Nigeria! Interstate child trafficking syndicate arrested in Abuja, Uyo Court Jails Internet Fraudster Two Years, Man Kills Pregnant Fiancée, Two men nabbed in hotel following allegations of same-sex relationship, Hotel Review Scam, Court Jails Man For Life For Defiling Neighbour’s Underage Daughters, NDLEA nabs auto dealer with 75.5kg of cocaine-cutting agent in Lagos, EFCC gets 72-hour ultimatum to arrest El-Rufai over alleged ₦423bn fraud, Troubles for 700 Nigerian prisoners in UK, Four drug kingpins sentenced to prison forfeit luxury vehicles, NAFDAC arrests man for producing fake alcoholic beverages, Delta man flees persecution, Court Jails 21 Internet Fraudsters in Benin City, A 25-year-old man identified as Muniru Haruna has been arrested by men of the Odede police division in Ogun State for allegedly raping a three-year old girl, Ogbonnaya Kevin Jeff: How NDLEA arrested wanted drug baron in Lagos, Neighbor arrested for defiling 3-year old girl in Ogun, Three arrested for killing teen over ₦400,000 fraud in Jigawa, Police arrest Ogun community leaders hunters who allegedly kill cattle belonging to herder 2025.3.1-3.26

An interstate child trafficking syndicate has been dismantled by operatives of the National Agency for the Prohibition of Trafficking in Persons, in collaboration with the Department of State Services, arresting a female truck driver and six other suspects in Abuja.

NAPTIP’s Chief Press Officer, Vincent Adekoye, in a statement Tuesday, revealed that the syndicate specialised in stealing and trafficking children from one part of Nigeria to the other.

They were arrested while trying to sell off a three-year-old girl stolen from Damaturu, Yobe State.

The operation resulted in the arrest of 33-year-old Hasana Jacob, from Mangu Local Government Area of Plateau State, who is also a truck driver for a cement company based in Obajana, near Lokoja, Kogi State.

While attempting to sell the three-year-old girl allegedly stolen from Damaturu, Yobe State, Jacob was arrested.

Aisha Suleiman, Murtala Tanimu, Shamsu Tanimu, Adamu Jacob, Abubakar Ahmed, and Ali Muhammed, all suspected members of the trafficking network, were also apprehended.

Preliminary investigations, according to Adekoye, revealed that the syndicate spécialiséd in abducting children aged one and above, transporting them across the country using a branded cement truck to evade suspicion and selling them to unknown buyers for as much as N600,000 each.

Through a network of recruiters and buyers strategically placed across various states, making it easy to move and dispose of stolen children swiftly, the gang reportedly operates.

According to the statement, “The report indicates that because Hasana is a truck driver with this popular cement company, it was very easy for her to steal children at any of the terminals across the country, evade security checks on the roads, and deliver such stolen children to her gang members at any location without being noticed.”

The statement strongly suspected the syndicate has membership across the country with different roles, stressing that while some members of the trafficking ring hunt and lure victims to the truck terminal, where they will be picked up by Hasana, others arrange interested buyers at any of the terminals across the country even before the arrival of the victim, thereby making it fast for the gang leader to dispose of the stolen child and collect her money.

NAPTIP’s Director-General, Binta Bello, while reacting to the development, described the incident as a “heinous crime against humanity” and expressed shock over the role played by Jacob in leading the syndicate.

Represented by the Director of Research and Programme Development, Mr. Josiah Emerole, she said that she was deeply saddened by the latest arrest, saying that it is painful to note that human beings will organise a criminal gang, use a branded vehicle of a company, move from one part of the country to another, steal children belonging to other families, and sell them to interested buyers whose motives for the children are not known.

She added that they create everlasting sorrow and pain for those families and smile to the bank after selling those children, pointing out that it is unimaginable and it is a condemnable act of wickedness.

She noted that it is more painful when the arrowhead of the evil syndicate is a woman who knows the pain of motherhood.

The Director General commended the DSS for its unwavering support and collaboration, which, she said, was crucial to the success of the operation and called on other law enforcement agencies and stakeholders to deepen cooperation to protect Nigerian children from the menace of trafficking.

The 22-tyre cement truck used in the illicit operation has since been impounded by NAPTIP as investigations continue.

Justice Sergius Onah of the Federal High Court sitting in Uyo, Akwa Ibom State, on Monday, March 24, 2025 convicted and sentenced Oguzie Chima Joseph ( a.k.a Sergeant Flores Nguyen) to two years imprisonment for internet fraud.

He was prosecuted by the Uyo Zonal Directorate of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, on two –count charges bordering on cybercrimes.

Count one of the charges against reads: “That you Oguzie Chima Joseph (a.k.a Sergeant Flores Nguyen), sometime in 2024 in Nigeria within the jurisdiction of this Honorable court, with intent to obtain property and gain advantage for yourself, fraudulently presented yourself as Sergeant Flores Uguyeni an officer of the United States Army on social media platform (Facebook) and thereby committed an offence contrary to Section 22 (2) (b)(0) of the Cyber Crime (Prohibition, Prevention Etc) (Amendment) Act 2024 and punishable under Section 22(b) (iv) of the same Act.”

Count two reads: “That you Oguzie Chima Joseph (a.k.a Sergeant Flores Nguyen), sometime in 2024 in Nigeria within the jurisdiction of this Honorable court, did directly take possession of the sum of One Hundred United States Dollar (S100), which money you reasonably ought to know formed part of the proceeds of an unlawful act to wit: cybercrime and thereby committed an offence contrary to Section 18 (2) (d) of the Money Laundering (Prevention and Prohibition) Act, 2022 and punishable under Section 18 (3) of the same Act”.

Joseph pleaded guilty to the charges when they were first read to him on Monday, March 10, 2025.

Based on his pleas, prosecution counsel, Khamis Mahmud, tendered some exhibits through a witness, Assistant Superintendent of the EFCC, ASE ll Musa Yahaya, an EFCC investigator. The exhibits include: a written statement of the defendant, one iphone OR mobile device and printouts of fraudulent documents from the defendant’s phone.

While delivering judgment on Monday, March 24, 2025, Justice Onah convicted Oguzie on both counts of the charges against him. “The prosecution has been able to present his facts before this Honourable Court, and with the guilty pleas by the defendant, I therefore find you Oguzie Chima Joseph guilty as charged”.

Thereafter, the judge sentenced him to one year imprisonment on each of the two counts, and the sentence is to run concurrently with an option of fine of N200,000.00 (Two Hundred Thousand Naira). The convict would also restitute the sum of $100(One Hundred United States Dollars) which he benefited from the fraudulent dealings. In addition, Justice Onah ordered the forfeiture of the convict’s iPhone XR mobile device being proceeds of crime to the government.

The convict commenced his journey to the Correctional Centre on December 6, 2024, when he was arrested by a team of investigators from the Commission’ s office in Uyo. He was linked to internet fraud through credible intelligence that showed that he used fictitious social media handles to lure and defraud his victims.

The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, on Tuesday, March 25, 2025, arraigned four Chinese and one Nigerian before Justice Aliyu Halilu of the Federal Capital Territory, FCT, High Court in Abuja for alleged hotel review scam.

They were arraigned on a three -count charge bordering on conspiracy, cheating and impersonation.

Count one reads: “That you, LIU ZHIWEI, CHEN YE QUI, ZHANG XIAO WEN, LAN SHUN BIN and NWAKAMA CHINYERE OGBONNA (a.k.a Haron Koshear), sometime in December, 2024 at Abuja, within the jurisdiction of this Honourable Court did agree among yourself to do illegal act to; cheating when you used the fictitious picture of Haron Koshear and sent chats to unsuspecting members of the public via Telegram Account to promote the services or ratings of Hotels in London as five star Hotels in return for payment of $5 (Five United States Dollars), when you knew that the said hotels are not five-star hotels and thereby committed an offence contrary to Section 96 (1) (a) of the Penal Code, Laws of the Federation of Nigeria (Abuja), 1990 and punishable under Section 97 (1)(2) of the same Act.”

Count two reads: “That you, NWAKAMA CHINYERE OGBONNA (a.k.a Haron Koshear) sometime in December, 2024 at Abuja within the jurisdiction of this Honourable Court with intent to defraud, falsely represented yourself as Haron Koshear, a Customer Service Representative with Venus Spark Impact Media, Naaka Hub Plaza Gudu, Abuja, Federal Capital Territory and in that assumed character aided the management of Venus Spark Impact Media, Naaka Hub Plaza, Gudu, Abuja, Federal Capital Territory to promote the services of rating of Nox Edgware Road as five-star hotel in return for payment of $5 (Five United States Dollars), when you knew that the said hotel is not five- star hotel and thereby committed an offence contrary to Section 321 of the Penal Code, Laws of the Federation of Nigeria (Abuja) 1990 and punishable under section 324 of the same Act.

The defendants pleaded not guilty to the charges when they were read to them.

Prosecution counsel, Maryam Aminu Ahmed, in view of their pleas, prayed the court to fix a date for commencement of trial and remand the defendants in a Correctional Centre.

However, defense counsel, Yahaya Dangana, SAN, told the court of the application for bail of his clients.

After listening to both counsels, Justice Halilu adjourned the matter till March 27, 2025, for hearing of bail applications and ordered that Liu Zhiwei, Chen ye qui, Zhang Xiao Wen, Lan Shun Bin be remanded in Kuje Correctional Center while Nwakama Chinyere Ogbonna be remanded in Suleja Correctional Center.

The suspects were among the 105 suspects arrested by the operatives of the EFCC on January 9, 2025, in a business apartment in the Gudu axis of Abuja, for their alleged involvement in hotel review job scam targeting victims and hotels in Europe and other parts of the world.

Justice Rahman Oshodi of the Lagos State Special Offences and Domestic Violence Court on Wednesday convicted and sentenced one Elistan Kumagbo to life imprisonment for defiling his neighbour’s daughters, aged 8 years and 4 years.

Justice Oshodi jailed Kumagbo for the rest of his life and ordered that his name be registered in the sexual offenders register after holding that the prosecution had proven the case of defilement and sexual assault by penetration brought against him by the state beyond all reasonable doubts.

The convict who committed the offences on February 6, 2021, at 34 Olowolagba Street, Yaba, Lagos State, pleaded not guilty when arraigned on May 4, 2022.

In his judgment, Justice Oshodi jailed the convict after stating that the two sisters who were the victims of the crimes gave detailed and corroborating evidence during the trial.

The judge also cited the convict’s oral confession to the survivor’s father, his confessional statement at the police station during the investigation and medical reports confirming sexual abuse.

He held, “Elistan Kumagbo, you have been found guilty of two serious offences against children; one is a defilement of an 8-year-old girl and sexual assault by the penetration of a 4-year-old girl.

“You exploited their vulnerability and betrayed the trust of their family; during the criminal trial, I heard evidence of how you repeatedly subjected these young girls to sexual abuse.

“You have shown no remorse for your actions; throughout your trial, you denied knowing these children. Section 137 of the Criminal Law prescribes life imprisonment, and Section 261 of the Criminal Law prescribes life imprisonment for sexual assault by penetration.

“Having considered the circumstances of these cases, I hereby sentence you as follows: count one, you’re sentenced to life imprisonment; on count two, you’re sentenced to life imprisonment. The sentences shall run concurrently,” the judge held.

During the trial, the prosecution called five witnesses, while the defence called just one witness, the defendant himself.

During the trial, the survivor’s father told the court that the defendant was his brother, though they were not blood-related. They both came from the same village. The father always entrusts his children to his neighbour’s care whenever he goes to work.

He also testified that when he got home on that fateful day, the neighbour, identified as Iya-David, told him that the defendant had sexually abused his daughters.

The witness said that when he confronted the defendant, he admitted that he had sexual intercourse with the first survivor four times and penetrated the second victim’s virginal twice.

PW2 was the second survivor who told the court how the defendant inserted his fingers into her virginal. According to her, the incident was reported to her father by Iya-David.

PW3, the first survivor, told the court how the defendant would penetrate her sister’s virginal and remove her underwear, cover her mouth, and prevent her from shouting.

The Investigative Police officer, Adeyemi Oluremi, tendered the statements of the survivor, their father, and that of the convict, as well as the medical reports.

In his defence, the defendant stated that he never made the confessional statements and that the accusation arose from PW1.

Operatives of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) have apprehended an auto spare parts dealer, Levi Chidiebele Ubodoeze, who was attempting to flee after being linked to a high-profile drug trafficking operation.

Ubodoeze, previously on the run, was arrested on Thursday, 6th March, in Lagos after a multi-week manhunt, bringing an end to a major international drug export scheme.

In a statement issued on Sunday in Abuja, NDLEA’s Director of Media and Advocacy, Femi Babafemi, confirmed Ubodoeze’s arrest, noting that operatives apprehended him barely three weeks after launching a manhunt.

The arrest came just weeks after operatives intercepted a 2kg consignment of cocaine concealed in vehicle propellers at a logistics company in the Aspanda, Trade Fair Complex, Ojo, Lagos, on 21st February.

Following the seizure, a coordinated effort with Angolan authorities led to the identification of Ubodoeze as the sender of the illicit drugs.

“Following the seizure of the cocaine consignment, swift contacts were made with the Angolan authorities who arrested the supposed recipient, and this ultimately led to the identification of the sender,” he said.

Ubodoeze, who had allegedly been operating his drug trade under the guise of a legitimate automobile business at the Ladipo market in Mushin, Lagos, was traced to his residence on Ago Palace Way, Isolo.

In a bid to evade capture, he attempted to flee the area in a KIA Sport Utility Vehicle. However, his escape was short-lived as NDLEA operatives cornered him. A search of the vehicle resulted in the discovery of 75.5kg of phenacetin, a cutting agent commonly used to dilute cocaine, which was cunningly disguised as semolina.

“Upon searching his residence, we also seized a digital scale used for weighing illicit drugs,” Babafemi added.

In an interrogation, Ubodoeze admitted his involvement in the cocaine trade, revealing that he was alerted by the Angolan recipient of the drugs about his arrest, prompting him to hastily evacuate his house in an attempt to escape the inevitable.

The cocaine plot was foiled, but NDLEA’s operations did not stop there. The agency also intercepted a cargo of cannabis-infused candies from the United Kingdom, arriving at the Murtala Muhammed International Airport (MMIA) in Lagos on 27th February.

The shipment, disguised as candy, was destined for a shop in Surulere, Lagos. After detaining the freight agent, authorities arrested the intended recipient, Adedamola Taylor, and further investigation led to the arrest of Musurat Lawal, the store owner.

NDLEA operatives also dealt significant blows to drug trafficking across other states, arresting several suspects and making major drug seizures in Lagos, Kano, Abia, Benue, Osun, and Edo.

In Lagos, two individuals were arrested with 128kg of Ghanaian Loud cannabis, while in Mushin, 301,600 pills of tramadol were seized. The agency’s crackdown extended to other states, with large quantities of tramadol, codeine syrup, and skunk being confiscated.

More than 700 Nigerians alongside nationals of other countries serving jail terms in different prisons across England and Wales may soon be repatriated to their various countries. National Director, Church God Chaplains Commission (NTCG, England & Wales) and Coordinator, Nigerian Overseas Prisoners Support Initiative, Rev. Michael Angley Ogwuche, disclosed this, among other revelations, in a chat with The Nation’s INNOCENT DURU.

Is it true that there are plans by the UK govt to deport more than 700 Nigerian prisoners and those of other nations?

A recent announcement by the UK government reveals a new £5 million investment aimed at accelerating the deportation of foreign national offenders (FNOs) from prisons across England and Wales. This development, which includes the deployment of specialist staff to 80 prisons, is part of a broader strategy to address overcrowding and reduce costs to British taxpayers. While this move promises significant benefits for the UK’s prison system, it also raises critical questions about its impact on Nigerian citizens currently incarcerated in the UK and the readiness of Nigeria to reintegrate these individuals.

Furthermore, the potential diplomatic hurdles involved cannot be overlooked. Foreign nationals currently make up about 12% of the UK prison population, with a significant portion being Nigerians. The UK government has intensified efforts to expedite the removal of these offenders, removing 2,580 foreign criminals since July 2024; a 23% increase compared to the previous year. The newly announced funding will create 82 specialist roles focused on speeding up deportations, with these officers set to be fully operational by April 1, 2025.

The 700 prisoners may not all be affected, as some may have legal grounds for remaining in the UK due to established family ties and may not have exhausted their legal appeals. Accelerated deportations could potentially infringe upon their right to due process.

What, in your view, gave rise to this?

According to James Timpson, the UK’s Minister for Prisons, Probation, and Reducing Reoffending, British taxpayers should not have to bear the cost of housing foreign criminals. He emphasised that faster deportations are a crucial part of the government’s plan for change, which aims to reform the prison system and enhance public safety. However, for the estimated 700 Nigerian citizens currently serving sentences in the UK, this development could significantly alter their circumstances potentially fast-tracking their return to Nigeria under the Early Removal Scheme. This scheme allows for the deportation of foreign offenders up to 18 months before the completion of their sentences.

How does this affect Nigerians?

Many Nigerian prisoners may not have exhausted their legal appeals in the UK. Accelerated deportations could potentially infringe upon their right to due process. Moreover, the speed of deportations might strain diplomatic relations between Nigeria and the UK, particularly if Nigeria is perceived as being unprepared to reintegrate these returnees.

Do you think Nigerian prisons have the capacity to handle this?

Nigeria’s prison system is already overstretched, with issues such as overcrowding and limited rehabilitation resources. An influx of deported prisoners could exacerbate these challenges, making reintegration and rehabilitation efforts even more difficult.

Furthermore, early deportation could lead to severe emotional and financial strain for those with established family ties in the UK, separating families across continents without adequate support mechanisms in place.

What economic and Social pressures could this cause for Nigeria?

Repatriating a significant number of Nigerian prisoners could burden Nigeria’s already overstretched correctional facilities and rehabilitation programmes. The economic cost of reintegrating these individuals many of whom may lack employable skills or support networks could pose an additional challenge.

Do you foresee any diplomatic strain between Nigeria and the UK?

In January 2014, the BBC reported that the UK and Nigeria signed a prisoner-exchange deal. The agreement was intended to allow citizens convicted in either country to serve their sentences in their homeland, promoting reintegration into the community upon release. However, it remains unclear whether this agreement has been fully implemented or what its impact has been on Nigerian prisoners in the UK. The speed and scale of the current deportation efforts could lead to tension between the two countries, particularly if deportations are seen as abrupt and lacking proper coordination. Ensuring a smooth and humane process would require extensive dialogue between the Nigerian High Commission in London and UK authorities.

Do you foresee any form of stigmatisation and reintegration challenge?

Returning prisoners often face significant stigma upon arrival in Nigeria, complicating efforts at reintegration. Without comprehensive support systems, these individuals risk becoming marginalised, which could increase the likelihood of recidivism or lead to other socio-economic problems. From the UK’s perspective, the financial savings and reduction in prison overcrowding are clear benefits. By removing foreign offenders faster, the UK could save millions in incarceration costs and free up prison spaces.

What is the economic implications for Nigeria?

For this new policy to succeed without causing undue strain on Nigeria’s resources, a strategic partnership between the UK and Nigeria is essential. This could involve capacity-building support for Nigerian correctional facilities; Funding for rehabilitation programmes to ensure effective reintegration of deportees; Bilateral agreements that clarify the responsibilities of both nations regarding deportation and reintegration.

In the coming months, it will be important to monitor how this new measure is implemented and to advocate for a process that respects the dignity and rights of Nigerian prisoners. The Nigerian Overseas Prisoner Support Initiative (NOPSI) will continue to ensure that the voices of Nigerian prisoners are heard and that their rights are upheld during this transition.

Lastly, the UK’s plan to speed up deportations may offer a short-term solution to its prison overcrowding crisis, but it also presents a significant challenge for Nigeria. The diplomatic and ethical dimensions of this policy cannot be ignored. Ensuring that deportations are conducted fairly, humanely, and in close cooperation with Nigerian authorities will be essential to preventing further strain on Nigeria’s correctional system and its diplomatic relations with the UK.

The Northern Christians Accord (NCA) has issued a 72-hour ultimatum to the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) to arrest and prosecute former Kaduna State Governor Nasir El-Rufai over an alleged ₦423 billion fraud.

In a statement on Thursday, February 6, signed by NCA President Barr. Gideon Jato and Secretary Bro. Sunday Adoka, the group accused the EFCC of inaction despite multiple petitions and the Kaduna State House of Assembly’s indictment of El-Rufai.

“It is glaring that the law in Nigeria favours some and witch-hunts others. We remember how the EFCC pursued former Kogi Governor Yahaya Bello, yet it has remained silent on El-Rufai despite his indictment,” the statement read.

The Kaduna Assembly had, in June 2024, alleged widespread corruption in contract awards and loan management under El-Rufai’s administration from 2015 to 2023.

The House recommended investigations into former Commissioners of Finance and Accountants General.

Despite petitions from groups like Kaduna Citizens Watch for Good Governance (KCWGG), the EFCC and ICPC have yet to act.

“If no action is taken, we will mobilise our members across 19 northern states and stage protests at the EFCC and National Assembly,” NCA warned.

El-Rufai dismisses allegations of fraud

Meanwhile, El-Rufai has described the allegation of misappropriation of loans against him by the state House of Assembly as a “politically motivated hatchet job.”

Responding in a statement through his spokesman, Muyiwa Adekeye, El-Rufai said he led a government of integrity and competence during his eight-year administration.

Adekeye also affirmed the integrity of the El-Rufai government, dismissing the committee’s claims as “scandalous.”

“Malam El-Rufai wishes to assure discerning Nigerians that he has served Kaduna State with integrity and to the best of his capacity, assisted by a hardworking and patriotic team. He complied with all extant laws in all his activities while he was the governor. This jaundiced probe should be disregarded as the politically motivated hatchet job it is,” the statement reads partly.

The EFCC has not yet responded to the ultimatum.

The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) has confirmed the conviction and sentencing of four major drug traffickers by the Federal High Courts in Lagos and Yola, Adamawa.

In a statement released on Friday in Abuja, NDLEA’s Director of Media and Advocacy, Mr Femi Babafemi, disclosed that the convicts were found guilty of trafficking cocaine and skunk worth over ¦ 4.6 billion.

The convicted individuals were identified as Ifeanyi Ogbuji, Iloduba Chinonye, Shuaibu Isa (also known as Don), and Zidon Zurga.

Babafemi revealed that Ogbuji was apprehended by NDLEA operatives at Murtala Muhammed International Airport (MMIA), Ikeja, Lagos, on Wednesday, 18 September 2024, during an inbound clearance of Ethiopian Airlines passengers from Addis Ababa.

He was found to be smuggling 817 wraps of cocaine, weighing 19.40 kilograms, with an estimated street value of ¦ 4.6 billion.

“This arrest occurred just 16 months after the 48-year-old businessman was first convicted for ingesting 93 pellets of cocaine,” Babafemi stated.

Ogbuji’s previous arrest took place at Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport (NAIA), Abuja, on 10 May 2023, after arriving from Uganda via Addis Ababa on Ethiopian Airlines flight ET 951. He was caught ingesting 93 pellets of cocaine with a gross weight of 1.986 kilograms.

Following his first arrest, Ogbuji was prosecuted at the Federal High Court in Abuja and sentenced on 13 July 2023 to two years imprisonment, with an option of a ¦ 3 million fine, which he paid to secure his release.

“Despite this conviction, Ogbuji returned to drug trafficking and was arrested again at Lagos Airport with a larger quantity of cocaine on 18 September 2024,” Babafemi added.

On 16 January 2025, he was arraigned before Justice Yellim Bogoro of the Federal High Court in Lagos under charge number FHC/L/845C.

“Ogbuji was sentenced on 28 February to five years imprisonment on count one, with an option of a ¦ 7 million fine, and 10 years on count two, with no option of a fine.

“If he fails to pay the ¦ 7 million fine, he will serve a total of 15 years in prison consecutively. Additionally, the court ordered the forfeiture of all cash and items recovered from him at the time of his arrest,” Babafemi explained.

In another case, 51-year-old Iloduba was arrested on New Year’s Eve, 31 December 2021, at Akanu Ibiam International Airport, Enugu, for cocaine smuggling.

According to Babafemi, Iloduba ingested 58 wraps of cocaine but expelled 48 while in transit in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia.

He later excreted the remaining 10 wraps while in NDLEA custody after his arrest on 1 January 2022.

Iloduba was charged under case number FHC/EN/CR/18/2022 before Justice Folashade Giwa Ogunbanjo of the Federal High Court, Enugu.

“After three years of diligent prosecution, Iloduba was found guilty and sentenced to five years imprisonment on each count, bringing his total jail term to 10 years. However, the sentences will run concurrently from the date of his conviction on 5 March 2025,” Babafemi stated.

Meanwhile, 55-year-old Nuhu Isa (alias Don) and 50-year-old Zidon Zurga were arrested by NDLEA operatives on 25 November 2024 along the Numan-Yola Road.

They were found in possession of 500.8 kilograms of skunk (a potent strain of cannabis) hidden inside a Toyota Hilux with registration number Lagos NT 829 AAA and a Prado SUV bearing a fake presidency number plate, 01B-266 FG.

Following their arraignment under charge number FHC/YL/150/2024 before Justice Bala Usman, both men were convicted on 7 February 2025 and sentenced to 35 years imprisonment each on two counts.

“This means they will serve a combined total of 70 years in prison or pay a fine of ¦ 25 million each. The court also ordered the interim forfeiture of the two SUVs used in trafficking the illicit drugs,” Babafemi said.

Reacting to the court rulings, NDLEA Chairman, retired Brigadier General Buba Marwa, praised the judiciary and the agency’s investigative teams for their commitment to tackling drug trafficking.

He also commended NDLEA officers stationed at the MMIA Strategic Command in Lagos, Akanu Ibiam International Airport Special Area Command in Enugu, and the Adamawa State Command for their professionalism.

Marwa stated, “These convictions and the forfeiture of assets linked to drug crimes will further reinforce our resolve to dismantle drug syndicates and eliminate illicit networks across the country.”

The Benin Zonal Directorate of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission has secured the conviction and sentence of 21 internet fraudsters before Justices A.N. Erhabor and W. I. Aziegbemhin of Edo State High Courts, sitting in Benin City.

The convicts are: Eimuen Nathaniel, Ighagbon Anderson Andy, Precious Aigbokhai, Divine Ebosetale Okhitie, Ekpekurede Valour, Akuson Sunday, Oshoikpor Joshua, Onumegu Chukwuebuka Emmanuel, Sylvester Oseokoedion, Osifor Kenneth, Abraham Eromosele, Aliu Sanusi Aliu.

Others are: Donald Emuen, Oseghale Paris, Amavu Paul, Godsent Omokhoa, Omere Osabvohien Love, Stephen Edetalen Obhanoghor, Segun Nelson Owoyele, Emmanuel Essence and Oriarewoh Divine Eronmonsele

They were prosecuted on a separate one-count charge bordering on obtaining by false pretence, retention of proceeds of crime and possession of fraudulent documents.

The charge against Eimuen Nathaniel reads: “That you Nathaniel (m) on or about the 14th of February, 2025 within the jurisdiction of this Honourable Court did have in your possession, documents which you knew or ought to have known contained false pretence, thereby committed an offence contrary to Section 6 and 8 (b) of the Advance Fee Fraud and other Fraud Related Offences Act 2006 and punishable under Section 1(3) of the same Act.”

All the defendants pleaded “guilty” to their charges when they were read to them, prompting the prosecution counsel, F.A Jirbo, K Y. Bello, Isa K. Agwai, Faisal Ibrahim, Al-Amin Ibrahim Abdul, Bala-Ribah and Salihu Ahmed to pray the court to convict and sentence them accordingly, while counsel to the defendants pleaded with the court to temper justice with mercy, stating that they have become remorseful for their actions.

Justice Erhabor convicted and sentenced Love, Valour, Sunday, Oriarewoh Eromosele, Okoedion, Omokhoa and Kenneth to two years imprisonment, each or to pay N200, 000 (Two Hundred Thousand Naira) fine respectively, while he slammed Obhanoghor, Okhitie and Paul with three years imprisonment each or to pay N200,000 (Two Hundred Thousand Naira) fine, respectively.

Justice W.I. Aziegbemhin convicted and sentenced Owoyele and Esence to two years imprisonment each or to pay N300, 000 (Three Hundred Thousand Naira) and N600, 000 (Six Hundred Thousand Naira) fine, respectively.
He slammed Andy, Aigbokhai, Joshua and Emmanuel to two years imprisonment, each or to pay N200,000 (Two Hundred Thousand Naira) fine respectively, while Nathaniel, Abraham Eromonsele, Aliu and Paris bagged two years imprisonment or to pay N400,000 (Four Hundred Thousand Naira) fine, while Emuen bagged three years imprisonment or to pay a fine of N600,000 (Six Hundred Thousand Naira).

In addition to their sentences, all the convicts forfeited their phones, computers and money, found in their respective bank accounts to the federal government of Nigeria and undertook in writing to be of good behaviour henceforth.

The convicts’ journey to the correctional centre began with their arrest in a sting operation by operatives of the Benin Zonal Directorate of the EFCC following intelligence that linked them to fraudulent internet activities.

A 25-year-old man identified as Muniru Haruna has been arrested by men of the Odede police division in Ogun State for allegedly raping a three-year old girl.

The suspect was said to have committed the act on Saturday, when the minor was playing nearby.

Confirming the incident on Sunday, the police spokesperson, Omolola Odutola, said the mother of the survivor reported the incident.

According to Odutola, the 20-year old mother named Alaba Abdullahi heard her daughter crying and on rushing down to know why, saw the child coming out of the suspect’s room.

The child also displayed difficulty while walking and exhibited signs of physical trauma.

Odutola said, “On March 1, 2025, at about 11:00 am, the local Police out station at Orile-Ilugun received a distress call from 20-year-old Alaba Abdullahi regarding her three-year-old daughter.

“Alaba reported that Muniru Haruna, a 25-year-old man residing in the same area, allegedly committed the act while the victim was playing nearby.

“The incident was discovered when Alaba heard her child crying and quickly went to investigate, only to find her daughter emerging from the suspect’s room in evident distress.

“Upon further examination, it was revealed that the victim had difficulty walking and exhibited signs of physical trauma.”

Odutola stated that the minor was taken to General Hospital Odeda for medical examination and necessary treatment, adding that the police await the doctor’s results .

She however noted that although the suspect has denied the allegations levied against him, the case was referred to Division Crime Branch for investigation and will be transferred to the State CID Eleweran upon completion of the preliminary inquiry.

The police spokesperson reiterated the command’s commitment to ensuring the safety and wellbeing of members of the public, especially children.

The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency, NDLEA, has said that the reign of a wanted 59-year-old drug baron, Ogbonnaya Kevin Jeff, has been brought to a halt following his arrest at his hideout in the Ojo area of Lagos.

NDLEA said the suspect’s arrest comes after 17 years of hiding in the dark to ship illicit drugs worth billions of naira across the world.

The NDLEA chairman, Brig Gen Mohammed Buba Marwa (rtd), disclosed this at a press briefing in Abuja on Monday 3rd March 2025, detailing how operatives of the agency’s Special Operations Unit had been on the drug baron’s trail, following an Interpol red notice against him and information from the National Intelligence Service of South Korea.

This was disclosed in a statement by Femi Babafemi, Director, Media and Advocacy, NDLEA Headquarters Abuja.

Marwa said, “The major development that warranted this special briefing pertains to the arrest of a drug lord who’s wanted across the world as the leader of an international drug trafficking organisation.

“I am therefore pleased to announce this significant breakthrough in our efforts to dismantle drug trafficking syndicates operating within the country.

“As we have said four years ago when we began the reform of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency, NDLEA, our prime targets are drug barons and other important figures that organise drug trafficking rings.

“On Wednesday, 12th February 2025, we achieved that objective in the successful arrest of Ogbonnaya Kevin Jeff, a 59-year-old drug baron”.

“The suspect was arrested at his hideout at No. 3, Ibukunoluwa Taiwo Close, off LASU Road, Lagos. He has been under NDLEA investigation before his arrest.

“As a result, we have comprehensive intelligence on his activities, and incontrovertible facts that he is a notorious drug lord who recruited young Nigerians as couriers to smuggle illicit substances into the Republic of Korea (South Korea).

“Our records reveal that many Nigerians apprehended outside the country for drug-related offences were linked to him.

“Furthermore, we have established that he laundered drug proceeds through the importation of electronics and other goods.

“Following his arrest, a search of his residence led to the recovery of multiple Nigerian international passports belonging to different individuals, many of which contained Korean visas.

“Additionally, we recovered some illicit substances in a storehouse at the back of his house.”

While unmasking the suspect’s leadership role in the drug underworld, the NDLEA boss said, “Ogbonnaya Kevin Jeff is not a typical domestic drug baron; he is an international trafficker operating both from Nigeria and abroad.

“His dossier indicates that he served a one-year prison sentence in the Republic of Korea in 2007 and was deported to Nigeria in 2008. Despite this, he continued his illicit trade, remaining actively involved in drug trafficking operations to the Far East.

“Presently, he is wanted in the Republic of Korea for multiple drug trafficking offences in collaboration with his accomplices. An INTERPOL Red Notice was issued for his arrest and extradition to the country for offences committed between 2023 and 2024.

“From a series of interdictions, it has been established that Ogbonnaya Kevin Jeff is the ringleader of a drug trafficking organisation responsible for smuggling narcotics into the People’s Republic of Korea.

“He has been orchestrating operations remotely by giving instructions to drug mules and domestic suppliers who are members of his syndicate spread across Cameroon, Ghana, Burkina Faso, Liberia and other East and Southern African countries.”

Marwa further gave insights into what investigations had unearthed about Ogbonnaya’s illicit trade activities.

“On 5th October 2023, at a location in Burkina Faso, the suspect dispatched 6,051.06 grams of skunk, concealed in dried chillies and jujube, to a Korean, Kim Dong Wook at a designated address in Jinju City, Gyeongsangnam-do, South Korea. The package arrived at Incheon Airport on 19th October 2023 at 07:20 am via Air France.

“Investigation reveals that while residing in Nigeria, he directed his drug couriers, Santa Elizabeth Pieterse and Carl Yohan Stephan Brisman, to smuggle a total of five kilograms of methamphetamine into South Korea via overseas flights, between December 2023 and April 2024.

“In recent time alone, he has sent illicit drugs worth over N1.4billion in street value to South Korea.

“Ogbonnoya maintains another domestic carrier, identified as “Asa”, who delivers for him drug consignments to a warehouse operated by Okori Emmanuel, a Nigerian who is his supply manager in South Korea.

“As of now, two arrest warrants have been issued against Ogbonnaya by the Seoul Central District Court in January and June 2024. These warrants charge him with importing narcotic drugs in violation of Article 3-7 of South Korea’s Narcotics Control Act, an offence punishable by a maximum sentence of life imprisonment.”

Marwa assured of NDLEA’s commitment to ensuring that Nigeria does not serve as a base for international drug trafficking operations.

“We will continue our relentless fight against illicit drug networks and their financiers, in line with our mandate to safeguard public health and national security.

“The arrest of Ogbonnaya is therefore an affirmation of our resolve to work with our international partners to ensure no drug baron finds Nigeria a comfort zone to distribute illicit substances within the country or traffic them to other countries.”