drafting the reforms. In a press statement released on Saturday and signed by
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The Northern Elders Forum has reiterated its opposition to the Federal Government’s proposed Tax Reform Bills, demanding their immediate suspension and calling for extensive dialogue with stakeholders. The forum criticised the Federal Government for failing to engage critical stakeholders and experts before drafting the reforms. In a press statement released on Saturday and signed by
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- January 5, 2025
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Account for N825bn, $2.5bn for refinery repairs, SERAP tells NNPCL
The Socio-Economic Rights and Accountability Project has called on the Group Chief Executive Officer of the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited, Mele Kyari, to explain the disappearance of over N825 billion and $2.5 billion earmarked for refinery rehabilitation and oil revenues. The demand follows a 2021 annual report by the Auditor-General of the Federation, which
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The Socio-Economic Rights and Accountability Project has called on the Group Chief Executive Officer of the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited, Mele Kyari, to explain the disappearance of over N825 billion and $2.5 billion earmarked for refinery rehabilitation and oil revenues. The demand follows a 2021 annual report by the Auditor-General of the Federation, which
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- January 5, 2025
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Ododo orders swift action against killers of Kogi farmers
The Kogi State Governor, Ahmed Ododo, has ordered an immediate crackdown on the attackers responsible for the killing of two farmers on Friday in the Odo-Ape community of Kabba/Bunu Local Government Area, Kogi State. Ododo issued the directive in a statement signed by the Kogi Commissioner for Information and Communications, Kingsley Fanwo, and shared with
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The Kogi State Governor, Ahmed Ododo, has ordered an immediate crackdown on the attackers responsible for the killing of two farmers on Friday in the Odo-Ape community of Kabba/Bunu Local Government Area, Kogi State. Ododo issued the directive in a statement signed by the Kogi Commissioner for Information and Communications, Kingsley Fanwo, and shared with
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- January 5, 2025
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Former Greek Prime Minister, Costas Simitis dies at 88
Former Greek Prime Minister Costas Simitis, widely regarded as a modernizer in the country’s political arena, died on Sunday at the age of 88. While announcing his death, the Greek government declared four days of mourning for Simitis. Simitis, one of the founding members of the Panhellenic Socialist Movement (PASOK), left an indelible mark on
Former Greek Prime Minister, Costas Simitis dies at 88
Former Greek Prime Minister Costas Simitis, widely regarded as a modernizer in the country’s political arena, died on Sunday at the age of 88.
While announcing his death, the Greek government declared four days of mourning for Simitis.
Simitis, one of the founding members of the Panhellenic Socialist Movement (PASOK), left an indelible mark on the country’s political life.
He succeeded PASOK founder Andreas Papandreou as party leader and served as Greece’s prime minister from 1996 to 2004.
In a statement, current Greek Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis expressed sadness at Simitis’ passing and respect for a “worthy and noble political opponent” who accompanied Greece through significant national milestones, including its accession to the eurozone and Cyprus’ entry into the European Union.
Mitsotakis described Simitis as a personality who, without a doubt, left a lasting imprint on the country’s development over the past few decades.
He noted that Simitis aimed to modernize Greece’s economy and society through privatization and fiscal stability, efforts that culminated in the country’s adoption of the euro in 2001.
Former Greek Prime Minister, Costas Simitis dies at 88
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- January 5, 2025
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Governor’s aide survives ambush in Southern Kaduna
Hon. Rachael Averik, the Special Assistant on Political Affairs to the Kaduna State Governor, survived an attempted assassination in Southern Kaduna on Thursday, January 2, 2025. The attack, which took place between Tsauni Majidadi and Gani villages in Sanga Local Government Area, left her driver and a police officer injured. Averik explained that she was
Governor’s aide survives ambush in Southern Kaduna
Hon. Rachael Averik, the Special Assistant on Political Affairs to the Kaduna State Governor, survived an attempted assassination in Southern Kaduna on Thursday, January 2, 2025.
The attack, which took place between Tsauni Majidadi and Gani villages in Sanga Local Government Area, left her driver and a police officer injured.
Averik explained that she was returning to Gwantu after attending a condolence visit and commissioning a hospital built by Alhaji Muhammad Umar Numbu in Arak Chiefdom when her convoy came under attack.
Gunmen opened fire on the vehicle, prompting a fierce exchange of gunfire between the assailants and her security detail. During the confrontation, her driver and one of the officers sustained gunshot wounds.
Authorities have launched an investigation into the incident as the state government condemns the attack and reiterates its commitment to improving security in the region.
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- January 5, 2025
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Gov Yahaya lauds Nigerian Air Force, reaffirms commitment to Gombe Security
Governor Inuwa Yahaya of Gombe State has commended the Nigerian Air Force (NAF) for its contributions to enhancing security in the state, pledging continued government support for security agencies. The governor, represented by Col. Abdullahi Bello (rtd.), Commissioner for Internal Security and Home Affairs, gave the commendation during the Nigerian Air Force Base Socio-Cultural Activities
Gov Yahaya lauds Nigerian Air Force, reaffirms commitment to Gombe Security
Governor Inuwa Yahaya of Gombe State has commended the Nigerian Air Force (NAF) for its contributions to enhancing security in the state, pledging continued government support for security agencies.
The governor, represented by Col. Abdullahi Bello (rtd.), Commissioner for Internal Security and Home Affairs, gave the commendation during the Nigerian Air Force Base Socio-Cultural Activities (BASA 2024) held at the 109 NAF Combat Reconnaissance Group in the Lawanti community of Akko Local Government Area.
Addressing attendees, Governor Yahaya acknowledged the efforts of the 109 Combat Reconnaissance Group in strengthening the state’s security framework.
“The 109 Combat Reconnaissance Group, NAF Gombe, has been doing well in providing support toward the improvement of the security structure in the state.
“I wish to assure everybody that the state government is committed to the security of the entire state, and that will be further strengthened in this new year,” he affirmed.
The governor also congratulated the NAF on successfully hosting the second edition of the BASA cultural event, describing it as a platform for fostering harmonious relationships between NAF personnel and the host community.
Bello Hassan, the district head of Lawanti, expressed gratitude to NAF personnel for their dedication to maintaining peace and security in the area.
In his remarks, Wing Commander Maxine Mokelu, Commander of the 109 Combat Reconnaissance Group, highlighted the cultural significance of the BASA event, stating its role in celebrating Nigeria’s diverse heritage.
He also commended the existing synergy among security agencies, which he said has contributed to the state’s favorable security situation.
Gov Yahaya lauds Nigerian Air Force, reaffirms commitment to Gombe Security
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- January 5, 2025
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US President, Biden announces $8bn arms sale to Israel
President Joe Biden of the United States has informed Congress of a planned $8 billion arms sale to Israel. Speaking on the condition of anonymity, a source familiar with the plan said on Saturday that the State Department has officially notified Congress of the proposed sale to support Israel’s long-term security by resupplying stocks of
US President, Biden announces $8bn arms sale to Israel
President Joe Biden of the United States has informed Congress of a planned $8 billion arms sale to Israel.
Speaking on the condition of anonymity, a source familiar with the plan said on Saturday that the State Department has officially notified Congress of the proposed sale to support Israel’s long-term security by resupplying stocks of critical munitions and air defense capabilities.
The preliminary notification gives congressional committees an opportunity to scrutinize the proposed sale before a formal notification is sent to Congress.
The official further stated that the weapons package includes medium-range air-to-air missiles to defend against aerial threats, Hellfire AGM-114 missiles, 155mm projectile artillery shells for long-range targeting, and 500-pound warheads.
The Biden administration is said to have provided Israel with billions in arms aid since Israeli forces launched a massive attack on Hamas militants in Gaza in response to their deadly October 7 surprise attack in southern Israel.
It was also gathered that the outgoing U.S. president has repeatedly vowed ironclad support for Israel.
However, against the backdrop of a rising Palestinian death toll—now over 45,700, according to the Hamas-run health ministry in Gaza—and the increasingly dire conditions facing civilians, U.S. support has become a sensitive political issue.
The incoming president, Donald Trump, an outspoken supporter of Israel, said during the U.S. presidential campaign that if elected, he would quickly end the Gaza war, although he did not explain how.
United Nations officials say that as many as 70 percent of those killed in the Gaza hostilities have been women or children, and aid agencies have described the harrowing conditions facing civilians.
The Biden administration has urged Israel to increase humanitarian aid, but after threatening to curb arms shipments if the aid situation did not improve, it declined to do so in November.
Recent Israeli airstrikes in Gaza have reportedly killed several dozen people, according to the Gaza health ministry.
US President, Biden announces $8bn arms sale to Israel
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- January 5, 2025
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Loan app sparks outrage by posting 87 debtors’ photos online
A loan app, Delinquent Loans, has sparked controversy after sharing photos of 87 debtors online in a bold attempt to recover unpaid loans. The incident came to light through a series of TikTok videos posted by the app. Across three separate videos, the platform uploaded pictures of the debtors, each captioned, “Please settle your loans,”
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A loan app, Delinquent Loans, has sparked controversy after sharing photos of 87 debtors online in a bold attempt to recover unpaid loans. The incident came to light through a series of TikTok videos posted by the app. Across three separate videos, the platform uploaded pictures of the debtors, each captioned, “Please settle your loans,”
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- January 5, 2025
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CAF Confederation Cup: Enyimba have deep knowledge of Black Bulls – Eguma
Enyimba technical adviser, Stanley Eguma, says he has gathered valuable knowledge about Mozambican club Black Bulls. Eguma stated that the Mozambican side plays robust football and attacks from the flanks. The People’s Elephant will face Black Bulls FC in a CAF Confederation Cup matchday four encounter. The match is slated for the Godswill Akpabio International
CAF Confederation Cup: Enyimba have deep knowledge of Black Bulls – Eguma
Enyimba technical adviser, Stanley Eguma, says he has gathered valuable knowledge about Mozambican club Black Bulls.
Eguma stated that the Mozambican side plays robust football and attacks from the flanks.
The People’s Elephant will face Black Bulls FC in a CAF Confederation Cup matchday four encounter.
The match is slated for the Godswill Akpabio International Stadium, Uyo, on Sunday (today).
“They play robust football, they attack from the flanks, but they also know Enyimba is a big team in Africa,” Eguma told Sahel Sports.
Enyimba sits at the bottom of Group D with one point from three games.
CAF Confederation Cup: Enyimba have deep knowledge of Black Bulls – Eguma
