French pharmaceutical company takes over Nigeria’s Swipha.

Posted on March 24, 2017 by Staff Reporter

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Biogaran, a French pharmaceutical company specialised in generic and biosimilar medicines, and a subsidiary of Servier, on Friday announced the takeover of all the activities of Swipha, a Nigerian company that manufactures and distributes pharmaceutical products known for their quality.

This is an important step forward in the internationalisation of the French company Biogaran.

In order to develop new markets to meet its commitment to provide all patients with quality medication, Biogaran, a pioneer in generics and biosimilars, and a subsidiary of Servier, has just taken over Swipha, a Nigerian pharmaceutical company that produces medicines to meet local health needs. Its portfolio is mainly focused on three families of products: anti-anxiety and tranquillizers, antimalarial drugs and antibiotics, which treat Nigeria’s most widespread infections and health issues.

Swipha was the first Nigerian pharmaceutical company to obtain ISO 9001 certification in 2007. Approved by the World Health Organization (WHO) in 2014, Swipha employs 300 people locally and generated record sales of NGN 4bn (approximately € 20 million) in 2012. Beyond its production unit, the company also has a wide distribution network covering most parts of Nigeria, Africa’s most dynamic country, with more than 184 million inhabitants in 2016 according to the IMF.

Health issues are particularly important in Africa. Beyond significant needs for good quality, affordable and efficient medicines, the problem of counterfeits is also becoming of concern. The WHO estimates that 100,000 deaths are due to fake medicines in Africa every year. In this context, supplying Nigeria’s population with reliable medicines that are produced locally is a strong commitment made by Biogaran.

“Biogaran’s international expansion strategy is to create synergies by bringing its expertise and investment capacity in production tools to existing structures”, commented Pascal Brière, President of Biogaran. “Swipha’s know-how, network and reputation have immediately convinced us that it was the right partner for us. Likewise, Nigeria quickly came out as the best entry point on the African continent with its strong population and solid economic fundamentals, including a very dynamic market economy”.

Source: Premium Times

New tricks used by drug trafficking cartels uncovered by NDLEA

Posted on March 23, 2017 by Staff Reporter

The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) at the Murtala Muhammed International Airport, Lagos, says it has uncovered new tricks by drug trafficking cartels to circumvent security checks.

A suspected drug trafficker, Roland Chukwudi, 37, who was apprehended for importing 2.045 kilogramme of heroin from Nairobi, Kenya, was found in possession of a fake travel ticket indicating that he was coming from China, the NDLEA said in a statement on Thursday.

Another suspect, Maduka Nnaemeka, 39, was also caught attempting to export 1.555kg of cocaine to Dubai.

Preliminary investigation by the anti-narcotic agency revealed that Mr. Chukwudi deliberately replaced his ticket with a fake one showing that he was coming from China instead of Nairobi.

The agency said this was intended to place him on a low risk profile but his expectations were dashed as the heroin concealed inside his luggage was detected during screening of passengers on an Ethiopian Airline flight.

Ahmadu Garba, NDLEA commander at the Lagos airport, while explaining reasons for the falsification of the ticket, said that drugs are more expensive in Asia.

“The suspect wanted to distract the attention of officers by presenting himself as coming from China while he actually took off from Nairobi,” said Mr. Garba.

“This is because, it is economically unwise to bring narcotics from China where the price is far higher than here in Nigeria.”

Mr. Chukwudi, a trader in Onitsha, who is married with three children, said his friend introduced him into drug trafficking.

“This was the plan of my friend who introduced me into drug trafficking,” Mr. Chukwudi said.

“I sell clothes in Onitsha but my business is as good as dead due to the economic recession.

“My friend that I contacted for financial assistance requested that I bring a bag containing heroin from Nairobi. The fake ticket was the plan of my friend who assured me that I will never be caught.”

Mr. Nnaemeka, an automobile parts dealer based in Aba, said family problems pushed him into drug trafficking.

“I lost goods worth N4 million few years ago and since then my life has been a shadow of itself,” said the father of two.

“I smuggled the drug for the sum of N200,000 to solve family problem.”

Muhammad Abdallah, the NDLEA Chairman, assured that the agency would continue to work hard and remain vigilant in her counter-narcotics mission.

“We are always ahead of drug barons because of our commitment to training and security vigilance in detecting and nipping every subterfuge in the bud,” he said.

“The agency will continue to sustain its dominance over drug cartels.”

The agency said the suspects, who are from Anambra State, would soon be charged to court.

Source: Premium Times

NDLEA parades policeman, others for ‘drug peddling’

Posted on February 28, 2017 by Staff Reporter

The Nigeria Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) in Kogi State yesterday paraded 14 suspected drug peddlers, including a serving police Inspector, Abali Zagi and a dismissed Army Corporal, Umar Shehu, with over 1,083.6 kilogrammes of cannabis, valued at N6 million.

State Commander Mohammed Bello Idris said the policeman was apprehended with 75 sacks of cannabis, weighing 818kg, around Kabba junction, while returning from Okpela in Edo State.

The seized drug, worth N4 million, was loaded at the Force Headquarters, Abuja, into a welfare vehicle marked NPF7973C.

Shehu was arrested with 44kg of suspected cannabis by policemen at Obajana and handed over to the NDLEA.

Obiora and two others were also arrested with 190 blocks of cannabis and 155.5kg, by the patrol team of the Army, on the Lokoja-Abuja highway.
Also paraded was Aminat Iredia, 40, who was arrested with 32kg of the banned substance, around Crusher, a suburb of Lokoja metropolis, with her four-year old son.

Others paraded included Samson Danladi, Musa Lawal, Musa Umar, Anthony Okoh and Shuaibu Ibrahim.

Commander Idris said the suspects would be charged to court after investigations were concluded.

President Duterte has been accused of paying cops to kill criminals and opponents

Posted on February 20, 2017 by Staff Reporter

Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte ran a death squad that killed many people, including a journalist and a pregnant woman, when he was mayor of a southern city, a retired policeman who claimed to be part of the group said Monday.

Arthur Lascanas, sitting alongside three prominent human rights lawyers, broke down in tears as he listed a series of murders in Davao city that he alleged Duterte ordered either to eliminate critics or fight crime.

Lascanas said he even killed his two brothers, who were involved in drug trafficking, due to “blind loyalty” to Duterte as well as cash rewards.

Duterte has been repeatedly accused of running death squads during his more than two decades as Davao mayor, and expanding on those tactics as president in waging a war on drugs that has claimed thousands of lives.

Duterte has over the years variously denied and confirmed the existence of a Davao death squad, and claimed to have personally killed people to set an example for police.

However presidential spokesman Martin Anadanar on Monday rejected all of Lascanas’s claims.

“The press conference of self-confessed hitman Arthur Lascanas is part of a protracted political drama aimed to destroy the president and to topple his administration,” Andanar said in a statement.

In one of the most chilling accounts, Lascanas said he and other policemen abducted a suspected kidnapper but also took his seven-month pregnant wife, his four or five-year-old son, his son-in-law and two house helpers.

“Mayor Rody Duterte gave us the signal: “go ahead, clean them up,” he said.

“In this case, evil prevailed. They killed the entire family in front of me, using a calibre .22 with silencer.”

He said Duterte also paid him and other policemen three million pesos ($60,000) for killing in 2003 prominent radio broadcaster Jun Pala, a critic of the then-mayor.

A self-confessed hitman last year told a Senate inquiry that Lascanas was a leader of the Davao death squad that killed more than 1,000 people.

Lascanas, when he was still a policeman, initially denied to the Senate inquiry that he was involved.

But, after retiring from the police force in December, Lascanas said his conscience dictated he should now tell the truth and confess to being part of the death squads.

Duterte, 71, won presidential elections last year after promising during the campaign to eradicate drugs in society by killing tens of thousands of people.

He immediately launched the drug war after taking office on June 30, and more than 6,500 people have died in the crackdown in what Amnesty International has said may amount to crimes against humanity.

NAFDAC seizes fruit juice, drugs, others worth N 2.5 million

Posted on February 8, 2017 by Staff Reporter

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The National Agency For Food And Drug Administration and Control, NAFDAC, has seized assorted imported fruit juice, codeine-containing substances and other unwholesome regulated products worth over N2.5million in Sokoto State.

The state Coordinator of the agency, Hamis Yahaya, made this known to the News Agency of Nigeria, NAN, in Sokoto on Wednesday.

Mr. Yahaya said that the items were confiscated during several raids by the officials of the agency in various supermarkets and markets across the state.

“Most of these items were imported from China through Niger republic and they were not registered by NAFDAC.

“We are therefore calling on supermarket operators in the state to come to the agency for global listing of their items,” he said.

Mr. Yahaya emphasised that officials of the agency would sustain their routine operations and raids to rid the state and Nigeria of all fake and unwholesome regulated products.

Source: NAN

Mexican Drug Lord ‘El Chapo’ Guzman Extradited to U.S.

Posted on January 20, 2017 by Staff Reporter

Mexican drug kingpin Joaquin “El Chapo” Guzman has been extradited to the United States, Mexico’s government said Thursday.

Mexico’s Department of Foreign Relations announced Guzman was handed over to U.S. authorities for transportation to the U.S.

“El Chapo” Guzman, who twice escaped from maximum-security prisons in his country, was extradited at the request of the United States to face drug trafficking and other charges.

Guzman, the convicted leader of the Sinaloa drug cartel, one of the world’s largest drug trafficking organizations, was expected to make his first appearance in a federal courthouse in Brooklyn on Friday, officials said.

Guzman was taken into custody by the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration in Ciudad Juarez, a border town across from El Paso, Texas.

Guzman, who is in his late 50s, first escaped from prison in 2001 and then spent more than a decade on the run before he was recaptured, only to escape again in 2015 via a mile-long tunnel dug to the shower in his cell.

The 2015 escape was highly embarrassing for the government of Mexican President Enrique Pena Nieto, and Mexican officials were seen as eager to hand the headache off to the United States afterward.

A court denied Guzman’s appeal and found his extradition was constitutional, the Mexican Department of Foreign Relations said.

In Mexico, Deputy Attorney General Alberto Elias Beltran told reporters late Thursday that Guzman still faces formal charges in 10 other cases.

“When he completes his sentence in … the United States, he will return to Mexico to continue” the prosecution said.

Source: Premium Times

“No tariff hike on anti-malaria drugs”, says Health Minister Isaac Adewole

Posted on January 4, 2017 by Staff Reporter

Isaac Adewole, minister of health, says there is no tariff hike on the importation of anti-malaria drugs into the country.

Earlier, Nigerians on social media were circulating news of a hike in import duty for anti-malaria drugs, despite the country’s damning malaria statistics.

Responding to the claims after the Federal Executive Council (FEC) meeting in Abuja on Wednesday, Adewole said he spoke with Kemi Adeosun, minister of finance, on the contentious issue. He dismissed the claims.

“I discussed with Finance Minister, Mrs. Kemi Adeosun on the issue of ‘tariff hike’ on antimalarial & antibacterial drugs at FEC today,”Adewole said.

“She said that there was nothing like that and President Buhari had not approved any new tariff whatsoever.

“I appreciate Nigerians for their feedback and concern. We should also hold conveyors of fake news to account. God bless the Federal Republic.”

According to the National Malaria Elimination Programme, the disease is responsible for 60 percent of outpatient visits to health facilities, 30 percent of childhood death, 25 percent of death in children under one year and 11 percent of maternal death.

“The financial loss due to malaria annually is estimated to be about by 132 billion Naira in form of treatment costs, prevention, loss of man-hours etc,” the programme posits.

The drugs crisis in Jos and the legacy of the ethno-religious violence – By Emmanuel Akinwotu

Posted on December 23, 2016 by Staff Reporter

40-year-old James Oloja*, speaks calmly but looks permanently on edge. Rocking against the wall, he explains how he suffered from the ethnoreligious violence that marred Jos for over 12 years, and how he took part in it.

“It was in 2001 that the violence-hit my neighbourhood. We just ran up a small mountain to safety, we didn’t really understand what was happening.”
“But from that point we turned and could see everything going on, people we knew, family members being killed, hacked, stabbed to death as we looked. We became so overwhelmed. We picked what things we could, got weapons and went back down. From that point whenever there was violence we would hit back. It went on and on for years.”

For James, it was difficult to deal with the killing and difficult to kill. But the drugs they took made it easier to do both.“We were on drugs all day, every day like that. From lighter drugs to cocaine, crack, everything. It was non-stop because we didn’t have much else to do with very few jobs even though I am a graduate. It was just something that became a routine.”

For the last three years, there has been a tense but stable peace in Jos. The city is still segregated along religious lines, in small pockets of Christian and Muslim communities, but according to locals in Jos North and Berom, it is slowly changing.

The state government has held a weapons amnesty to help decrease the arms which spread during the crisis. In many communities, disputes even within shared ethnicities and religious communities are more tense as weapons are more prevalent now.

But perhaps the most alarming legacy of the crisis has been the proliferation of drugs in Jos.The psychiatric department of the Jos University Teaching Hospital is a dim and deteriorating place. There are eight beds but dozens of patients come to the facility every day.

The majority of them are young men and women who cannot be held due to the lack of capacity. Budget cuts have meant they are unable to prescribe the patients the drugs they need. It is there that the impact of the spiralling drugs crisis in Jos is painfully clear.

According to a psychiatric consultant working in the health department who wished to remain anonymous, statistics are not available on the numbers of people using or dying from drug overdose. “But if you use this place alone as a measure, I would say drug use in Jos has quadrupled since 2013. That is across all drug categories from alcohol abuse, marijuana, to crack cocaine, heroin and others.”

“For young women especially, the biggest increase has been the use of codeine found in cough mixtures. They are easy to get and they are going through several bottles, with potentially deadly consequences.”

According to the consultant, drug use amongst young women has risen the most. “They is what has shocked and concerned me the most. Drug use amongst young girls even as young as 14 or 15 has gone up 6 times in the last few years. This is unlike anything I have dealt with in my medical career.”

He explains that since the violence ended in 2013, youth unemployment and a generation of people with over a decade of unaddressed trauma, has fuelled drug use to endemic levels. Drugs are an issue in other states outside of Plateau, but according to medical professionals at the department, it has become acutely severe in Jos.

“There are so many mental health issues that arose as a result of the insecurity that people have had no real way of addressing them”, he explains. “Since peace has been reigning in Jos, it has been treated as business as usual but it is not.”

James was found by an NGO in Jos called Scripture Union West Africa or SUWA who partner with the charity, Tearfund. Led by Dr. Rhoda Udanyi, SUWA has built a local, close-knit interfaith network, involving the regional Christian Association of Nigeria, CAN, and Jama’atu Nasril Islam, IJN. They provide a shared forum and space for Christians and Muslims to express the grievances and loss they’ve experienced and the challenges they still face.

Almost everyone you speak to in Jos, in non-government and government agencies are concerned about the drugs crisis. Despite a consensus that drugs are an increasing public health challenge, little is being done to address it.

Hospital budgets are decreasing just as the number of people admitted to psychiatric centres and hospitals are increasing.The number of drug related deaths are increasing but without statistics, we have no way of accurately knowing the true scale. But what is clear is that there has been an alarming rise in drug use and it is worsening by the day.*James Oloja is not his real name. Concealed at his wish.

Nigeria’s pharmaceutical research institute laments inadequate funding

Posted on December 18, 2016 by Staff Reporter

The Director General of the National Institute of Pharmaceutical Research and Development, NIPRD, Karniyus Gamaniel, has called for improved capital funding of research institutions in Nigeria.

Mr. Gamaniel, a professor of pharmacology, made the call at a press briefing in Abuja on Friday. He said the institution had never received more than 50 per cent of its appropriated budgets in the past six years.

“We have never received more than 50 per cent of whatever is usually appropriated to the institution”, he said.

“On aggregate, we were appropriated N1.587billion over six years, and what was released on aggregate is N744.856million. So the aggregate percentage released was 46.92 per cent”.

The director-general had recently been accused of misappropriating $514,000.36 (N77.10million) from a sum of $744,000.38 the World Bank gave the institute to develop anti-diabetic phytomedine.

Explaining the struggle of the institute, the deputy chairman of its research and development committee, Kunle Olobayo, said “For 2016, the fund appropriated was N48million capital and so far we have received N20.4million.”

“Let’s always contextualize figures. You can see that we are coming from appropriation of N100million or N200million and so on, don’t forget the exchange rate of Naira then compared to now when the exchange rate is high.

“Our appropriation is N48 million, which is actually less than $80,000 for a whole year for this institution”.

Mr. Olobayo, a professor, added that “The dollar value is important because everything we use for research in this institution is imported, glassware etc”

Speaking on the actual cost needed to run the institution, the Director General said that “From our own calculation, our estimate is precisely N269 million to run this place.

“Although, this was as at 2015, but as it is now with the exchange rate, it will be higher”.

The Deputy Chairman also addressed the issue of the challenges faced from the producers of herbal medicine.

“The first one is poor documentation. There has to be some form of document for us to be able to give a particular medicine to human”, Mr. Olobayo explained.

“Also, there are unrealistic expectations. So even when they come to us, they think you can get results that will become money for them in one week, two months.

“The process of research and development is slow and deliberate. They don’t like that”, he said.

The director general however called on the federal government to provide funds and support for research institutes like NIPRD.

“The major challenge of this institution is grossly inadequate capital cost. We need funds to carry out research and keep the institution running,” he said.

“We call on the government to provide funds and supports to the institution to enable effective operation.”

Drug valued at N14 billion seized at Lagos airport

Posted on December 9, 2016 by Staff Reporter

Operatives of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) at the Murtala Muhammed International Airport, Lagos, have intercepted methamphetamine worth N14 billion.

The seized drug, weighing 45 kilogrammes, was found concealed inside foodstuff in a luggage meant for export to South Africa, the agency said in a statement Friday.

The discovery was made during the outward screening of a Kenyan Airways flight. A 48-year-old cook, Richard Ese, had been arrested in connection with the illegal shipment.

Methamphetamine (also known as meth, chalk, ice, crystal) is a powerful and highly addictive stimulant that affects the central nervous system. It takes the form of a white, odourless, bitter-tasting crystalline powder that easily dissolves in water or alcohol.

Nigeria has so far discovered eleven of such clandestine laboratories where the drug is produced since 2011. Five were found in Lagos State, another five in Anambra State and one in Delta State.

Ahmadu Garba, the NDLEA commander at the Lagos airport, said the suspect is assisting NDLEA’s team of investigators and would be charged to court soon.

Mr. Ese, who hails from Delta State and had worked for a decade in Madrid, Spain, said he was given N1 million to smuggle the drugs to South Africa.

“I was told the bag contains African food but during search, NDLEA officers discovered methamphetamine in the luggage weighing 45kgs,” Mr. Ese said.

“I worked in Madrid for ten years as a Chef and I am married with four children. The man that gave me the job met me in a drinking club.”

In his reaction, Muhammad Abdallah, the Chairman of the NDLEA, described the seizure as a victory over drug barons.

Mr. Abdallah, a retired colonel, said the agency’s efforts in addressing the problem of methamphetamine production and trafficking must be complemented by stakeholders.

He also promised to arrest other members of the criminal group.

“I am very pleased with this seizure,” he said.

“It is a victory for Nigerians over drug barons but the Agency’s efforts in reducing the drug problem must be complemented by other stakeholders.

“Stiffer punishment must be meted out to those involved in methamphetamine production. On our part, the agency must continue to identify more clandestine laboratories and prosecute offenders. I want investigation to be very thorough and at the end of the day, more arrests shall be made. I want other members of the criminal gang arrested.”

The NDLEA boss noted that locally produced methamphetamine is in high demand in Asia and Europe thus making the criminal trade highly lucrative, adding that that it is only logical that such a drug should attract stiffer punishment to discourage its production and trafficking.

“Methamphetamine and similar drugs deserves stiffer punishment to check the proliferation of clandestine laboratories and cases of trafficking,” he said.

“Continued production exposes our youths to the risk of being recruited by drug barons to smuggle it out of the country. It is therefore worrisome that most seizures made are even destined to countries where drug trafficking is punishable by death.”

Expensive malaria drugs are not better, experts warn Nigerians

Posted on November 30, 2016 by Staff Reporter

A lack of political commitment by the federal and state governments is slowing down progress in the national fight against malaria even as Nigeria has made steady progress in reducing incidents of malaria deaths, the implementation partners of the Global Fund for Malaria programme have said.

The partners also warned Nigerians against patronising expensive malaria drugs, thinking they work better.

The partners, the National Malaria Elimination Programme and the Society for Family Health, say that foreign donors, instead of the Nigerian government, are leading the national fight against malaria.

The Global Fund intervention is currently operational in 24 of Nigeria’s 36 states.

Experts say malaria deaths have reduced significantly across the world with Africa still accounting for 80 per cent of global burden and 90 per cent of all deaths due to malaria.

Malaria deaths decreased significantly from 935,000 in 2000 to 438,000 in 2015, according to World Health Organisation figures.

Speaking at an interactive forum for editors of online publications and bloggers, Godwin Ntadom of the National Malaria Elimination Programme said Nigeria and the Democratic Republic of Congo share about 41 per cent of the global malaria burden.

According to Mr. Ntadom, socio-economic improvements such as houses with screened windows and air conditioning combined with vector reduction efforts were measures that led to the elimination of malaria in North America in the early 19 century.

“Use of DDT and efficient management of the environment resulted in the eradication of malaria in Europe and South America in the 1950s,” he said.

“Sub-Saharan Africa demonstrated the least commitment due to ignorance (causes and how to prevent malaria); inadequate resources; weak political commitment and poor communication.”

The partners plan increased communication to change attitudes and behaviours as well as to encourage increased environmental measures to eliminate the breeding grounds for mosquitoes.

Ernest Nwokolo, Malaria Programme Director at the Society for Family Health, advised citizens to look out for drugs with the green leaf indicator. He said donors had subsidised majority of malaria drugs with the green leaf sign for the benefit of citizens, urging people not to be misled into buying the higher priced drugs in the erroneous assumption that they are of superior quality.

“This is the biggest deception we are seeing in our country,” Mr. Nwokolo said.

“The Private Sector Procurement Mechanism means that the global fund pays money to the manufacturer. If the drug is supposed to cost one dollar, they pay 95 cents,” he said.

“The manufacturer sells the drug to people we call first-line users, who buy at five cents. When they come into the country we discuss with them so that they sell the drugs at nothing more than N100 and adult dose at N120. The drugs have a sign- a green leaf logo”.

Dr. Nwokolo said malaria drugs with the green logo are produced by the same company that produces expensive malaria drugs, and accused pharmacies of “maximising” the ignorance of the people..

“Because you do not know about that, when you go to these pharmacies, they will sell the costly ones because they make a gain.

“People prefer the expensive ones because when the pharmacist brings the cheaper one for N200, and the expensive one, the person will ask for the expensive one because ‘he wants to know what he is buying.”

Teenager arraigned for giving abortion drugs to teenage girlfriend

Posted on November 29, 2016 by Staff Reporter

A teenager Olamilekan Yusuf, was on Tuesday arraigned before an Apapa Magistrates’ Court for allegedly procuring abortion drugs for his 14-year-old girl friend.

19-year-old Yusuf, who resides at Turner Eradiri Str., Ajegunle, Lagos, is facing one charge of procurement of abortion drugs.

The Prosecutor, Sgt. Olusegun Kokoye, told the court that the accused committed the offence on Oct. 27 at his residence.

He alleged that the accused, who was having affair with the 14-year-old girl, had slept with her on several occasions.

“When the accused discovered that his girl friend was pregnant, he convinced her to take abortion drugs, since they were not both ready to cater for a child now.

“The young girl started having severe stomach pains after taking the abortion drugs and she was also bleeding.

“The parents of the 14-year-old girl discovered that their daughter was acting strange and was also in so much pain, they decided to take her to the hospital for medical attention.

“The girl later confessed to her parents that Yusuf, who was responsible for the pregnancy, gave her drugs terminate the pregnancy.

“The case was reported to the police and the accused was immediately arrested,’’ Kokoye told the court.

Kokoye said the offence contravened provisions of Section 145 of the Criminal Law of Lagos State, 2011.

The accused, however, pleaded not guilty to the charge.

The Magistrate, Mr M.A Etti, admitted the accused to bail in the sum of N100,000 with one surety in like sum.

Etti adjourned the case till Jan. 12, 2017 for further hearing.

UNODC supports effective regional drugs enforcement cooperation

Posted on November 22, 2016 by Staff Reporter

The Regional Office of the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime is organising a “Conference on supporting the implementation of the ECOWAS Drug Action Plan through Effective Regional Drugs Enforcement Cooperation” in Abuja from 22-24 November 2016.

The conference is part of the “Support to ECOWAS Regional Action Plan on drug trafficking, organized crime and drug abuse in West Africa” a project funded by the European Union (Abuja Office) and implemented by UNODC in collaboration with Member States of Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS).

The activity is expected to be a significant step in supporting the implementation of the ECOWAS Action plan on drugs. The action plan benefits from assets and strengths that are: a confirmed political will, regional instruments, expertise from member States and financial commitment from donors.

The free movement of goods and people within the ECOWAS area, as a principle, generates economic opportunities and fuels the regional integration. But the side-effects are related to increased opportunities for organized criminal groups to traffic illicit goods and engage in smuggling across borders. Another major issue that further contributes to the current state of affair is laundering of the proceeds of criminal activities, especially across borders.

This conference is designed to provide pragmatic solutions to illicit drug trafficking Law Enforcement related-challenges, regional coordination challenges and legal challenges that can arise in investigating cross border cases.

The ECOWAS Member States are expected, during the conference, to
• Review the scope of Member Countries’ efforts at domesticating relevant international and regional conventions and protocols (UN, AU ECOWAS, etc.) against transnational/organised criminal activities;
• Explore and propose concrete ways by which ECOWAS Member States can Enhance information sharing, legal cooperation and coordination including Mutual legal assistance;
• Mobilise the support of the international community for the implementation of the Regional Action plan against illicit drug trafficking and transnational crime associated with it; and
• Facilitate networking of policy makers, experts, practitioners and other stakeholders in order to sustain an open and productive dialogue on the issues.
Around 70 experts drawn from regional and international organisations such as INTERPOL, UNODC, ECOWAS and the Intergovernmental Action Group against Money Laundering in West Africa (GIABA) are expected to discuss major issues faced by the region with a view to proffering solutions.

UNODC has provided technical assistance to West African States for 20 years, through its Regional Office for West and Central Africa (ROSEN) in Dakar, Senegal, and 10 other local offices based in different countries within the region.

As the guardian of the United Nations Convention against Transnational Organized Crime (TOC) and its Protocol, as well as the three Conventions on international drug control, UNODC is mandated to assist the Member States to strengthen their national responses on the matter, in line with their international obligation.

Boko Haram Places Massive Order For Sex Enhancing Drugs, STDs Treatment Drugs

Posted on November 21, 2016 by Staff Reporter

Nigerian troops fighting the terrorist Boko Haram group in the north-east state of Borno on Sunday intercepted two suspected members of the sect believed to be on a mission to procure drugs for libido enhancement, and treatment of sexually transmitted diseases and other illnesses.

A military insider said that the two men were intercepted by men of the 112 Task Force Battalion as they tried to cross from Anadawa village to Minari on motorcycle.

The troops, who mounted a roadblock at Kasasewa village, trailed the suspected terrorists to Anadawa and quickly opened fire on them after realising they were fully armed.

The two suspects, our sources said, died on the spot with troops recovering two FN rifles and 18 rounds of 7.62MM NATO ammunition from them.

Also recovered was a three-page shopping list which suggested the men were travelling to procure massive consignments of drugs, and other medical supplies.

Among the drugs listed for purchase were cartons of Viagra, used for treating erectile dysfunction, and MMC Sex Men, a known libido enhancer.

Also listed for purchase were three cartons of Maxman coffee enhancer for men as well as Viamax power coffee, known for increasing sexual desire in men.

The list also included an order for capsules that could be used to treat gonorrhoea, a venereal disease involving inflammatory discharge from the urethra or vagina.

Going by the list, the men also planned to procured various kinds of injectables ranging from oxytocine to anti-tetanus.

Several kinds of syrups were also listed for purchase.

http://www.premiumtimesng.com/news/headlines/215915-exclusive-boko-haram-places-massive-order-drugs-boost-sexual-performance-treat-stds.html

Italian Police arrest 20 Nigerian Members of Notorious Black Axe Cult.

Posted on November 21, 2016 by Staff Reporter

Italian police have arrested as many as 20 members of the Nigerian Black Axe gang in a series of raids, it was reported on Saturday (19 November). The gang members stand accused of a number of crimes ranging from protection rackets to human trafficking.

The operation comes as part of a co-ordinated effort by Italian authorities to control organised crime in the country, and was organised by a crack team in Sicily’s capital of Palermo. The arrests were apparently enabled by an informer spoke to Italian police of the identities of senior members.

The gang derive their name because they are banned by “superior” Mafiosi from carrying guns and therefore use axes and machetes to deal with grievances, predominantly deal drugs imported by Italian mafia.

The gang, originally from Nigeria, has been linked to high levels of migration into Italy from North Africa who are then thought to have forged links with Italy’s Costa Nostra – the Sicilian Mafia.

According to reports, somewhere between 17 and 20 members of the gang are thought to have been arrested.

The Black Axe gang are said to be a splinter group of Nigeria’s Neo-Black Movement of Africa. The group originates from a student fraternity from the University of Benin (Uniben)

The emergence of Nigerian gangs was highlighted in a letter sent to Italian prosecutors by the Nigerian ambassador to Rome in 2011. In the letter, he wrote: “I would like to draw your attention to the new criminal activity of a group of Nigerians belonging to secret societies.

“Unfortunately, former members of these sects were able to get into Italy where they re-established their criminal organisations.”

Earlier this year, Palermo’s deputy chief prosecutor confirmed to the Guardian that the presence of North African migrants in Italy was changing organised crime considerably. “The neighbourhoods under mafia control have changed profoundly in recent years due to the growing presence of foreigners, especially Nigerians coming on boats.

“Among them there [are a small number] of people who want to transfer their illegal trafficking, linking to prostitution and drug dealing to Sicily. And the mafia was quite happy to integrate them into their criminal business.”

Singapore: Execution of Chijoke Obioha violates international law – Amnesty International

Posted on November 18, 2016 by Staff Reporter

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Reacting to the executions of Chijioke Stephen Obioha, a Nigerian national, and Devendran Supramaniam, a Malaysian national, by the Singapore authorities, Josef Benedict, Amnesty International’s Deputy Director for Southeast Asia and the Pacific, said:

“The Singapore authorities have brazenly violated international law with these shameful executions. The death penalty is a cruel and irreversible punishment that most of the world has turned its back on. Singapore continues to remain an outlier, executing people for crimes that do not meet the ‘most serious’ threshold to which the death penalty must be restricted under international law.

“The executions took place secretively, with some details only emerging at the eleventh hour. When a person’s life is involved, the authorities must be fully transparent about their actions, to ensure that everyone has a right to a fair trial and due process is followed, allowing the families and the public at large can have easily access to all information on the case.

The death penalty is never a solution. It will not rid Singapore of drugs or serve as an effective deterrent.”

FLASH: Chijioke Obioha, Nigerian who smuggled drugs into Singapore has been executed.

Posted on November 18, 2016 by Staff Reporter

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A Nigerian, Chijioke Stephen Obioha who was arrested for smuggling 2kg of Cannabis into Singapore was hanged to death on Friday.

A member of the Singapore Anti-Death Penalty Campaign group, Mr. Ravi who was on the case revealed this on his Facebook page.

He wrote, “This morning, at 6am, the execution of Chijioke Stephen Obioha took place. I am not even sure if his family from Nigeria were able to attend. Soon it will be all forgotten together with Chijioke’s name, but for the many of us who fight and campaign to eradicate this barbaric practice of death by hanging, and for those of us who challenge the mandatory death penalty for drug trafficking in Singapore, our work will go on. And it must.”

Ravi later said he is making arrangements for a proper burial for the deceased.

“I’m currently arranging with the Roman Catholic Prison Ministry ( RCPM) to claim the body of Chijioke from the Singapore Prisons Service for a proper funeral in accordance with his religious beliefs.The funeral will take place either today or tomorrow depending on how soon the SPS could release the body. Will keep you posted,” he wrote.

The Singapore Court of Appeal had dismissed an appeal filed against his death sentence.

Singapore to hang Chijioke Stephan Obioha tomorrow morning for drug crime.

Posted on November 17, 2016 by Staff Reporter

Nigerian national set to be hanged at dawn tomorrow for trafficking of Cannabis after Apex Court dismisses last ditch appeal.

Chijioke Stephan Obioha, a Nigerian graduate who first came to Singapore for a football trial, is set to be hung at dawn tomorrow after the Court of Appeal dismissed an Urgent Criminal Motion filed by his lawyer, Mr Joseph Chen. Chijioke was first arrested in 2007 and sentenced to the Mandatory Death Penalty in 2008 after being found guilty of trafficking more than 2kg of Cannabis

His execution tomorrow will bring and end to what the Singapore Anti-Death Penalty Campaign member Mr Ravi calls ‘possibly the longest delay between sentencing and execution.’ Chijioke has spent almost 8 years on death row and more than 9 years behind bars. The contention that arose from the urgent criminal motion that the Court of Appeal heard at 5pm earlier today was whether the ‘unprecedented mental anguish’ Chijioke experienced contravened Article 9(1) of the Constitution in so far as it amounted to cruel and inhumane treatment.

Mr Ravi who also recently wrote a piece which argued that the ‘unprecedented mental anguish’ that Chijioke experienced in his 8 years on death row amounted to a ‘violation of human rights’ in itself. He stated that, to his knowledge, the delay in Chijioke’s execution is ‘possibly the longest in Singapore’s history.’ In addition to International Human Rights instruments, he also cites the Privy Council Case of Pratt and Morgan v Attorney-General for Jamaica, where it was held that ‘the delay of 5 years and 6 months which had elapsed since an accused’s conviction amounted to cruel and unusual punishment and breached his constitutional right not to be deprived of life.’

Mr Ravi, who is assisting Mr Joseph with the research for the case, shared that Singapore’s Apex Court had dismissed the motion in a Facebook post. The post was published at 7pm, about 2 hours after the Court begun to hear the case. The Judges dismissed the appeal, ruling that the issues had already been settled in the case of Yong Vui Kong, Mr Ravi’s client.

“The court of appeal has dismissed Chijioke’s constitutional challenge on the ground that Article 9(1) of Singapore’s constitution does not prohibit cruel and inhuman punishment and degrading treatment as previously held in the case of Yong Vui Kong in 2010. The court was not prepared to review its previous decision despite changes to the mandatory death penalty regime in 2012 and failed to consider the evolving standards of customary international law that prohibit cruel and inhumane and degrading treatment. We have to live with another judgement that says that the Singapore constitution allows cruel and inhumane punishment and degrading treatment.

Mr Ravi also noted that the Court questioned Mr Joseph on why the application was made at the 11th hour. This is despite the fact that the Mr Chen was only instructed yesterday and the case was only brought to the attention of the local Anti-Death Penalty groups last week.

What was most disturbing was despite the court having put on notice that Chijioke’s counsel was only instructed yesterday, The court repeatedly kept asking why this application was made at the 11th hour.”

His imminent execution drew condemnation from International Organizations and local civil society groups. As this article went to press, the United Nations, the International Federation for Human Rights (FIDH), the European Union, Amnesty International, Thinkcentre, We Believe in Second Chances and the Singapore Anti-Death Penalty Campaign, to name a few, have all released statements calling for the Singapore Government to halt his execution. Most, if not all, statements raise the issue of the unprecedented amount of time spent on death row and the fact that Chijioke had consistently maintained his innocence – to the point that he initially turned down a chance for re-sentencing for fear that it may be perceived as an admission of guilt. Some have also raised the issue of Chijioke being executed for Marijuana – a substance that is being legalised, for both medicinal and recreational purposes, in many cities and countries around the world.

The United Nations

Under international law, the death penalty may only be used for “the most serious crimes” which has been interpreted to mean only crimes involving intentional killing. Drug-related offences do not fall under the threshold of “most serious crimes”. Furthermore, under domestic law, the death penalty is not mandatory for drug-related offences.

“The death penalty is not an effective deterrent relative to other forms of punishment nor does it protect people from drug abuse,” said Laurent Meillan, the acting regional representative of the UN Human Rights Office. “The focus of drug-related crime prevention should involve strengthening the justice system and making it more effective.”

The European Union

The EU, Norway and Switzerland hold a principled position against the death penalty and are opposed to the use of capital punishment under any circumstances. The death penalty has not been shown in any way to act as a deterrent to crime. Furthermore, any errors – inevitable in any legal system – are irreversible. The EU, Norway and Switzerland will continue in their pursuit of the abolition of the death penalty worldwide.

FIDH

FIDH, a member of the World Coalition Against the Death Penalty (WCADP), reiterates its strong opposition to the death penalty for all crimes and in all circumstances. FIDH calls on the Singaporean government to reinstate the moratorium on executions that was lifted in July 2014, and to make progress towards the abolition of capital punishment for all crimes. FIDH also urges Singapore to vote in favor of the upcoming UN General Assembly (UNGA) resolution – due to be voted on in December 2016 – that calls for a moratorium on executions.

SADPC

“Following legal advice that he would not qualify as a “courier” under the amended laws, Chijioke withdrew his application. This led to the lifting of the stay of execution on 24 October 2016 and the setting of the execution date. His family has also been informed on 16 November 2016, two days before his scheduled execution, that his second clemency petition has been rejected by the State. They have been unable to make their way to Singapore over the years and are heartbroken by the news.”

We Believe in Second Chances

“We also note that Chijioke has endured a very long period of 9 years in prison, much of it on death row. He is very far away from home, and has not been able to see his family in this time. We understand that death row inmates are kept in their cells for 23 hours a day, with only about a hour of ‘yard time’. We cannot underestimate the extreme psychological toll of being stuck on death row, facing imminent execution in such conditions.”

Chijioke’s family, who have not been able to visit him since 2007, will not be in Singapore to collect his remains tomorrow. His younger brother shares the ordeals his family members went through during Chijioke’s incarceration.

Chijioke Stephen Obioha is like a twin to me even though he is my elder brother. A whole part of the family has been missing since that date in 2007. He is a brother among all my brothers that loves to help, makes sure people around him are fine and would help as much as he can to assist friends and family.

Hard working and industrious, our family miss that brother, son and uncle who always love to see our family united and happy. Educated brother and skilful in playing soccer, which was one of his dreams in Singapore. It was an unforgettable shock for the family to hear of his link to such case. I have always been in constant contact with him since his stay in prison and he has always kept to his stance of innocence.

A lot of both financial and physical effort has been made by our family towards his defence in previous years but due to lack of fund and restricted access to Singapore, it was difficult to carry on with his desire towards a defence lawyer. He carried on with a lot of government appointed defence counsel even though he was not satisfied with their efforts and we, the family, were not satisfied as well with the level of communication between us and his defence team. We were put in the dark for a very long while. We resorted to the voice of the public via Amnesty international, which I contacted from United Kingdom. My brother deserves to live. His life is precious to us.”

Singapore set to execute Chijioke Obioha for drug possession.

Posted on November 17, 2016 by Staff Reporter

Amnesty International, Wednesday, called on Singapore government to immediately halt Friday’s planned execution of a Nigerian indigene, Chijoke Stephen Obioha for possession of drugs.

Despite his pleas for clemency, the country insists on serving the young man corporal punishment tomorrow, Friday November 18.

Rafendi Djamin, Amnesty International’s Director for South-East Asia and the Pacific, said: “The Singapore government still has time to halt the execution of Chijoke Stephen Obioha.

“We are dismayed that clemency has not been granted in his case, but remain hopeful that they won’t carry out this cruel and irreversible punishment against a person sentenced to the mandatory death penalty for a crime that should not even be punished by death.

“The death penalty is never the solution. It will not rid Singapore of drugs. By executing people for drug-related offences, which do not meet the threshold of most serious crimes, Singapore is violating international law.

“Most of the world has turned its back on this ultimate cruel, inhuman and degrading punishment. It is about time that Singapore does the same, starting by restoring a moratorium on all executions as a first step towards abolition of this punishment.”

“Amnesty International opposes the death penalty in all circumstances, regardless of the method of execution or the crime for which it is imposed, and believes that there is no credible evidence that the death penalty has a unique deterrent effect.

Obioha was found in possession of more than 2.6 kilogrammes of cannabis in April 2007, surpassing the amount of 500 grammes that triggers the automatic presumption of trafficking under Singapore law.

Under Singaporean law, when there is a presumption of drug possession and trafficking, the burden of proof shifts from the prosecutor to the defendant. .

Chijioke Stephen Obioha graduated in Industrial Chemistry from Benin University in Nigeria. He moved to Singapore in 2005, seeking to join a football club.

His family members, who currently live in Nigeria and the United Kingdom, have been unable to travel to visit and had limited ability to assist him.

No drugs, mattresses, toiletries in Kaduna prison – official

Posted on November 7, 2016 by Staff Reporter

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The deputy controller of Prisons, Ahmed Usman, has expressed sadness over the plight of inmates of Kaduna Prison.

Chief superintendent of Prisons, Fatumbi Sunday, who received Senator Shehu Sani, on behalf the deputy controller, said the prison was in dare needs of drugs, mats, mattresses, toiletries and disinfectants.

He stressed the need for inmates to be properly cared for as the less privileged of the society.

Mr. Fatumbi lamented the congested state of the prison, said Kaduna Convicts Prison which was initially built for 547 inmates, presently houses 1,283.

“Despite the frantic efforts of the government towards ensuring good treatment of offenders in the prison, we still have many challenges ranging from drugs to mats and mattress, toiletries and disinfectants.

“As at today we open out 1,283 while the prison was actually built to lock up 547 inmates. These inmates are human beings who eventually became less privileged whereby their freedom has been ceased and they need special care,” he said.

Responding, Sen. Shehu Sani said, “I am here first of all as a Senator representing the zone where this prison is located. Secondly, I am here as someone who has been here as a political prisoner during the military era.

“We have a duty as a democratic government to intervene and support the prisons. For those of you that have been following my activities on the floor of the Senate, you will testify that I have consistently raised issues about the deplorable state of Nigerian prisons.”

The Nigerian Prisons need more funding and all the support it needs to make our prisons proper Correctional Centres where inmates’ lives can be reformed before they serve out their terms and return into the society as good and responsible citizens.

“And as a political prisoner, I assure you that I shall continue to champion the cause of the Nigerian Prison and not only to champion the cause of the prison but to do everything humanly possible to support you to make this place conducive for human habitation towards fulfilling the purpose of its existence.

“I have heard your request and I assure you that before next Saturday, we shall address the problems you have raised here and now.

Senator Shehu Sani observed that the Nigerian Prisons have not witnessed any major change from what it was during the colonial rule adding that the welfare both the inmates and staff have not been properly taken care of, while noting that the prisons have not been fully funded.

“The prison service has not seriously changed from what was obtainable in the era of the colonial masters in the sense that the welfare both the inmates and staff of the Nigerian Prisons have not been properly taken care of and the prisons have not been fully funded. We will ensure that through legislation necessary funding will be provided for the resuscitation of the prisons as well as to provide an after prison terms care for the inmates.

“Right now, I am working on Bill that will make it a transition period for inmates so that after serving their prison terms, they can be taken over by institutions rendering to society the kind of skills these inmates might have acquired during their term. This will make their lives useful to the society they are rejoining.

The legislator also observed that all recommendations made by over 15 presidential committees set up to examine the myriad problems in the Nigerian prisons in the last 30 years were never implemented by successive governments but neglected.

“What I am simply saying is that these recommendations have not translated into implementation. So, we will do everything possible within our mandate as legislators to assist the prisons and for a prison like this that has the history of detaining very high profile political prisoners like Prof Wole Soyinka and others like Dr. Beko Ransom Kuti.

“I want to conclude by saying that my visit here today is mainly to see one of friends who is here, Dr. John Danfulani who is here as an awaiting trial. When I was once in detention in 1993, John Danfulani visited me and so today, I also have the honour to visit him. I am dedicating this visit to Dr. John Danfulani as a political prisoner. Whatever we shall later deliver is done in his honour,” he said.

Kaduna NDLEA seizes N30m worth of illicit drugs from traffickers.

Posted on October 19, 2016 by Staff Reporter

The Kaduna State Command of National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), has seized illicit drugs worth over 30 million Naira and arrested nine suspected drug addicts and peddlers in Zaria.

Parading the suspects before journalists at the command’s headquarters in Kaduna, the state commander, Samuel Azige, said the suspects were arrested during a raid at their hideouts in Zaria where they stored the illicit drugs in a warehouse.

According to him, preliminary investigations revealed that the suspects stored in cartons banned tramadol drugs weighing over 500 grams.

He explained that the drug apart from being banned by the World Health Organisation, (W.H.O) has also expired and therefore harmful for human consumption.

The NDLEA Commander stated that the suspects would be charged to court as soon as investigation is concluded.

He said the command has made several seizures of illicit drugs amounting to over 20 tons as well as over 50 arrests since the beginning of this year.

Nigerian Customs Sacks 17 Officers For Drug Addiction

Posted on October 17, 2016 by Staff Reporter

According to a statement signed by Wale Adeniyi, Public Relations Officer for the Comptroller-General of Customs,
Seventeen (17) Junior Officers of the Nigeria Customs Service have been dismissed from the Service for offences ranging from drug addiction, certificate forgery, theft and absence from duty from January to September 2016.

The statement revealed the following;

1. The appointment of two other Officers have been terminated for absence from duty while one Officer was retired for drug addiction.

2. Investigations into offences committed by the Officers in the senior category are now being concluded. Officers found guilty are expected to face similar stiff penalties.

3. These disciplinary measures were taken after series of investigations and deliberations by the disciplinary committee and recommendations were made to the Management.

4. This process is a continuation of the reform agenda the Comptroller-General of Customs, Col. Hameed Ibrahim Ali (Rtd) promised upon his assumption of office which emphasized discipline, good conduct and transparency.

Senator Ashafa’s Bill Advocating Stiffer Penalty For Drug Offences Pass Second Reading.

Posted on October 12, 2016 by Staff Reporter

The Senator Representing Lagos East in the Upper Chamber of the National Assembly, Senator Olugbenga Ashafa’s Bill seeking to Amend the Nigerian Drug Law Enforcement Agency Act CAP N30 Today, came up for second reading. The Act seeks firstly to curb the excesses of Judges who pass light, varied and discretionary sentences to convicts in clear disregard of the provisions of the NDLEA Act, which stipulates a maximum sentence of life imprisonment, or minimum sentence of fifteen years’ imprisonment for convicts.

While reading his lead debate, the Senator pointed out that the stiff punishment originally prescribed by the Act Is to deter people from engaging in drug related activities, but the actions of some judges in passing light sentences only makes a mockery of the deterrent nature of the Act thereby sending a wrong message to drug dealers and traffickers, their countries, our youths and the international community.

This light sentences being imposed by judges contrary to the provisions of the Act. The Bill seeks to amend Section 26 of the Act by including an additional Clause, which makes it mandatory for judges to impose the sentences stipulated in the Act for convicts, removing completely the discretion which the judges have arbitrarily exercised.

The said clause states that “The penalties provided for in this Act shall be adhered to, and notwithstanding any provision in any other law or rule of practice, a trial judge shall not have the power to vary such penalties either by imposing a lesser term of imprisonment or granting a convict an option of fine.” Secondly the Act seeks to correct a minor but significant error in the principal Act which mis-spelt the word “heroin” as “heroine”.

The final amendment seeks to increase the option of fine of N20, 000 imposed as penalty for obstructing the Agency or authorized officers of the Agency in the exercise of any of their powers to N100, 000.00. The Senator, pointed out to his Distinguished Colleagues that the economic-realty of Nigeria today has rendered the N20, 000.00 fine paltry and unrealistic which necessitates the increase to N100, 000.00.

While contributing to the well received debate on the Bill, Distinguished Senator, Shehu Sani from Kaduna Central, lent his support to the Bill by emphasissing on the need for the Drug Law to serve as a deterent and to be enforced as contemplated by the drafters of the Law. He commended the well detailed instances canvassed in the body of Ashafa’s lead debate and pointed out that drug dealers are making use of this lacuna in the Act, as it emboldens them to go about carrying out their drug activities. He noted that it is essential that the Bill be passed quickly to avoid our dear country being destroyed by drugs, as is the case in Guinea-Bissau.

The Senate president, Dr. Abubakar Bukola Saraki in closing the debate added that the NDLEA Amendment Bill is very important especially with the growing increase in drug use & trafficking and that the Nigerian Senate will support everything to bring down the illicit drug trade. The Bill was then forwarded to the Drugs and Narcotics Committee of the Senate for Consideration.

NDLEA seizes N10.7bn illicit drugs, arrests 7 suspects in Edo

Posted on October 7, 2016 by Staff Reporter

The Edo Command of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) has confiscated illicit drugs valued at over N10.7 billion in Benin.

The State Commander of the Agency, Mr Buba Wakawa, told the News Agency of Nigeria on Friday in Benin, that seven suspects were arrested in connection with the siezure.

Wakawa, who gave a run down of the command’s achievements during the third quarter of 2016, said the seven suspects were arrested with 34.2 Kilogrammes of Methamphetamine.

He described Methamphetamine as more dangerous and harmful than cocaine, adding that it was not commonly known to ordinary people on the street.

According to him, the confiscated drug has a street value of about 700,000 dollars per kilogramme, which translates to 23.9 million dollars for the 34.2 kg confiscated.

The commander also put the estimated value of the siezed drug at about N10.7 billion.

He disclosed that the suspects, who concealed the substance in 102 cartons of HP computer printer cartridges, were arrested on Sept. 24, on Lagos- Benin-Asaba Expressway.

Wakawa disclosed that the command also arrested 69 other suspects during the period under review for alleged drug trafficking.

He said that nine out of the 69 suspected drug traffickers were women, adding that two had been charged to court.

Wakama said that the total narcotic confisticated during the period weigh up to 2, 156.1 Kilogrammes.

He listed the drugs to include 1, 911 kilogrammess of Indian hemp, 34.2 Kilogrammes of Methamphetamine, 3.5 gramms of cocaine, 129 kilogrammes of Tramadol and 82 kilogrammess of Diazepam.

The NDLEA commander added that 11.514 hectares of carnabbis sativa were destroyed during the period under review and five vehicles impounded.

According to him, the command currently has 162 pending cases in various courts in the state and had couselled 32 drug addicts.

NDLEA Denies Torturing Baba Suwe During Interrogation

Posted on October 7, 2016 by Staff Reporter

The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency, NDLEA, has debunked the claims that that its operatives subjected popular Yoruba actor, Babatunde Omidina, to physical torture during the period he was incarcerated by the agency for allegedly being in possession of hard drugs.

The Head, Public Affairs of the NDLEA, Mr, Mitchell Ofoyeju, who was reacting to the allegation by Nollywood actor, Yomi Fabiyi, that Baba Suwe’s health was worsening due to torture at the agency, said the story was unfounded.

Fabiyi had, in a statement posted on his Instagram page on Wednesday, claimed that Baba Suwe told him that he could no longer walk properly because a pipe was inserted in his anus during the period that he was detained by the NDLEA.

“He told me that he could no longer feel comfortable since that episode. Baba Suwe can hardly walk properly as I speak, let alone go to film. How will he feed and take care of the children that Aunty Moladun left behind?

“He told me when I visited him that he was innocent and a long pipe was inserted in his anus. He was detained for too long, among other things, just because he was randomly suspected like every normal person.

“Torture is criminal and sinful. If this accusation is found to be true by independent investigators, it shouldn’t go unpunished,” he had said.

But Ofoyeju dismissed the actor’s claims as false, saying, “The NDLEA did not torture Baba Suwe. If he was tortured, he would have said it himself. ?This is just an unfounded rumour on the social media and it should be disregarded.

“As a matter of fact, Baba Suwe was given the best treatment. We treated him with due regard to the requirement of fundamental human rights globally. He was talking to his relatives and lawyer. He was never kept in a prison for the period that he stayed here because he was virtually under our observation.”

Also, regarding Fabiyi’s claim that the NDLEA failed to obey a court order to pay Baba Suwe the sum of N25m in damages, the spokesman said that the agency was not obliged to obey the order since a substantive ruling by the Court of Appeal had directed? it not to pay the actor.

“If Baba Suwe had gone to the Supreme Court, perhaps his case would have been upheld. But he did not do so,” Ofoyeju said.

Nigeria requires $12m yearly for family planning, lifesaving drugs – UNFPA

Posted on October 6, 2016 by Staff Reporter

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The United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) says Nigeria requires between $12 million and $16 million yearly to procure family planning commodities and lifesaving drugs.

Of this figure, the Ministry of Health has pledged to budget $3 million for next year.Executive Director of the UNFPA, Dr. Babatunde Osotimehin, stated this in a statement at the end of his visit to Nigeria.

Osotimehin noted that the inability of Nigeria to provide sufficient funds to procure these commodities would not affect UNFPA’s contributions to Nigeria, which amounted to about $7 million for commodities and lifesaving drugs in 2015.

He described the $12 million to $16 million funding requirement as a small amount considering the huge return on investment, saying, “nobody can place a value to life.”

The UNFPA chief said he had secured the commitment of Nigeria’s health minister to set aside money to buy these commodities.

“This is in addition to a commitment obtained at a meeting the UNFPA executive director had earlier in the year with the president and the minister of finance on a business case for family planning whereby Nigeria will annually just increase its contributions to getting commodities for the country until when the nation will be solely responsible for getting these commodities.”

On when the UNFPA would withdraw its aid to Nigeria, he said the agency would build on the business case for family planning until the country’s budget could finance the responsibility of procuring these commodities.

He urged the media to highlight the benefits of family planning to women and young girls.Osotimehin expressed happiness with the level of improvement of the wellbeing of girls supported by the Adolescent Girls’ Initiative, as most of the girls were unable to communicate in English language before the programme.

“UNFPA would like to clarify that the executive director did not mention $34 billion as the agency’s expenditure on maternal and lifesaving commodities for Nigeria during the media briefing, as reported by a news medium,” the statement stated.

NDLEA Arrests Man With Drugs Worth N31m At Lagos Airport

Posted on September 14, 2016 by Staff Reporter

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The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) has arrested a South African based Nigerian, Abiodun Israel Banjo, for the possession of methamphetamine at the Murtala Mohammed International Airport in Lagos.

In a statement by its spokesperson, Mitchell Ofoyeju, the agency said Banjo was arrested during the screening of South Africa bound passengers.

According to the statement, the parcels of methamphetamine weighed 3.435kgs with an estimated street value of N31 million in Nigeria.

NDLEA commander at the Abuja airport, Ahmadu Garba while speaking on the arrest said officials of the anti-narcotics agency discovered methamphetamine in Banjo’s bags during a luggage check.

He said the drugs were hidden under clothing and food items. Mr. Garba said the suspect was immediately arrested while investigations were ongoing.

The suspect, however, said his friend gave him the bags, denying any knowledge of its contents.

“I work in Pretoria. My friend in South Africa called me saying that his brother would give me two bags containing foodstuff to take to him. He also promised to give me two thousand dollars. I opened the bags and checked thoroughly, but could not find anything criminal. That was how I accepted to take the bags,” Banjo explained.

“I was surprised when the drug was detected under the bags. I feel very sad that my friend has implicated me,” he said.

NDLEA Chief Executive Muhammad Mustapha Abdallah has said the suspect would be charged to court.

Michael Jackson Ran Elaborate Child Sex Abuse Operation: Suit

Posted on September 14, 2016 by Staff Reporter

An alleged victim of Michael Jackson has claimed the late star helped operate the “most sophisticated child sexual abuse” operation in history in damning new legal documents.

Celebrity choreographer Wade Robson alleges the late singer abused him when he was just seven-years-old, and has now made the shocking new claims in an amended complaint filed against the star’s companies MJJ Productions and MJJ Ventures.

Robson, 33, has claimed some of the star’s inner circle served “dual purposes,” and alleges they
helped systematically seek out children and entice them to his Neverland Ranch.

“The thinly-veiled, covert second purposes of these businesses was to operate as a child sex abuse operation,” Robson’s lawyer, Vince Finaldi, reportedly wrote in the motion.

“Specifically designed to locate, attract, lure and seduce child sexual abuse victims.”

He claimed the company would set up a limo to pick up families, take them to paid-for accommodation, and even sometimes offer them gifts.

“MJJ Productions operated the most sophisticated child sexual abuse procurement and facilitation operation the world has known,” Robson’s lawyer Vince Finaldi reportedly told the New York Daily News.

According to the complaint, Robson first met Jackson when he was five-years-old in Australia after winning a dance competition run by MJJ Productions, where he and his family were invited to stay at the Ranch.

Shockingly however, Robson claims while his family slept elsewhere, he shared the superstar’s bed during the stay two years later.

According to reports, he claims that was the first time he was abused by the star.

He claims it carried on for the following seven years, and stopped when he hit puberty – as he alleges Jackson was then “no longer as interested in him sexually”.

“Make no mistake, Neverland Ranch was nothing but a well-orchestrated trap,” Finaldi told the New York Daily News.

“It was custom-built to attract kids so he could groom them and decide which to sexually abuse.”

Robson previously denied he was abused when called to testify in a 2005 molestation trial – which saw Jackson accused of sexually abusing 13-year-old Gavin Arvizo.

At the time Jackson’s former housekeeper, Blanca Francia, claimed that she saw Robson and Jackson in the shower together.

Jackson was cleared of all 14 counts of allegations against him in 2005.

However, Robson later sued Jackson’s estate in May 2013, accusing him of molesting him for seven years.

At the time, Jackson’s estate called the claims “less than credible”.

NDLEA arrests graduate with N31m drug at MMIA

Posted on September 14, 2016 by Staff Reporter

A 45-year-old man, Abiodun Banjo, has been arrested by officials of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency at the Murtala Muhammed International Airport in Lagos State for alleged N31m drug trafficking.

It was learnt that Banjo, a graduate of a technical college in Ogun State, was heading for Pretoria, South Africa, when he was arrested with the drug concealed in two bags.

It was gathered that the suspect was allegedly caught with parcels of methamphetamine, valued at N31m.

The NDLEA spokesperson, Mitchell Ofoyeju, said Banjo’s arrest took place during the outward screening of passengers on a South African airline flight to South Africa.

He added that the parcels of drug tested positive for methamphetamine and weighed 3.435 kilogrammes with a street value of about N31m.

He said, “Two bags belonging to the suspect were found to contain parcels of methamphetamine. Inside the bags were also food ingredients and clothes, but underneath these was a thin parcel of narcotics carefully concealed. He was immediately arrested and investigation is ongoing.”

Banjo, in his statement, said the bags were given to him to deliver to a friend in South Africa, adding that he had lived and worked in Pretoria since 2012.

He said, “I work in Pretoria. My friend in South Africa called me that his brother would give me two bags containing foodstuffs to bring while coming. He also promised to give me $2,000. I opened the bags and checked thoroughly, but, could not find anything incriminating. That was why I accepted to take the bags.

“I was surprised when the drug was detected under the bags. I feel sad that my friend has implicated me.”

The NDLEA Chairman, Muhammad Abdallah, said members of the public must be aware of the tricks employed by drug cartels.

He said, “Drug traffickers recruit mules by enticing them with money. They are very clever in concealing drugs in bags, electronics, foodstuffs and clothes, among others. We strongly advise all passengers to pack their bags themselves and avoid taking bags for others.”

The NDLEA boss added that ignorance was no excuse in drug trafficking, adding that the suspect would be charged with unlawful exportation of narcotics.

Nine Nigerian men accused of dealing drugs from Mountain of Fire church in Cambodia sentenced to 5 to 8 years in prison

Posted on September 14, 2016 by Staff Reporter

Nine Nigerian nationals, including their ringleader still at large, and a Cambodian woman were sentenced to five to eight years in prison and fined a total of 126 million riel ($30,663) for drug trafficking at Phnom Penh Municipal Court yesterday, September 12th.

Nine out of the 10 accused were arrested on January 8, after being found in possession of nearly a kilogram of methamphetamine powder that was intended for sale around Phnom Penh. Their ringleader, Obieze Kennth Uche, also known as John remains at large. The convicts include, Tony Chukwuonye, two brothers, Okorom Favour and Okorom Kizito Chinedu, Francis Nnamdi, Simon Maduka Ukandu, Sunday Nwabuisi, Nna Mezie Victor, Izuchukwu Chukwuma.

“The court is ordering the arrest of Obieze Kenneth Uche,” Judge Khy Chai said. “After the verdict comes into effect, all nine foreigners, after serving their jail terms, have to be deported out of Cambodia and prevented from entering Cambodia for the next five years.”

On the last day of the trial, it was revealed that only two out of the 15 samples collected tested positive for meth, with 4 and 5 percent purity, respectively.

In the same hearing, Cambodian national Morm Vonyong, 25, admitted to delivering drugs to customers several times in exchange for $100. Her attorney, Lay Longdy, said he will be appealing the verdict.

NAFDAC Raises The Alarm Over Influx Of Fake Malaria Drugs

Posted on September 5, 2016 by Staff Reporter

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The National Agency for Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) in Monday in Enugu raised the alarm over the influx of fake, adulterated and sub-standard malaria drugs in open markets across the country, vowing however not to rest on its oars until the nation was completely rid of such products.

The Head of Reform Unit of NAFDAC, Barr Ozo-Onyali Ikenna, who raised the alarm while speaking with newsmen during the flag-off of a three-day sensitization workshop for staff of the agency on anti-corruption, SERVICOM and gender issues, said the agency has stepped up her enforcement activities to curtail the menace before it degenerates to an unmanageable level.

“You know. for every method you bring in to checkmate importers of fake drugs, they tend to always monitor you and move on as you are moving as well. We know that we have a lot of fake malaria medicines within the system and that is the simple reason why we have done this. You know, we insisted that manufacturers of anti-malaria and antibiotic medicines should be able to put in what we call ‘scratch and text system’, where you are expected to, when you buy your malaria medicine, scratch and send the number to the code that will be on the pack of the medicine to confirm the authenticity of the medicine before you can buy.

“It will either reply genuine or fake and if it is fake, then you are not expected to buy it and you are expected to report that complaint
to the nearest NAFDAC office for enforcement agents to step in,” he said.

He stated however that so many arrests and prosecution of importers and manufacturers of fake and substandard drugs are on-going, noting that it will remain a regular process in order to stamp out the illicit business.

Earlier in a remark, the Acting Director General of NAFDAC, Mrs. Yetunde Oni, stated that the sensitization workshop was packaged for staff of the agency drawn from all the states of the South East, the Food Safety and Applied Nutrition, and Enforcement and Investigation
Department of the Agency.

“The first day will be the anti-corruption day; the second day, service delivery day; and the third day is gender day. The whole essence of this workshop is basically sensitization of staff on anti-corruption ideals, effective and efficient service delivery, and mainstreaming gender within the system.”

The Director General who was represented by the Director, Special Duties, in the agency, Dr. Abubakar Jimoh, stated that the resource persons were drawn from the Independent Corrupt Practices and other related offences Commission (ICPC) office as well as the Department of Corruption Monitoring and Evaluation Department (CMED) of the agency.

NAFDAC Alerts Nigerians Of Fake Alcohol In Circulation

Posted on August 24, 2016 by Staff Reporter

The National Agency for Foods and Drugs Administration and Control (NAFDAC) has alerted Nigerians of fake alcoholic drinks, especially dry gin in circulation. Disclosing this today, the NAFDAC Director of Special Duties, Abubakar Jimoh, said consumers of alcoholic beverages should be wary of purchasing and consuming the fake products.

According to Jimoh, drinking alcohol is bad enough but the danger of taking fake alcohol can only be
imagined.

NDLEA Arrests 184 Drug Suspects, Convicts Six In Akwa Ibom

Posted on August 22, 2016 by Staff Reporter

The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), Akwa Ibom Command, said on Sunday that it arrested 184 suspected drug offenders between January and July.
The Command’s Public Relations Officer (PRO), Mrs Maria Ilugbuhi, disclosed this in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Uyo, and said that six of them had been convicted.
Ilugbuhi said that 154 of the suspects were males while 30 were females.

She added that during the period, the command also seized 96.39 kilogrames of hard drugs from the suspects.

The public relations officer said the seized drugs included cocaine, heroin, cannabis sativa and psychotropic substance.

She said that the Drug Demand Reduction Unit (Counseling Unit) of the agency had counseled, rehabilitated and reunited six of the suspects with their families.

“We arrested 184 drug dealers and users and secured six convictions in the last seven months

“Over 96.39 kg of hard drugs were seized from these suspects during the period ,” he said.

Ilugbuhi said that there was higher prevalence of use of cocaine and combined substances than cannabis sativa in Uyo, the state capital.

She attributed the success of the agency in arresting the suspects to the good working relationship and synergy between it and other security agencies in the state.

The PRO, however, said that inadequate funding and logistics were some of the challenges the command faced.

She urged the people to endeavour to provide the agency with useful information on drug dealers and users for prompt action.

Ilugbuhi said that the agency was working very hard to reduce illicit drug use and trade in the state, advising the people, especially the youths, to shun the vice.

Anambra Big Boy, Vincent Chidiebere, Nabbed with Drugs worth N1.78b

Posted on August 3, 2016 by Staff Reporter

The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) has arrested Vincent Chidiebere, a 31yrs old guy in Anambra State for allegedly peddling hard drug worth N1.78 billion.

Addressing reporters in Onitsha on Tuesday, the Commander, Mr Sule Momodu said the suspect was nabbed in Awka, the state capital, on July 28 with methamphetamine weighing 25.2kg.

He said the arrest followed a tip-off that a shipment of the drug would pass through Anambra from Enugu to Lagos.

“Based on the information, we set up a team to search vehicles from a particular company. About 11am we intercepted a vehicle carrying the substance and nabbed the suspect.”

Mr. Momodu, who said the substance tested positive, described the drug as “one of the most potent illicit drugs in the world, which has a lot of destructive tendencies on the user.”

He someone under the influence of methamphetamine can be influenced to make disastrous decisions and can make criminals test the nation’s security to its limit.

The commander said besides the security threat posed by the users, the drug posed a health hazard.

He said chemicals used for the production were highly toxic and could cause permanent destruction to the eco-system.

“The waste from the drug is more toxic than the extracted substance. The people around where it is being produced are likely to be exposed to cancer and other incurable diseases, while children born in the area are likely to be deformed.”

NDLEA had discovered three methamphetamine laboratories at Nanka, Ozubulu and Obosi all in the South East, and the commander believed that more laboratories exist. They would track them.

He said Vincent Chidiebere will be charged to court according to law.

Wow: See The “Luxury” Prison Cell Of Brazilian Drug Lord, Jarvis Pavao. [Pictures]

Posted on July 30, 2016 by Staff Reporter

Paraguayan authorities got a surprise when they raided a Brazilian drug lord’s jail cell… and found a three-room luxury suite complete with library, kitchen, conference room and plasma TV.

Jarvis Chimenes Pavao, considered one of South America’s most dangerous drug traffickers, had been serving an eight-year sentence for money laundering at the Tacumbu prison in the Paraguayan capital, Asuncion.

But little did anyone on the outside know what kind of lifestyle that really meant — until a powerful bomb was discovered inside the prison.

Chimenes Pavao, who was due for release next year but facing extradition back to Brazil on drug charges, had allegedly planned to use the plastic explosives to blow a hole in the prison walls and escape.

But his plan backfired when police poured into the prison to investigate and discovered his pimped out cell.

The “VIP cell,” as it was known to prisoners, had three rooms with en suite bathroom, a kitchen and conference room, air conditioning, stylishly tiled walls, plush furniture and a library complete with a DVD collection to watch on the big-screen plasma TV, AFP reporters saw during a visit.

The DVDs included the full collection of “Pablo Escobar,” a TV series on the feared Colombian kingpin who was killed in 1993, a hero of Chimenes Pavao’s.

– Friends in high places –

The raid, which took place Tuesday night, has already shaken up the Paraguayan penal system.

Chimenes Pavao’s lawyer, Laura Acasuso, told reporters the corruption that enabled her client to turn his cell into a luxury suite reached all the way to the top.

“Six or seven justice ministers and six or seven prison directors” took bribes from Chimenes Pavao, she said.

Justice Minister Carla Bacigalupo was sacked almost as soon as the scandal broke. Her replacement, Ever Martinez, vowed a crackdown.

“We’re going to demolish Chimenes Pavao’s cell and take measures against the prison directors who allowed this inmate to enjoy these privileges,” he said.

Chimenes Pavao has now been transferred to a cell in a police special operations unit.

Among the 3,500 inmates at Tacumbu — double its capacity — many already say they miss him.

“I don’t know what’s going to become of us without him,” said a fellow prisoner, who spoke on condition of anonymity.

He said Chimenes Pavao was a generous benefactor who paid for a football pitch and chapel at the prison, as well as employing bodyguards among the inmates.

“He was the most loved man in this prison,” said another inmate, Antonio Gonzalez.

– ‘Not a saint’ –

Like at many prisons across Latin America, most inmates at Tacumbu eat only irregularly and sleep on cardboard boxes or directly on the floor. Riots are common.

“It’s miserable,” said Josieux, another prisoner from Brazil. “Two inmates died of hunger and cold” in June, he said.

Things were different for Chimenes Pavao, who was arrested on the Brazil-Paraguay border — a hotbed of smuggling — and is accused of ordering the killing of business tycoon Jorge Rafaat in the same region last month.

To be transferred to the pavilion where he was held, inmates had to pay $5,000, plus weekly rent of $600, a former inmate, Osvaldo Arias, said in a TV interview.

In return, they were allowed to use cell phones, the internet and receive visitors anytime, he said.

“He never said he was a saint,” said Chimenes Pavao’s lawyer.

“But he was completing his sentence and helping out with the money he earns legally through his companies,” which employ 1,200 people, she said.

She said her client paid for lodgings for prison directors, toilets for the guards, the renovation of the prison library and the cooks’ salaries.

Lamar Odom Spotted Drinking Again!

Posted on May 9, 2016 by Staff Reporter

36-year-old Lamar Odom spotted drinking again! According to TMZ, Lamar was spotted indulging in some Cognac during a shopping trip to the Beverly Center. He was seen chatting up with a few women before leaving $60 in cash and carrying on with his day.

Earlier on Sunday, Kris included him in a collage including photos of her with Scott Disick and son-in-law Kanye West.

The 60-year-old momager even included a personalised message to Lamar as she wrote: ‘To my son
Lammy, I am so thankful for your strength through adversity and your sweet gentle spirit. I am blessed beyond words to have all of you in my life.’

Read How Election Candidate Bribes Elderly Men With Erectile Dysfunction Drugs To Secure Votes

Posted on April 12, 2016 by Staff Reporter

Elderly men in South Korea have allegedly been given erectile dysfunction drugs to buy their votes in legislative elections, prosecutors said Tuesday, announcing an investigation into the suspected breach. South Koreans go to the polls on Wednesday in an election already overshadowed by North Korean nuclear threats and economic difficulties.

The alleged vote-buying took place in Suwon, 30 kilometres (around 20 miles) south of the capital Seoul. “We have yet to verify the allegations. If confirmed, this could constitute a breach of election law,” the spokesman for Suwon Prosecutors’ Office told AFP.

Vote-buying in South Korea carries a sentence of up to five years in prison or a fine of 10 million won ($8,750). Erectile dysfunction drugs are a prescription medication in South Korea and prosecutors will investigate how the unnamed candidate was allegedly in possession of so many, the Dong-A Ilbo daily said.

Anyone found guilty of vote-buying risks being stripped of their election victory, while voters face fines of up to 50 times the value of the cash or gift they received in return for supporting the candidate.

Credit: Vangaurd

‘You Must Be Banned For Taking Drugs’ – Rafael Nadal & Andy Murray Tell Maria Sharapova

Posted on March 11, 2016 by Staff Reporter

Maria Sharapova’s male colleagues Rafael Nadal and Andy Murray have come hard on the tennis star saying she must be punished and banned from the sport, after she admitted on Monday to failing a drug test in the last Australian Open.

The Russian athlete is set to be provisionally banned from Tennis on Saturday, but the extent of the ban is yet to be unclear, with any suspension above two years effectively ending her career.

But Rafael Nadal who says he has used stem-cell therapy and blood thinning in the past to speed his injury recovery says she must be banned from the sport while Britain’s number one Tennis player Andy Murray says she must be banned for using performance enhancing drugs while also criticizing her racket sponsor, HEADS, for standing by Sharapova.

14-time Grand Slam winner Rafael Nadal said:

“I am a completely clean guy. I have never had the temptation of doing something wrong. I believe in the sport and the values of the sport. The sport is an example for society. It is an example for the kids and if I am doing something that goes against that, I will be lying to myself, not lying to my opponents.” “I have been open all my career,” he said. “I never tried to hide nothing that I did. I did PRP and then I did stem cells. The first time with PRP it worked fantastic and the second time it was bad. I had to stop playing tennis for seven months. With stem cells, I used it two times on my knees and it worked very well. I am not doing, never did, and never going to do something wrong.” “It’s terrible because the sport must be clean and must look clean. It is difficult to imagine that something like this can happen, but mistakes happen. She should be punished. I want to believe it is a mistake for Maria. She didn’t want to do it. But obviously it is negligence. She must pay for it.”

Andy Murray said:

“Clearly if you are taking performance-enhancing drugs and you fail a drugs test, you have to get suspended. I think since 1 January there have been 55 different athletes who have failed tests for meldonium. I find it strange that there’s a prescription drug used for heart conditions and so many athletes competing at the top level of their sport would have that condition. That sounds a bit off to me.”

Andy Murray also criticized HEAD, who also manufacture his racket, for standing by Sharapova and saying they will extend her contract despite other sponsors Nike, Tag Heuer and Porsche severing their relationship with the tennis star.

“I think it’s a strange stance given everything that’s happened the last few days. I don’t really know what else to say on that, but that’s not something I believe. I think at this stage it’s important really to get hold of the facts and let things play out, like more information coming out before making a decision to extend the contract like that, in my view. I personally wouldn’t have responded like that.”

FG To Assist Pharmaceutical Companies In Nigeria To Produce Drugs Locally – Buhari

Posted on March 2, 2016 by Staff Reporter

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President Muhammadu Buhari on Tuesday said that his government would encourage production of essential drugs locally instead of relying on importation.

The president gave the assurance while receiving a team of Pharmaceutical experts led by Professor Olu Akinkugbe at the presidential villa, Abuja.

Incidentally, the team was constituted by the Olusegun Obasanjo Presidential Library to develop an agenda for the health sector in the country, President Buhari while speaking at the meeting recalled that the Petroleum Trust Fund (PTF), under his chairmanship in the 1990s, had developed what was referred to as “institutional strengthening,” in which PTF supported pharmaceutical companies with resources to encourage local production of drugs. He stated that such experiment could be revisited. “We can revisit the experience.

We can strengthen pharmaceutical companies to produce essential drugs needed in the country locally. We can then be sure of the quality of such medications”, he said.

On privatization of healthcare institutions as canvassed in some quarters, President Buhari stressed the need to exercise caution and consider the state of development of the country before adopting the option.

“Privatization aims at maximum profit. It then excludes the poor and the vulnerable from accessing healthcare. But we have to look after the poor,” the president said. A statement by Mr. Femi Adesina on the meeting added that the Professor Olu Akinkugbe-led team had earlier given insights into its agenda for the health sector to include proposals on healthcare financing, developing health intelligence/observatory to preempt epidemics, simultaneous focus on primary, secondary and tertiary healthcare, preventing labour unrests in the health sector, facilitating access to essential drugs through local production and the drug distribution system among others.

Akinkugbe commended President Buhari for keeping faith with the change doctrine in the country. He added that the current economic harsh realities was global and not peculiar to Nigeria, expressing optimism that the future of the country was bright.

Credit : Vanguard

153 Nigerians On Death Row In Malaysia, China Over Drugs

Posted on March 2, 2016 by Staff Reporter

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Senate yesterday raised the alarm that about 153 Nigerians are currently awaiting execution in Malaysia and China, following their involvement in illicit drugs. The lawmakers also revealed that four out of 11 Nigerians on death row were executed in April 2015 by Indonesian authorities despite pleas for leniency by Nigeria, the United Nations and Amnesty International. This was as the senaNigerians were executed in China also in April last year, even as 120 others are still on death row for drug-related offences, with 74 of them being held in Guandong and Guanxi provinces. The lawmakers said in Singapore, one Nigerian is awaiting the hangman’s noose because of his participation in drug offence. These revelations came to light yesterday during a debate on a motion sponsored by Senator Gbenga Ashafa and supported by 21 others.

The senators consequently urged the Federal Government to restructure and reposition the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency, NDLEA, to be able to meet the challenges of evasive drug traffickers who use Nigerians to traffic the illicit products. The lawmakers also asked the police, NDLEA, NAFDAC, Pharmaceutical Council of Nigeria, PCN, and other regulatory agencies to develop a collaborative approach towards curbing the incidence of drug use and abuse in the country. They, in addition, mandated the Committee on Drugs and Narcotics to urgently consider the amendment of Section 23 of the PCN Act, to include the sale of prescription pills over the counter as an offence punishable by the Act. In his lead presentation, Ashafa disclosed that many Nigerian youths’ involvement in illicit global drugs trade had led them to be currently on death row in different countries. According to him, drug offences in some countries attract capital punishment. Ashafa expressed concerns that in spite of the execution, some desperate Nigerians were still not deterred. He said: “The case for leniency was rendered impotent because, at that point, seven fresh cases of drug trafficking involving Nigerians had just emerged in Indonesia.”

He stated that these desperate Nigerians used to disguise as university students colluding with drug syndicates to undermine the visa system and gain entrance into Malaysia, Indonesia, Thailand and other drug traffic routes. According to him, 30 out of 80 foreign students arrested in 2015 were Nigerians in Malaysia where authorities have confirmed that 40 per cent of foreigners arrested for drug offences are from Nigeria. Senator Ashafa regretted that Nigerians’ involvement in drug business is tarnishing the image of the country. “Our nationals are viewed with suspicion and subjected to demeaning treatment at airports across the world as a result of this negative perception.” The lawmaker chided the Federal Government for not taking serious actions to curb the menace of drug couriers and their sponsors within and outside the country. In their contributions, Senators Sam Anyanwu, Oluremi Tinubu, Barau Jibrin and Ovie Omo- Agege also condemned the rate at which Nigerian youths are involved in drug-related offences.

Credit: NationalMirror

El-Rufai Suspends Traditional Ruler For Alleged Drug Related Offence

Posted on January 29, 2016 by Staff Reporter

Governor Nasir El-Rufai of Kaduna State has suspended a traditional ruler for his alleged involvement in drug related offence.

A press statement issued by the Governor’s spokesman, Samuel Aruwan, said that the traditional ruler, Ibrahim Danladi ,was arrested by officials of the National Drug Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) for being in possession of 1.5 kilogrammes of marijuana on January 20, 2016.

According to the statement, Danladi, who is the village head of Goma in the Gimi District of Sanga Local Government Area of the state, had already confessed committing the crime, and would be charged as soon as NDLEA concludes its investigation.

Aruwan explained that the Kaduna State Security Council recommended the suspension of the traditional ruler from office pending the conclusion of investigations and his possible trial.

NDLEA Arrests 286 Suspects In Niger Command, Seizes 1, 614.529kg Of Drugs

Posted on January 29, 2016 by Staff Reporter

The Niger State Command of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) has arrested 286 drug suspects and seized 1,614.529kg of various drugs.

The state commander of the Agency, Mr Iweajunwa Joseph stated this yesterday at a news conference that it is the number of suspects that were arrested in 2015 and the quantity of drugs seized within the same period.

He stated that the suspects arrested were made up of four females and all others are males and that the number of suspects arrested were on the increase because in 2014, only 168 suspects were arrested.

According to him, some of the drugs seized were cannabis sativas (Indian hemp), about 1,320.129kg, Diazepan tablets, 44.278kg, Tramadol tablets, 161.215kg, while cocaine was about 0.0014kg.

Mr Joseph stated that a total of 87 clients have been corrected and rehabilitated within the period adding that the NDLEA has mopped up about 8,400mls of cough syrup, codeine, the abuse of which is more prevalent among youths in the state.

“For the year 2016, the command is going to strengthen our efforts in introduction, prosecution, demand reduction especially public enlightenment and rehabilitation”, he stated.

Credit: Leadership

62 Year Old Grandmother Hides $12K Worth Of Drugs In Her Vagina To Smuggle Into Son’s Prison

Posted on December 14, 2015 by Staff Reporter

A 62-year-old grandmother is facing serious charges after she allegedly smuggled drugs in her vagina into a Canadian prison where her son was doing time.

Linda Ethal Sheridan came to the Edmonton Institution with her 10-year-old granddaughter on July 22, 2013 to visit her son, who is serving time for home invasion. During a routine search, a drug-sniffing dog detected drugs on her.

She allegedly had three bags of drugs including heroin, meth, and marijuana hidden in her genitals and breasts. She seemed embarrassed that this happened,” said correctional officer Brandy Swenson. “She really wanted to remove the stuff from her body cavity.”

Officials estimated the value of the drugs to be more than $12,000. Her son told a court he did not ask her for the drugs.

The Huffington Post reports Sheridan said she only did it because she felt threatened by an anonymous caller who said he would kill her son if she didn’t bring the drugs.

“I wish I hadn’t been talked into this,” Sherida reportedly told police at the time she was arrested. “It was a stupid move and I should’ve known better.”

Credit: Cosmopolitan

25-Year-Old Gets Four Years For Dealing In Cocaine

Posted on December 7, 2015 by Staff Reporter

A 25-year-old man, Dapo Sunday, has been sentenced to a prison term of four years for dealing in cocaine and heroin.

Sunday was convicted and sentenced on Friday on two counts bordering on the offence by Justice C.J. Aneke of a Federal High Court in Lagos State.

His conviction and sentence came after he had pleaded guilty to the charges preferred against him by the National Drugs Law Enforcement Agency.

The agency had told the court that Sunday was apprehended on May 25, 2015, at Amatua Market, Fagba-Ifako, Agege, Lagos, with 8.5 grams of cocaine and 15.8 grams of heroin.

The NDLEA prosecutor, J. I. Aernan, had said, “The offences are contrary to and punishable under Section 11(c) of the National Drugs Law Enforcement Agency Act, Cap. N30, Law of Federation of Nigeria, 2004.”

In proving his case, Aernan had tendered the seized illicit drugs, the convict’s confessional statement, and other exhibits which were admitted by the court.

In his judgment, Aneke said the prosecution had proved its case beyond reasonable doubts and sentenced Sunday to a prison term of four years on each count to run concurrently.

High On Drugs? See Inside Hotel Room Where Paris Attack Terrorists Plotted Mass Murder

Posted on November 17, 2015 by Staff Reporter

A video has been released showing inside the hotel room used by the twisted Paris attack terrorists in the lead up to the atrocity which claimed at least 129 lives on Friday night.

French newspaper Le Point released the video, claiming that it was arranged and booked by France’s ‘most wanted man’ Salah Abdeslam, using his credit card.

The hotel room, based in Alfortville, a suburb of southern Paris, is covered in pizza boxes and syringes.Forensic experts are trying to work out whether they took drugs to fuel their killing spree or to help make their explosive belts.

Evidence from one witness points to drug use after telling police that before the attack on the Bataclan concert hall, where 89 people were slaughtered, the men ‘were like zombies’.

It is common practice for jihadists involved in suicide attacks to take heroin and cocaine to steel themselves.

Man Kills Basketball Coach Because He Dropped His Daughter From The Team

Posted on November 11, 2015 by Staff Reporter

A Mexican ‘drug ballad’ singer killed his daughter’s basketball coach as revenge for leaving her out of the team.

Angelico Reyes opened fire on Guillermo Cordero, 33, after being told his daughter could not be in the starting team – or even a substitute – because she arrived late.
The 11-year-old student had hoped to play a local team at a university court in Oaxaca city, southwest Mexico, but was told to sit out after her family failed to arrived on time.
Reyes appeared to accept the decision at the time, but started an angry confrontation with Cordero after the game finished.

Witnesses then saw him draw his gun and shoot Cordero five times in the chest and abdomen. He then fled with his family. According to police, Reyes and his family are still on the run.

Daily Mail

‘He’s Learning To Walk’ – Khloe Gives Update On Lamar’s Health

Posted on November 11, 2015 by Staff Reporter

Khloe Kardashian has given Lamar’s progress report .She told told Entertainment Extra that the NBA star is learning how to walk again.
‘He’s definitely doing better which is awesome, every day is better, he’s off of all machines that, he is alive on his own, and no machines are helping him which is great, but he still has a lot of physical and cognitive therapy to go through, so it’s a long road for him. ‘He will try to learn to how to walk back so that is first…When he can support himself on his own, or physically try to walk better on his own or at least with an assistance, with like a walker, then he will probably leave the hospital and do
a lot of cognitive and mental strengthening.’It’s gonna be a long long time, every day is different, some days he’s really strong and some days he’s weaker than the day before cause it’s mentally draining I’m sure on him.’

“Lamar Has Sworn Never To Do Drugs Anymore, That’s Why I Took Him Back” – Khloe K

Posted on October 22, 2015 by Staff Reporter

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According to a report by TMZ, Khloe Kardashian has taken her estranged husband back and called off their divorce after he promised her he would never do drugs again after hitting rock bottom.

Lamar who is now talking, reportedly told Khloe over the weekend he knew he cheated death, and was ‘done with drugs.’ He also thanked her for coming to Vegas and supporting him, told her he loved her and wanted another chance with her. Khloe, who has always said she still loved Lamar, took him back, called off their divorce and promised to nurse him back to health. Their divorce was dismissed yesterday.

Eyewitnesses, Doctors, Confirm Drugs On Lamar, As Khloe Makes Medical Decisions

Posted on October 15, 2015 by Staff Reporter

Lamar Odom was found unconscious with white stuff coming out of his nose, two different people at Nevada brothel have confirmed.

The Nye County Sheriff’s Office has also released the recordings from two employees of the Nevada brothel where both described they saw a white/pinkish substance running out of his nose and mouth.

The male caller was Richard Hunter, media director of the ranch, and he told the operator Lamar had cocaine on him on Saturday. He also said Lamar was taking heavy doses of the herbal Viagra substitute called Reload.

Doctors have also confirmed there was cocaine in Odom’s system when he was rushed to the hospital.

A police officer says there’s a possibility Odom could be charged for drug possession when he recovers.

Meanwhile, his ex-wife, Khloe Kardashian has been making medical decisions as Lamar lies in a coma. Though Khloe and Lamar had already filed for divorce, officially they remain husband and wife as the union has not been officially dissolved, so she has been making his medical decisions.

Lil Wayne Tweets RIP to Lamar Odom

Posted on October 15, 2015 by Staff Reporter

Rapper Lil Wayne has incorrectly pronounced Lamar Odom dead on Twitter. To make matters worse, Twenty Three hours later, the tweet is still up.

Former Laker (and ex of Khloe Kardashian) Lamar Odom is currently in critical condition at Las Vegas’ Sunrise Hospital & Medical Center after being found unconscious in a nearby brothel over the weekend. Meanwhile, back in 2013, the YMCMB head honcho, Lil Wayne was “killed” by the internet when rumors began circulating that he was near death and had been read his last rites.

One might think that an experience like that would make Dwayne a bit more sensitive to the accurate announcement of someone’s death on social media. But it hasn’t.

Activists, Social Critics Slam NANS For Naming Kashumu ‘Golden Man of the Year’

Posted on October 7, 2015 by Staff Reporter

Social critics and activists have slammed the National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS) for naming troubled Senator , Senator Buruji Kashamu representing Ogun-East senatorial district, for naming him the ‘Golden Man of the Year’.

Tijani Usman, NANS National President had presented the award to Kashamu last week for his ‘untiring, exemplary and compassionate leadership style’.

While presenting the award to Kashamu in Ogun State, Tijani said, “We decided to honour Senator Kashamu because we know that he is neither the richest businessman nor politician in Nigeria, yet we constantly hear of his philanthropic gestures to Nigerians of all shades and colours, especially the less-privileged.”

“We are fascinated at his large-heartedness even in the face of needless distractions. We reckon that if all wealthy Nigerians are like Senator Kashamu, the country will be a better place for us all. That is why we decided to encourage him by giving him this award.”

The award has however been condemned saying it will help other politicians in Kashamu’s shoes feel they are on the right track which is bad for the country. Some also said the students association has been destroyed through corruption and it is heartbreaking.

We Will Execute Any Pilgrim Caught With Drugs, Saudi Govt Writes To Hajj Commission

Posted on September 2, 2015 by Staff Reporter

The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia has written a strongly worded letter to the National Hajj Commission of Nigeria, NAHCON, on the need to educate its pilgrims on why they should not be caught with hard drugs in the Holy Land, warning that any pilgrim caught would be executed.

The chairman of NAHCON, Alhaji Abdullahi Muktar Muhammed, at a press conference in Abuja yesterday said that the Saudi authorities are serious in achieving a drug free hajj pointing out that no amount of international pressure would made them spare the life of any convicted drug peddler.

Muhammed, in company of four of his national commissioners said the commission has made the stand of the Saudi authorities known to the pilgrims adding that out of over 27,000 pilgrims that have been airlifted to the Holy Land, not a single case of drug trafficking has been recorded among the pilgrims.

“We all know the stand of the Saudi government when it comes to drug trafficking, in fact they wrote a strongly worded letter to us on their stand insisting no amount of international pressure will make them spare the life of any convicted drug trafficker caught.”

Credit: leadership

NDLEA Occupies Arik Attendant’s House, Grills Co-workers

Posted on August 27, 2015 by Staff Reporter

The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency on Wednesday stormed and occupied the Lagos house of Chika Egwu Udensi, a crew member of the Arik Air flight W3101, who was arrested with 20 kilogrammes of cocaine at the London Heathrow Airport.

The NDLEA moved to the house after they had interrogated pilots and flight attendants of the flight that left the Murtala Muhammed International Airport, Lagos for London on Monday night. The interrogation lasted for several hours at the NDLEA head office in Lagos.

It was gathered that soon after the interrogation, the NDLEA moved to the suspect’s house in the Ejigbo area of Lagos State.

A source, who did not say if there were occupants in the house, told one of our correspondents that the NDLEA men were “currently occupying the house, and we will not leave here until we get all the

evidence that we want.”

It was gathered that although the operatives had seized the suspect’s Range Rover, the NDLEA was still of the opinion that Udensi had other property.

The source said, ‘We are investigating if he has other property in Lagos or elsewhere. Some of them (suspected drug courier) live simple lives, but have other valuables stashed everywhere. We are searching for incriminating documents.”

On the interrogation, the NDLEA in a statement said the entire crew members including some support staff that worked on the flight before it departed Lagos appeared before narcotic investigators at the Ikoyi headquarters of the agency.

They include two pilots and members of the cabin crew comprising an Australian and a South African.

The statement by the NDLEA spokesperson, Mr. Mitchell Ofoyeju, read in part, “The invitation which was made by the agency was swiftly complied with by the management of Arik Air.

“The crew members were conveyed to the NDLEA office in an official bus belonging to Arik Air. This is part of ongoing investigation to determine their level of involvement in the smuggling of 20 kg of cocaine found with Chika Egwu Udensi, a member of the cabin crew in London.

“The latest Range Rover car belonging to the prime suspect parked on the airline’s premises had also been moved to the NDLEA office as exhibit.”

Ofoyeju also confirmed to one of our correspondents that the operatives went to the attendant’s house, adding, “Wait till tomorrow (Thursday). We will make a comprehensive statement on it.”

Meanwhile, the Chairman/ Chief Executive Officer, NDLEA, Mr. Ahmadu Giade, was said to have promised to carry out an elaborate investigation into the ongoing case, stressing that all persons involved would be exposed and prosecuted.

“The agency has made remarkable progress in it counter-narcotic efforts and will resist any act capable of reversing the gains so far recorded,” he said.

However, findings by our correspondent revealed that the NDLEA and other aviation security officials were seriously grilling an Arik staff member working in the catering department who is believed to have assisted the suspect.

Security officials, it was learnt, believed that the suspect was assisted by some staff members of Arik catering department to move the 20 kilogrammes of cocaine into the aircraft.

One of the top security officials, who spoke to our correspondent under the condition of anonymity, said, “Security officials believe strongly that the 20kgs of cocaine might have been moved into the aircraft through the Arik’s catering department. There is a prime suspect in that department that is being interrogated specially.

“Normally, staff members of the catering department carrying foods from the airline office to the aircraft are not usually screened. Officials believe the bags containing the 20kgs of cocaine may have been taken through this route.”

“The reason for this is that there is a machine that searches the cabin crew members at the airline’s office before they go to the airport terminal to board the plane. So if the suspect carried it himself, he may have been caught. A major suspect in the catering department is going through series of interrogation.”

Source: Vanguard

Fake Anti-Malaria Drugs Reduced To 4% In Nigeria- NAFDAC

Posted on August 12, 2015 by Staff Reporter

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The National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) has been scored high in its fight against counterfeit drugs as a nationwide survey of the quality of anti-malaria medicines in Nigeria revealed a drastic reduction of counterfeit anti-malaria drugs from 19.6% in 2012 to 3.6% in 2015.
The national survey on the quality of anti-malaria medicines which was conducted in six geo-political zones in the country was jointly undertaken by the National Malaria Elimination Programme of the Federal Ministry of Health and NAFDAC with the funding support of the United States Pharmacopeia and USAID.

Speaking on the development, the permanent secretary, Federal Ministry of Health, Mr Linus Awute, expressed delight over the feat, saying it is coming at a time the health sector has recorded a lot of successes and is now focusing on elimination of malaria in the country.

The permanent secretary, represented by the director, Public Health in the ministry, Dr Bridget Okoeguale, added that key among these successes is the International Standardisation Organisation (ISO) certification of NAFDAC’s drug laboratory.

He said this was made possible with the generous support of the US government through Promoting the Quality of Medicines (PQM) programme implemented by the United States Pharmacopeia.

Credit: leadership

N2.8 Billion Worth Of Drugs Seized At Lagos Airport- NDLEA

Posted on August 11, 2015 by Staff Reporter

The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency has said that it seized narcotic drugs weighing 455.215 kilogrammes between January and June this year at the Murtala Muhammed International Airport, Lagos.

In a statement on Tuesday, the agency said that the drugs, whose street value is estimated at N2.8 billion, was seized alongside US$2.5 million cash.

According to the NDLEA,? 75 suspected drug traffickers and money launderers – 62 males and 13 females – were arrested in connection with the seizures.

“The intercepted money includes $2.1 million dollars seized from a bureau de change operator which had been transferred to the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) for further investigation,” the anti-narcotics agency said in the statement issued by Mitchell Ofoyeju, its spokesperson.

“Fifteen (15) arrests were recorded on Emirates airline being the most preferred flight for those apprehended. Qatar airways had eleven (11) arrests, Ethiopian airline followed closely with eight (8) arrests and Etihad airways seven (7) arrests.”

Read More: premiumtimesng

We Will Give It All It Takes To Extradite Kashamu To The US – NDLEA

Posted on August 10, 2015 by Staff Reporter

The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency on Friday said is continuing moves to extradite a financier of the Peoples Democratic Party in the South-West, Mr. Buruji Kashamu, to the United States for alleged drug-related offences.

Kashamu is a senator representing Ogun-East Senatorial District at the National Assembly.

The anti-narcotics agency said it is appealing the various orders and court injunctions granted the senator, which are preventing his arrest and extradition.

The NDLEA had been at daggers drawn with Kashamu over a claim by the agency that it received a
request from the American government seeking the extradition of the PDP leader to answer drug-related charges.

The agency, in what it tagged, ‘house arrest’, had deployed its operatives in the Lekki, Lagos, residence of the politician for six days before they were withdrawn, following a court order.

A Federal High Court in Lagos had, in separate rulings, restrained the NDLEA and any other agencies in the country from unlawfully arresting and forcefully extraditing the Ijebu-born politician to the US.

Speaking to Sunday Punch on Friday, the Head of Public Affairs, NDLEA, Mr. Mitchell Ofoyeju, said the agency had approached the courts to vacate all orders granted Kashamu. He stated that the agency would follow all legal means to ensure that Kashamu was extradited.

Ofoyeju said, “He (Kashamu) went to court to seek several orders. We have appealed those orders. The matters have not been determined. We are in court.”

The NDLEA spokesman explained that Kashamu had built several legal walls to prevent the agency from arresting to him.

“For instance, the warrant of arrest we obtained from the court, he set it aside (through a court). Then, the suit the Attorney-General of the Federation filed; the motion for his extradition, he also went to court to set it aside. The AGF is appealing that order and we are appealing ours. The cases are already in court.”

Ofoyeju said the NDLEA was not to witch-hunt Kashamu, claiming that the agency had been requested by the American government to extradite him.

He said, “We have the formal request from the United States,’ asking for his extradition. We have that and we went to obtain a warrant of arrest which he got an order to set aside. He got so many court orders; we are now appealing those orders to enable us to follow due process.

“We cannot use the legal process to impede his extradition process. If he says he believes in the rule of law, we are going to follow it up to a logical conclusion.”

Bobbi Kristina’s Boyfriend, Nick Gordon, To Be Charged With Manslaughter

Posted on July 29, 2015 by Staff Reporter

Nick Gordon, who was the boyfriend of the late Bobbi Kristina, is now in serious trouble as prosecutors want to charge him with involuntary manslaughter, and are trying to use one of Nick’s friends to turn him in law enforcement sources told TMZ.

TMZ’s sources say authorities believe Nick’s alleged crime is arranging to get drugs for Bobbi Kristina the day she almost drowned in her bathtub. Nick already confessed to the fact that both he and Bobbi did drugs that morning, but now sources tell us there was nothing intravenously injected.

The autopsy is not helping authorities make their case because it showed no obvious signs of foul play and the toxicology reports will only determine if she was under the influence and not who supplied the drugs.

The key for prosecutors is the third person in Bobbi Kristina’s home that day, Max Lomas, who’s currently being prosecuted in Georgia for 2 drug-related felonies, not connected to Bobbi Kristina.

Lomas’ case has lingered for nearly 6 months, and one source familiar with the case tells us, authorities are interested in offering Lomas a deal, probation on the drug charges and immunity in the Bobbi Kristina case in return for spilling all the details of what happened in her house.

We’re told prosecutors believe Nick had reason to know Bobbi Kristina had a drug problem and also knew she would indulge to the point of losing consciousness, yet he helped her get and use drugs and then left her in harm’s way.

The boy has found himself in serious gbese!

Bobbi Kristina Brown To Be Buried Next To Her Late Mom Whitney Houston This Week

Posted on July 27, 2015 by Staff Reporter

Bobbi Kristina Brown lost her six month battle to live last night after she was found unresponsive in her bath tub at home. Family sources now say that the 22-year-old will be laid to rest in New Jersey, next to her beloved mother Whitney Houston.

Her body will be flown to New Jersey following a funeral service in Atlanta so she can be laid to rest
alongside the singer.

Whitney Houston died in February 2012 and was buried at Fairview Cemetery in Westfield, New Jersey next to her late father, John Russell Houston who died in 2003 following a long battle with diabetes and heart disease.

Bobbi was 18 at the time of her mum’s death and was left devastated. Soon after Whitney’s death, the teenager suffered a hysterical breakdown and was sedated in hospital.

She was latterly treated for severe stress and anxiety. More recently though, she was depressed and was at times suicidal, according to her cousin, Jerod Brown.

In eerily similar circumstances, Whitney was found dead in a bath at the Beverly Hilton Hotel in Los Angeles. A post-mortem showed that she drowned after suffering a heart attack following cocaine use. Bobbi Kristina, whose father is Every Little Step I Take singer Bobby Brown, was also found unresponsive in the bath in the home she shared with boyfriend Nick Gordon on January 31 of this year.

She was taken to North Fulton Hospital in Roswell, Georgia, where she was put on a ventilator to assist her breathing. She was later placed in a medically induced coma at Atlanta’s Emory University Hospital.

Nearly two months later, she was moved to a rehabilitation center, where she remained until June 24, when she was moved to the Peachtree Christian Hospice where she died on Sunday night surrounded by her family.

May their souls rest in perfect peace.

Cocaine Capsules Burst in Smuggler’s Stomach

Posted on July 9, 2015 by Staff Reporter

A 32-year-old suspected drug trafficker, Obiefuna Ndulue, has died after some capsules used to pack substance that tested positive for cocaine burst in his stomach.

The deceased was said to have slumped at the departure hall of the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport, Abuja and was rushed to a hospital within the facility. It was learnt that Ndulue, who hailed from Anambra State, had wanted to travel via the Ethiopian airline to China.

PUNCH Metro gathered that 55 wraps of cocaine, weighing 1.2 kilogrammes were evacuated from the suspect’s stomach after he was stabilised at the hospital.

The Lagos-based trader was said to have confessed to an operative of the National Drug Law
Enforcement Agency that he had wanted to smuggle the drug. He reportedly died while receiving
treatment.

You recall yesterday TILB had shared a photo of a man arrested with N2.1million. The agency also said the 46-year-old businessman, Bamidele Ibiteye, was arrested for allegedly laundering $2,198,900 (about N440m).

It was learnt that the money was impounded from Ibiteye at the local wing of the Murtala Muhammed Airport, Lagos, as he wanted to board a flight en route to Abuja.

Ibiteye, who runs a company, ND&C Global Investment Limited, told investigators that the money belonged to a medical practitioner in the state, identified as Thomas Martins.

The suspect, however, declined to reveal the identity of the person who was to receive the money.

The NDLEA Commander at the NAIA, Mr. Hamisu Lawan, confirmed Ndulue’s death.

He said:

“The deceased collapsed at the departure hall. He collapsed after he notified the airline officials of his intention to cancel his trip. About 55 wraps of substances that tested positive for cocaine with a total weight of 1.20kg was evacuated from his stomach.

The suspect confessed to cocaine ingestion. He later died while receiving treatment.”

The spokesperson for the NDLEA, Mitchell Ofoyeju, confirmed Ibiteye’s arrest, adding that the money had been recovered.

He said:

“The $2,198,900 was seized from Ibiteye by anti-narcotic officials on the grounds of suspected money laundering at the local wing of the MMA2, Lagos. The suspect was apprehended on his way to Abuja and he is being investigated in connection with the case.”

It was gathered that the NDLEA Chairman, Ahmadu Giade, had directed that the suspect and the exhibit be transferred to the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission for further investigation.

Bill Cosby Finally Admits Drugging One Woman And “Other People” For Sex

Posted on July 7, 2015 by Staff Reporter

According to documents obtained by the Associated Press,the 77-year-old actor and comedian said he obtained Quaaludes with the intent of giving them to young women he wanted to have sex with, and he admitted giving the sedative to at least one woman and “other people,”

The news agency obtained the legal documents after they became public on Monday. Mr Cosby testified that he gave a woman three half pills of Benadryl in a lawsuit filed by a former Temple University employee.
The 77-year-old was questioned by Dolores Troiani, a lawyer for Andrea Constand, a former women’s basketball director at Philadelphia’s Temple University where Cosby studied and was a member of the board of trustees. Constand took her rape case to court, but the case was dropped.
In one exchange between Cosby and Troiani, the comic admitted having obtained seven prescriptions for Quaaludes, a powerful sedative drug.

“You gave them to other people?” asked the attorney.

“Yes,” replied Cosby.

Troiani then asked him:

“When you got the Quaaludes, was it in your mind that you were going to use these Quaaludes for young women that you wanted to have sex with?”

“Yes,” replied Cosby, although a short time later he said he had misunderstood the question, and was referring only to one woman.

“I misunderstood. Woman, meaning T….., and not women,” he said.

Later in the deposition, Cosby said:

“I meet Ms (T, whose name was redacted to preserve her anonymity) in Las Vegas. She meets me back stage. I give her Quaaludes. We then have sex.”

Mr Cosby settled the lawsuit outside of court in 2006 for undisclosed terms. Mr Cosby’s lawyers fought to keep the documents private and argued that revealing them to the public would ultimately embarrass their client.The entertainer resigned from the board of Temple University last December, as sexual abuse accusations against him multiplied.

Notorious Drug Baron Apprehended In Lagos

Posted on June 25, 2015 by Staff Reporter

A 37-year-old man, Sylvester Chukwunwendu (pictured above) who runs a notorious drug syndicate in Nigeria has been apprehended by the officials of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency NDLEA. Parading the suspect before newsmen in Lagos, the National Chairman of NDLEA, Ahmadu Giade said Sylvester, who runs a methamphetamine production laboratory in his house at in the Ajao Estate, Isolo area of Lagos, was arrested at Ozubulu in Ekwusigo LGA of Anambra State following a tip off.

“The Special Enforcement Team (SET) of the agency has concluded a model investigation of an international Drug Trafficking Organisation (DTO), after 13 months intense surveillance on the suspect before he was finally arrested.”. Mr Giade said.

Sylvester hides under the cover of different company names such as Blessed Benita Global Limited, Ideal Motorcycle Company Limited and God’s Special Enterprise Limited which he owns to run the illicit business which has some international affiliations. He employs men and women who he pays as much as $5,000 per trip to traffic the banned substances to China, Malaysia, Turkey and Italy.

The Chairman said he will soon be charged to court.

Four Nigerians Jailed In New Zealand For Drug Trafficking

Posted on June 19, 2015 by Staff Reporter

Four Nigerians- Nnamdi Augustine Iwu 36, Hyacinth Ochibulu 44, David Obiaga 44 and Ugochukwu Okpara 27, were yesterday June 18th sentenced by a High court in New Zealand to 15 to 18 years jail terms after being found guilty of importing and possessing methamphetamine, a banned substance, in New Zealand.

The Nigerians and a New Zealander who was sentenced to 9 years in prison are said to be part of an international drug smuggling ring syndicate.

Pictured! Two Young Nigerians Get 55 Years Jail Term In Enugu For Drug Trafficking

Posted on June 13, 2015 by Staff Reporter

A Federal High Court sitting in Enugu, has sentenced two drug traffickers to fifty-five years in jail.

One of the convicts, Deborah Okafor, a 30-year-old professional dancer, was charged with conspiracy, trafficking and unlawful possession of 3.450kg of amphetamine, while the other, Iheme Onyemauchechukwu, was charged with trafficking and unlawful importation of 9.975kg of heroin. They were both arrested at the Enugu airport.

A statement by the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency said Okafor would have been paid the sum of $3,500 if she successfully made her trip to Malaysia.

She was convicted and sentenced by Justice D. V. Agishi to 10 years each in counts one and two and 20 years in count three making her sentence 40 years altogether.

The second convict, Onyemauchechukwu, 27, was charged with trafficking and unlawful importation of 9.975kg of heroin. He was convicted as charged and sentenced to 10 years in count one with a fine of N1m and five years in count two with a fine of N500,000,000.

Okafor reportedly hid 3.450kg of amphetamine inside the pockets of jean trousers in her luggage.

She told the court that she was broke and needed money. “I had been approached on many occasions to smuggle drugs but I declined. I thought that I could earn some quick money in few days,” she stated.

Onyemauchechukwu said he was recruited in Tanzania by a suspected drug cartel in East Africa. He told investigators that he smuggled drugs because he was stranded.

“I used to sell phone accessories before I left the country. I wanted to go to Malaysia in search of job opportunities but I was stranded in Tanzania. Then I met a Nigerian who gave me money and promised to assist me get back to Nigeria. He offered to give me some money to start up my business. He later took me to Bujumbura in Burundi where I was given 9.975kg of heroin hidden inside cosmetics,” he stated.

NDLEA Chairman,Ahmadu Giade, expressed satisfaction with the judgment.

He said, “While this punishment is expected to correct the convicts, it will equally help to deter others from getting involved in drug trafficking. The agency commits huge resources in drug investigation, arrests and prosecution. Judgment like this will further lend credence to the nation’s anti-drug campaign.”

Source: Punch

Four Men Nabbed At Enugu Airport Trying To Smuggle Hard Drugs To China And Turkey

Posted on June 12, 2015 by Staff Reporter

They are Emmanuel Chukwuebuka Ifeanyichukwu, caught with 1.293kg of cocaine on his way to Istanbul, Turkey. Ukaeji Eric Tochukwu, with 1.408kg of cocaine on his way to Hong Kong. Nwoye Ekene Godfrey, caught with 1.283kg of cannabis on his way to Guangzhou, China.

38-year old Godfrey Nwoye, has been arrested by officials of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency, NDLEA, at the Akanu Ibiam International Airport, Enugu, for concealing 1.283 kilogrammes of cannabis sativa inside garri en route Guangzhou, China.

The culprit, who hails from Ukpommili Village in Dunukofia Local Government Area of Anambra State, said he wanted to sell the cannabis in China and use the proceeds to buy goods.

Another suspect, Samuel Anele, a commercial tricycle rider, who was about to board a flight to Bombay, India, was arrested with 4.892 kilogrammes of methamphetamine, the NDLEA said in a statement Wednesday.

Mr. Samuel Anele, 45, and other suspects were arrested for offences ranging from concealing illicit drugs in their luggage to ingesting the drugs, the NDLEA said. Samuel said he’s going to Bombay to see how big it really is after Wizkid claimed a girl’s bum bum was bigger than Bombay n her backside was making him throway in his song titled “Bombay” where he featured Phyno

The suspects were arrested on their way to Turkey, China, and Hong Kong with 8.876kg of various illicit drugs.

According to the NDLEA Commander at Enugu Airport, Nsikak-Abasi Udoh “The suspects are helping our team of investigators”.

Mr. Anele was caught with 4.892kg concealed in false bottom of his luggage aboard an Ethiopian Airline on the Enugu-Addis Ababa-Bombay route.

“Life is not fair to me. Every day it is one problem after another and the money I earn is not enough,” said Mr. Anele, from Ichi village, Ekwusigo Local Government Area of Anambra State.

“It was frustration that made me to smuggle drugs. They promised me that the drug has been properly hidden and that when I return they will pay me the sum of one million naira.

“At the airport, my bag was searched and the drug detected. Now I am now left alone to suffer”, he lamented.

The other suspects, Emmanuel Chukwuebuka, was caught with 1.293kg of cocaine on his way to Istanbul, Turkey; while Eric Ukaeji was arrested with 1.408kg of cocaine on his way to Hong Kong.

Mr. Chukwuebuka, 31, who is married with a child and hails Ezioko in Orumba North Local Government Area of Anambra State, ingested 1.293kg of substances that tested positive for cocaine. He was to depart Enugu to Istanbul through Addis Ababa on an Ethiopian Airline flight before he was nabbed.

His reason for trafficking in drugs was to raise more money for his business, according to the NDLEA.

If he had successfully trafficked the drug, he would have received US$ 3,000 on arrival in Turkey.

Mr. Ukaeji, 43, who hails from Ajali in Orumba Local Government Area of Anambra State ingested cocaine weighing 1.408 kilograms.

According to the NDLEA, his route was Enugu-Addis Ababa-Hong Kong on an Ethiopian Airline.

I his confession, Mr. Ukaeji said he wanted to raise money for his business and the treatment of his sick daughter.

“I used to buy clothes from Hong Kong. I am married with three children. I dropped out of school in Junior Secondary class 3”, said Mr. Ukaeji.

“They promised to pay me 5,000 dollars on delivery in Hong Kong, which I would have used to buy goods”, he added.

NDLEA Chairman, Ahmadu Giade, said that the Agency would continue to step up security checks at the nation’s entry and exit points.

Lovers Found Dead In A Hostel After Using Sex Enhancing Drug

Posted on June 11, 2015 by Staff Reporter

Two students, a male and female of a University in Anambra State (name withheld), have reportedly died in a hostel room located near the school.

The female student is from Imo State. She visited her male boyfriend and they went in together on Saturday but never woke up until their doors were forced open by the
police after a neighbor raised the alarm.

The male student was 300level student of public administration.

They allegedly died after sex romp and their neighbors never knew until their bodies started
decomposing.

The guy allegedly drugged the girl to have access to free sex which resulted to her death and he equally took the pills and lay beside her.

Special Anti Robbery Squad (SARS) from Awkuzu removed both bodies and deposited then at an undisclosed morgue.

The Police Public Relation Officer (PPRO), DSP Uche Ezeh while reacting to the incident said investigations were ongoing to ascertain the veracity of the case but confirmed the incident while charting with Daily Independent Metro.

Rapper Rick Ross Arrested For Possession Of Marijuana

Posted on June 11, 2015 by Staff Reporter

39-year-old rapper Rick Ross was driving his Bentley through Fayette County, Georgia when he was pulled over because of an alleged window tint violation, but when the officer opened the door he smelled marijuana. Upon searching the vehicle, the cop found five blunts in the car.
The rapper was then arrested and sent to Fayette County Jail to be processed on a drug misdemeanor as well as the traffic violation. According to the arresting officer, the Hood Billionaire was ‘very cooperative’ and gave no trouble at all.

NDLEA Arrests Lebanese Drug Trafficker With Cocaine Hidden In His Boxers

Posted on June 10, 2015 by Staff Reporter

A 23-year-old Lebanese national, Yve Awad, has been arrested by operatives of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) for allegedly attempting to traffic cocaine to Lebanon.

The suspect, who was arrested during outbound screening of passengers on Middle East Airline flight at the Murtala Muhammed International Airport, Lagos, was caught with 260 grammes of cocaine.

According to the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN), a statement by the Head of Media and Public Affairs of the agency, Mitchell Oyojefu), said the information leading to the arrest of the suspect was supplied by FAAN officials.

The NDLEA commander at the Lagos Airport, Mr. Hamza Umar, who provided details on the arrest, said the drug was hidden inside Awad’s boxer shorts.

Umar, who disclosed that the suspect hold dual citizenship of Nigeria and Lebanon, said: “I am happy that FAAN assisted us in making this arrest. When the drug was field tested, it proved positive for cocaine.

“The suspect holds dual citizenship of Nigeria and Lebanon. He was found to have travelled to Nigeria from Lebanon six times since January. The case is under investigation.”

The suspect, in his confession, said a friend asked him to buy the drug for him.

He said: “I was born in Lagos and I attended Lebanese Community School, Yaba, Lagos. After my secondary education in Nigeria, I got admission to study my A levels at Notre Dame University in Lebanon.

“My friend in Lebanon gave me money to buy cocaine for him. At the airport, the drug was detected and I was arrested and taken to NDLEA office. The drug was tested and it was found to be cocaine.”

Hamza added that the suspect will soon be charged to court for unlawful possession and exportation of cocaine, adding that if found guilty by the court, he could spend the next 15 years in prison.

Bobbi Kristina Became An Addict By 12, Almost Stabbed Whitney Houston

Posted on June 8, 2015 by Staff Reporter

The Canadian bestselling author and investigative journalist, Ian Halperin, who is famous for digging into the lives of superstars and writing their stories is back with another possible best-seller: Whitney & Bobbi Kristina: The Deadly Price of Fame, which tells the story of what a bad mother Whitney Houston was and how Bobbi Kristina ‘never stood a chance.’

The ‘explosive’ book states that Bobbi Kristina was already a drug addict at the age of 12. The book also claims that Whitney Houston, whose sexuality the media speculated about, exposed her daughter to drugs after Bobbi escorted her to rehab at the age of 12, and soon afterwards, Bobbi began using too. It also claims that at 15, Bobbi was admitted to a psychiatric ward after she slashed her wrists and tried to stab her mother.

To trace the history of Houston’s drug use, Halperin revisited the age-long speculation that Whitney Houston could have had a sexual relationship with her former assistant and very close friend, Robyn Crawford. And to back up his claim, he quoted Bobby Brown’s memoir:

“The media was accusing her of having a bisexual relationship with her assistant,” Brown wrote. “In Whitney’s situation, the only solution was to get married and have kids.”

Halperin’s book highlights similarities between how Whitney Houston died on February 11, 2012, and how her daughter was found six months ago: both were discovered in bathtubs. For Houston, she accidentally drowned in a Beverly Hills Hotel while her 22-year-old daughter was found face down in a tub of cold water.

Halperin then went on to speculate on what led to Bobbi Kristina being found unresponsive in that tub. Facts were supposedly drawn from his interviews with friends and relatives of the family.

The book, Daily Mail reports, is a possible bestseller. Halperin’s story on Michael Jackson (Unmasked: The Final Years of Michael Jackson) was a New York Times no. 1 bestseller.

Source: Daily Mail

‘Mariah Carey Would Soon Die Like Whitney Houston From Drug Use’ – Mariah’s Brother Speaks Out

Posted on June 4, 2015 by Staff Reporter

MARIAH Carey’s brother fears her drinking will kill her, claiming the star could end up like doomed singer, Whitney Houston.

Carey’s brother, Morgan — who hasn’t spoken to the singer in two years — fears the star is unable to care for her four-year-old twins Moroccan and Monroe because he believes she is trying to numb her problems with alcohol.

Alleging that she has been a heavy drinker since suffering from mental health problems in 2001, Morgan said: ‘Mariah was drinking through her pregnancy, even while she was nursing. I can’t say that I have ever been around her when she was sober, and that’s very scary.’ Morgan also claimed his 45-year-old sister takes a daily cocktail of medications including Zyprexa, Ativan and Depakote, and fears she will ‘die like Whitney Houston’.

He added to the National Enquirer magazine:
‘She does not have a support system, and she is not mentally capable.’ Morgan is concerned the ‘Without You’ singer has ‘pushed away the only people who’ve been trustworthy and will blame her entourage if anything does happen to her.’ He said: ‘If my sister turns up dead … I’m not going to look the other way! Anyone who’s filling her glass is jeopardising her life!’

Mariah’s brother also branded her estranged husband, Nick Cannon a ‘crock of s**t’ who wasn’t good for his sister and was only interested in money. He said: ‘Nick listened to people who said, ‘Get with Mariah, she thinks you’re cute, have kids and ride it to the bank.’ Nick was there for the cash from day one. He doesn’t give a damn about Mariah.’ ‘Nick took tremendous advantage of her and continues to do so.’…

US Removes Cuba From List Of State Sponsors Of Terror

Posted on May 30, 2015 by Staff Reporter

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The United States has removed Cuba from its list of state sponsors of terrorism. The move eliminates a major obstacle toward restoring diplomatic ties. The change now allows Cuba to conduct banking in the United States, among other activities.

The removal has been one of Cuba’s key demands, as leaders from both countries have repeatedly met to negotiate the details of restoring diplomatic relations, including the opening of embassies in Washington and Havana.

Last week, diplomats met in Washington, but failed to come to an agreement on opening embassies.

Fresh Trouble For Kashamu Over Land Dealings

Posted on May 27, 2015 by Staff Reporter

The embattled senator-elect of Ogun East Senatorial District, Prince Buruji Kashamu is enmeshed in another mess as he has been accused of forging documents for a landed property worth billions of naira in Ajah area of Lagos state, Southwest, Nigeria.

Kashamu, who is also fighting extradition to the United States over drug related issues, has been challenged by the family of Late Chief Ambali Bakare for fraudulently converting about 300 acres land in the Ogombo area of the state.

The family, led by Shafiudeen Bakare, stormed Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ) Iwe Irohin, Press Centre, Oke Ilewo, Abeokuta and disclosed that the family had all documents and will drag the senator-elect to court on the issue.

According to him, “we are here to speak to the world on the fraudulent purchase of our land at Ajah by Buruji Kashamu under the business name of Bukas Kasmal International Ltd. We have been deprived of this land, and we have come to raise alarm.

“When some of those who purchased the land took him to court, the court ruled that we, the original owners should be in court and not a third party. So, we have been making arrangements to revisit the case by heading for the courts to get justice,” the family spokesperson disclosed.

Bakare, who was accompanied by Prince Tajudeen Bakare said a proof of evidence, copy which was given to newsmen indicated that Buruji’s company and others had fraudulently acquired a section of the property sometimes in 2008.

“Some of those whose section of the land was encroached took the matter up, but, unfortunately at the court, it was ruled that the plaintiffs could not take the defendant to court, hence, three years after, we are set to revisit the matter,” Bakare posited.

When our corespondent enquired about why it took the family so long to reclaim their landed property, Bakare declared that, “we remained silence because we strongly believed that genuine democracy is about to begin and we just believe that it is God’s time to fight for us,” he said.

60 Year Old Pastor Arrested With Hard Drugs Worth N609m At Lagos Airport (PHOTO)

Posted on May 20, 2015 by Staff Reporter

A 60 year old resident pastor of the Eternal Sacred Order of Cherubim and Seraphim at Agodo-Egbe, Ikotun Lagos, Prophet Micheal Raji, has been arrested by officials of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency NDLEA over unlawful attempt to export of 174 kilogrammes of hard narcotic drugs worth N609 million to South Africa.

Prophet Raji, believed to be a member of a drug trafficking syndicate, concealed 91kg of Methamphetamine and 83kg of Ephedrine with an estimated street value of N609 million in different foodstuffs tied in polythene bags.

According to Vanguard, Prophet Michael Raji was arrested with the drug at the cargo section of the Murtala Muhammed International Airport (MMIA) during pre-shipment examination.
A statement by NDLEA says he was found with three international passports bearing his name with his picture

“Preliminary investigation has indicated that the 60 year old suspect Michael Raji is a top member of a drug syndicate operating in Nigeria, Ghana and South Africa. The pastor had three international passports bearing his photographs. One of the passports bears the name Michael Raji while the other two bear the name Kadigun Fatah Ola. It was equally discovered that the church premises where he ministers also serves as a warehouse for narcotics,” NDLEA said. Speaking on his arrest, the NDLEA commander at the Lagos Airport, Mr. Hamza Umar said “I can tell you that this suspect is a smooth operator but we have uncovered his bag of tricks. The drugs were brought to the airport for export to South Africa where it was detected. Investigation eventually traced the movement of the drugs to his church premises where he was arrested,” Hamza stated.

Church Members Of Pastor Held For Drug Trafficking Disappear

Posted on May 12, 2015 by Staff Reporter

The family and church members of the 43-year-old pastor, who was arrested by operatives of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) for allegedly trafficking heroin as he was returning from ministers’ conference in Uganda, have fled.

The Pastor, Daniel Lanre Akintola, is of the Gospel Faith Mission International, Olayemi Assembly, Ipaja Lagos State.

An EagleOnline correspondent visited the pastor’s home on Thursday, only to discover that his house, located at Block 326, flat 3 was under lock. Neighbours said they did not know the whereabouts of his wife and child.

Many of the residents asked about the man of God, quickly dashed into their apartments, to avoid
answering, while those who answered said they did not know any pastor.

His church, Gospel Faith Mission International, located at Olayemi Assembly Area of Ipaja, was also deserted as no person was seen.

Akintola was found with 1.978kg of heroin concealed in a false bottom of his luggage. Akintola was arrested at the Akanu Ibiam International Airport (AIIA). Akintola who claimed ownership of the bag containing heroin said that he was returning from a pastor’s conference. He said:

“I’m a pastor with Gospel Faith Mission International, Olayemi Assembly, Ipaja Lagos. I attended a minister’s conference in Uganda. This bag where heroin was found is my bag but I’m pastor and not a drug trafficker!”

NDLEA spokesman, Mitchel Ofoyeju, said that the suspect who lives in Lagos could not produce evidence that he actually attended a minister’s conference in Uganda.

“Besides, he also did not give any reason for leaving Entebbe, Uganda en-route Addis Ababa to Enugu,” said Ofoyeju.

A neighbour in the estate where Akintola reside, who spoke on conditions of anonymity, said for about a week now, she had not seen the pastor. She said:

“We just moved into this area. I used to see him play with people. He looked very humble and friendly. Everyone calls him pastor; I don’t know the particular church he pastors. His wife has been alone for some time. But where the husband travelled to, I do not know”.

NDLEA Official Held For Allegedly Importing 2.7kg Cocaine

Posted on May 7, 2015 by Staff Reporter

An official with the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) was Thursday arraigned before a Federal High Court in Lagos for alleged trafficking of cocaine.

The accused, Adeogun Ogunyemi was brought before Justice Saliu Saidu, alongside one Adams Micheal a.k.a. Chidi by the NDLEA.

They were alleged to have conspired among themselves to import 2.692 kilograms of the banned substance into the country between January and March.

The court heard that the accused persons committed the offence at the International Mail Processing Centre, NACHO, International Airport, Ikeja.

They were arraigned on a four count charge, bordering on drug trafficking punishable under Sections 14(b) and 11(a) of the NDLEA Act.

However, the accused persons pleaded not guilty to the charges against them, prompting the NDLEA to plead that the duo be remanded in its custody pending the completion of investigation.

His prayer was objected to by the defense counsel, Chief Benson, who told the court that the duo have been detained since March.

After listening to the parties, Justice Saidu in a bench ruling ordered that the accused persons be remanded in NDLEA custody for seven days and adjourned the matter to May 14.

Nigerians Killed In Indonesia Over Drug-Related Offences Made Their Own Fate – Emeka Anyaoku

Posted on May 7, 2015 by Staff Reporter

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Although the world condemned the recent execution of eight persons convicted of drug related offences in Indonesia, including three Nigerians, former Secretary General of Commonwealth Chief Emeka Anyaoku believes they made their own fate.

Speaking with reporters after a meeting with President-elect Muhammadu Buhari, yesterday, Anyaoku saw no reason to blame the Indonesian government for executing the Nigerians.

“The debacle in Indonesia is not a foreign policy issue, but an issue of the behavior of Nigerians. Nigerians will go to Indonesia and other countries like Malaysia, Thailand, they have a law that if u gets involved in drug promotion, the penalty is capital punishment.

“The president of Indonesia will tell you that every drug pusher is responsible for the ruination of 200 families and that’s why his country has taken that cue. So, it’s a matter of the behaviour of Nigerian citizens abroad, rather than foreign policy,” he said.

Briefing reporters on his meeting with Buhari, Anyaoku said: “I had useful discussions with the president-elect, congratulated him on his victory and told him he is coming in as president with a very high wave of expectations throughout the country.”

Extradition: Kashamu Sues IGP, NDLEA, 10 Others

Posted on May 4, 2015 by Staff Reporter

Prempting his likely extradition to the United States for alleged drug offences, Senator-elect, Prince Buruji Kashamu, has dragged the Inspector General of Police (IGP) and 11 others before a Federal High Court in Lagos to forestall such move.

In an Originating Summons brought before Justice Okon Abang, the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) chieftain alleged that there was a conspiracy between the law enforcement agencies of Nigeria and the U.S to humiliate as well as prevent him from being sworn-in as Senator.

Joined as defendants with the IGP in the fundamental rights suit marked FHC/L/CS/508/15, are Chairman, Nigerian Drug Laws Enforcement Agency, (NDLEA); Chairman, Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, (EFCC); Director General, Department of State Security, (DSS); The Interpol National Central Bureau, (NCB); and Attorney-General of the Federation, (AGF).

Others are – the Clerk of the National Assembly; the National Security Adviser to the President; Independent Corrupt Practices and other Related Offences Commission (ICPC); Nigeria Custom Services (NCS); Nigeria Immigration Service (NIS) and Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC).

Kashamu is seeking nine declarative orders from the court to restrain the defendants from arresting, detaining or otherwise effecting his abduction upon spurious allegation, that defendants’ actions are illegal, unlawful, ultra vires and a breach on his rights.

He also wants the court to direct the clerk of the National Assembly to accord all facilities and privileges due him as Senator-elect.

When the matter was called for hearing on Monday, counsel to the EFCC, Rotimi Oyedepo, who said he was yet to see the court processes, prayed for an adjournment to enable him find out which of the agency’s offices was served.

He told the court that the commission was yet to reply to the suit because he hasn’t laid hands on the processes.

Apologising for stalling the proceeding, Oyedepo noted that it would be in the interest of justice if EFCC was given a short adjournment to reply to the suit.

But lawyer to the applicant, Dr. Alex Izinyon (SAN), urged the court to discountenance EFCC’s application for an adjournment, on grounds that the matter should be determined expeditiously.

He argued that there was no material fact before the court to exercise its discretion, adding that since EFCC had conceded that they were served and failed to respond after 12 days stipulated by Order 8 Rule 3 of the court, there was no room for extension.

Aside the EFCC, the NIS also pleaded for a short adjournment to enable its lawyer reply the applicant’s brief.

He told the court that the NIS has not been able to respond to the application as a result of the ill health of its counsel.

19 Nigerians Attempt Smuggling Drugs To Asia Despite Death Sentence– NDLEA

Posted on May 2, 2015 by Staff Reporter

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The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency has said it saved 20 people from the death penalty in Asia by preventing them from smuggling drugs out of Nigeria. In a statement Thursday, the agency said since January 2014, 19 Nigerians and a Ghanaian have been arrested in Nigerian airports attempting to smuggle 106,914 kilogrammes of narcotics.

“Sixteen of the suspects were apprehended at the Murtala Muhammed International Airport Lagos while four others including a Ghanaian were caught at the Akanu Ibiam International Airport Enugu,” said Ahmadu Giade, NDLEA’s Chairman.

“Their final destinations are Malaysia, China and Thailand where drug trafficking is punishable by death.”

On Tuesday, four Nigerians were among eight people executed by Indonesian authorities over drug-related offences. While commiserating with the deceased families, the NDLEA urged relevant authorities to intensify anti-drug abuse campaign efforts. “I sincerely sympathise with the families of the executed drug convicts,” Mr. Giade said.

“This is a moment of sober reflection on the illicit activities of drug trafficking syndicates. This brings to the fore the bigger picture of those in foreign prisons, those arrested here and others preparing to smuggle drugs.

“It is a wake-up call for stakeholders to step up their counter-narcotics efforts. Apart from drug trafficking being a criminal act, narcotic smuggling poses a serious threat to public health and safety.”

Read More: premiumtimesng

Despite Death Sentence, 19 Nigerians Attempt Shipping Drugs to Asia

Posted on May 1, 2015 by Staff Reporter

The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency has said it saved 20 people from the death penalty in Asia by preventing them from smuggling drugs out of Nigeria.

In a statement released on Thursday, the agency said since January 2014, 19 Nigerians and a Ghanaian have been arrested in Nigerian airports attempting to smuggle 106,914 kilogrammes of narcotics. Ahmadu Giade, NDLEA’s Chairman said:

“Sixteen of the suspects were apprehended at the Murtala Muhammed International Airport Lagos while four others including a Ghanaian were caught at the Akanu Ibiam International Airport Enugu.

Their final destinations are Malaysia, China and Thailand where drug trafficking is punishable by death.”

On Tuesday, four Nigerians were among eight people executed by Indonesian authorities over drug-
related offences.

PremiumTimes reports that the breakdown of the drugs nabbed from the 20 suspected smugglers showed that 83.08kg was seized at the Lagos airport while 23.834kg was intercepted at the Enugu airport.

The seized drugs included:

89.024kg of cannabis,
9.375kg of methamphetamine,
3.450kg of amphetamine,
2.89kg of heroin and 2.175kg of cocaine.

The only Ghanaian among the suspects, Musa Idrisa, also known as Charles Udenehi, was going to Bangkok, Thailand, with 450 grams of cocaine he had ingested.

Three females were also among those apprehended. They include Chidinma Okafor, a professional dancer, caught with 3.450kg of amphetamine hidden in a pair of jeans trousers while attempting to board a flight to Malaysia; Eze Maureen caught with 6.200kg of cannabis on her way to China; and Alade Muyinotu found with 1.725kg of cocaine and 1.715kg of heroin on her way to China.

Indonesia Defends Execution Of Drug Convicts

Posted on April 29, 2015 by Staff Reporter

The government of Indonesia has defended the execution of eight people, including four Nigerians, convicted for drug offenses.

The country’s Attorney-General, Muhamad Prasetyo, said Indonesia is wagging war against horrible drug crimes that threatens the nation’s survival.

He added that while execution is not a pleasant thing, it must be done in order to save the nation from the danger of drugs.

“We are not making enemies of countries from where those executed came,” Prasetyo said.

The convicts were shot by firing squad along with one Indonesian, despite strident foreign appeals and pleas from family members.

All the condemned men reportedly refused blindfolds and sang hymns, among them “amazing grace”, as they went to face the firing squad in a jungle clearing.

As the clock ticked down to midnight, a group of tearful supporters also sang hymns, embraced and held candles aloft, during a vigil at the port in Cilacap, the gateway to the prison Island of Nusakambangan.

A Filipina originally set to be executed was however, given an 11th hour reprieve after a woman, who allegedly tricked her into ferrying drugs to Indonesia, turned herself in to the police in the Philippines.

Drugs: Ban Ki-moon Urges Indonesia Not To Execute Nigerian, Others

Posted on April 27, 2015 by Staff Reporter

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The UN secretary-general, Ban Ki-moon, has appealed to Indonesia to stop the planned executions of nine prisoners within days for drug-related crimes.

The nine – from Nigeria, Australia, Brazil, Ghana, the Philippines, and Indonesia – have been transported to the high-security prison island of Nusakambangan, where they are set to face a firing squad, despite mounting international criticism.

Indonesia has so far informed eight of the death row inmates,

including one Nigerian, two Australian members of the so-called “Bali Nine” group, that they will be executed in a matter of days, possibly as soon as Tuesday.

Officials said earlier that a 10th prisoner, the Frenchman Serge Atlaoui, who was expected to be among the group being put to death, would not be included in the forthcoming batch as he still had an outstanding legal appeal.

The United Nations opposes the death penalty in all circumstances and

in a statement, Ban’s spokesman said the secretary-general urged Indonesian President Joko Widodo to “urgently consider declaring a

moratorium on capital punishment in Indonesia, with a view toward abolition”.

Indonesia has harsh punishments for drug crimes and resumed executions in 2013 after a five-year gap. Six executions have been carried out so far this year.

“Under international law, if the death penalty is to be used at all, it should only be imposed for the most serious crimes, namely those involving intentional killing and only with appropriate safeguards,” Ban’s spokesman said in a statement.

“Drug-related offences generally are not considered to fall under the category of ‘most serious crimes’,” he said.

The foreign drug convicts have all lost appeals for clemency from Widodo, who argues that Indonesia is fighting a drugs emergency.

Miley Cyrus At It Again As She Says Women Need To Masturbate Every Day

Posted on January 16, 2015 by Staff Reporter

If we needed any more evidence of how far Miley Cyrus has gone off the rails, her latest Instagram post surely supplies it.

The former child star shared a snap of a girl with her hand plunged deep in her shorts.

‘A masturbate a day keeps the haters away,’ she wrote.

Out of control: Miley Cyrus posts picture of a girl with her hands down her shorts as she makes crude reference to masturbation

While her role as Hannah Montana means Miley has a host of youthful fans, she has left her past as a Disney star far behind her.

Indeed from swinging naked on a Wrecking Ball, to grinding against teddy bears onstage, Miley has done her best to ditch her nice-girl image.

The final nail in the coffin was surely the images of the once squeaky-clean youngster surrounded by drugs and paraphernalia at a recording studio.

Controversial: Miley walks her pet dog in Studio City on Thursday morning

No more Disney star: Miley has seemingly made it her mission to ditch her good girl image

Published last week the 22-year-old singer – who has been open about experimenting with drugs in the past – is seen working on her laptop with what appears to be a pile of cannabis, a rolled up bank note and a vial of white powder on a table in front of her.

Miley, who was filmed using a bong to smoke the psychedelic herb salvia in 2010 – has also confessed to using ‘happy drugs’, including cannabis and ecstasy, in the past.

She said during an interview in 2013: ‘Those are happy drugs, social drugs. They make you want to be with friends.’

Ebola Drug Trials to Begin in West Africa by UK Scientists

Posted on September 23, 2014 by Staff Reporter

Scientists in London on Tuesday unveiled plans to push ahead with clinical trials of prototype Ebola treatments in West Africa for the first time, possibly from November.

Wellcome Trust, a British biomedical research charity, which is funding the effort with a Â£3.2 million grant ($5.2 million, 4.1 million euros) said, “Ebola treatments are to be tested in West Africa for the first time.”

The charity said there had been some experiments with treatments already “but none has yet been tested for efficacy and safety in humans with Ebola” and scientists underlined that months of cautious work lay ahead.

David Heymann, Professor of Infectious Disease Epidemiology at the London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine suggested that plasmapheresis, where serum is taken from survivors and their antibodies given to patients, could be a valuable tool in the battle to contain the epidemic.

“This would be a sustainable method of providing support to patients if it were effective, but unfortunately it has never been tested in a clinical setting, even though it has been used ad hoc many times,” he said at a press conference at Wellcome’s headquarters in London.

Heymann said that they hoped to collect enough serum for trials to begin once suitable sites had been identified.

Sally Davies, the Chief Medical Officer for England, said that William Pooley, the British nurse who recovered after contracting the disease in Sierra Leone, had volunteered his blood plasma.

Pooley was treated with ZMapp, and clinical tests of this experimental drug, along with anti-viral drugs, will also begin once possible sites for the trials in the affected countries have been established.

Health workers must also set up infrastructure and recruit personnel, pending WHO recommendations on which products to test first.

The first tests could take place “by November”, according to Peter Horby, Senior Clinical Research Fellow at Oxford University.

Wellcome added that the initiative, whose partners include the World Health Organisation (WHO), would aim to “fast-track trials of the most promising drugs”, but warned that it would take several months before any treatments bore fruit, and that they would only succeed as part of a wide raft of initiatives to combat the disease.

Several pharmaceutical companies are taking part in the tests, and will provide key data on safety and production abilities.