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Tag: NDLEA

  • Pakistani jailed 10 years for heroine trafficking

    Pakistani jailed 10 years for heroine trafficking

    The Federal High Court yesterday sentenced a 35 year-old Pakistani, Bukhari Ahmed, to 10 years imprisonment for importing 13 kilograms of Heroines.

    He was arrested by men of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) on February 10, 2012 at the Murtala International Airport, Lagos, on his arrival from Pakistan.

    He conspired with Benjamin Okereke and Chukwudi Okereke, both at large, to import the banned narcotic.

    He was tried before Justice John Tsoho on a two-count charge of conspiracy and unlawful importation of the illegal drug.

    The offence contravenes Section 14 (b) and 11 (a) of the NDLEA Act, Cap. 30 Laws of the Federation of Nigeria, 2004.

    NDLEA said Ahmed was arrested during inward clearance of a Qatar Airline flight from Pakistan.

    His lawyer, Victor Abana, urged the court to temper justice with mercy because the convict is a foreigner, a first offender, and a father of three.

    Justice Tsoho held that the convict had in his confessional statement, stated that he was arrested on his third trip to Nigeria on the illicit business.

    The judge said had he not being arrested, he would have continued in the business to the detriment of Nigerians.

    He sentenced him to 10 years imprisonment, and ordered that the seized drug be destroyed if there is no appeal within 90 days

    The NDLEA yesterday also arraigned a businessman, John Obi, before Justice Tsoho for allegedly attempting to unlawfully export 21.695 kilograms of methamphetamine to South Africa.

    The accused, according to the prosecutor, Mr. Abu Ibrahim, was arrested with the banned substance on November 16 during the outward clearing of Arik Airline flight to South Africa.

    Abu said the offence contravened section 11(b) of NDLEA Act Cap. 30, Laws of the Federation of Nigeria, 2004.

    Obi pleaded not guilty to the charge. His lawyer, Chief Benson Ndakara urged the court to grant him bail.

    The court granted the accused bail for N2 million, with one surety, who must be a Lagos resident and must swear to an affidavit of means.

    The judge ordered that Obi be remanded at the Ikoyi Prisons, pending his meeting the bail conditions.

  • Pakistani bags 10- year imprisonment for heroin trafficking

    The Federal High Court on Tuesday sentenced a 35- year-old Pakistani, Bukhari Ahmed, to 10 years imprisonment for importing 13 kilograms of heroin to the country.

    He was arrested by men of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) on February 10, 2012 at the Murtala International Airport, Lagos, on his arrival from Pakistan.

    He conspired with Benjamin Okereke and Chukwudi Okereke, both at large, to import the banned narcotic.

    He was tried before Justice John Tsoho on a two-count charge of conspiracy and unlawful importation of the illegal drug.

    The offence contravenes Section 14 (b) and 11 (a) of the NDLEA Act, Cap. 30 Laws of the Federation of Nigeria, 2004.

    NDLEA said Ahmed was arrested during inward clearance of a Qatar Airline flight from Pakistan.

    His lawyer, Victor Abana, urged the court to temper justice with mercy because the convict is a foreigner, a first offender, and a father of three.

    Justice Tsoho held that the convict had in his confessional statement, stated that he was arrested on his third trip to Nigeria on the illicit business.

    The judge said had he not being arrested, he would have continued in the business to the detriment of Nigerians.

    He sentenced him to 10 years imprisonment, and ordered that the seized drug be destroyed if there is no appeal within 90 days

    The NDLEA also arraigned a businessman, John Obi, before Justice Tsoho for allegedly attempting to unlawfully export 21. 695 kilograms of methamphetamine to South Africa.

    The accused, according to the prosecutor, Mr. Abu Ibrahim, was arrested with the banned substance on November 16 during the outward clearing of Arik Airline flight to South Africa.

    Abu said the offence contravened section 11(b) of NDLEA Act Cap. 30, Laws of the Federation of Nigeria, 2004.

    Obi pleaded not guilty to the charge. His lawyer, Chief Benson Ndakara, urged the court to grant him bail.

    The court granted the accused bail for N2 million, with one surety, who must be a Lagos resident and must swear to an affidavit of means.

     

  • Check drug dependence by workers, firms urged

    Check drug dependence by workers, firms urged

    COMPANIES have been advised to evolve a policy to check dependence on drugs by workers in the discharge of their duties.

    A non-governmental organisation (NGO), Nightingale Mental Health Foundation,  made the call at a mental health and addiction summit with the theme: “Addiction in the workplace, Legal issues and practical solutions”.

    Speakers at the summit with the highlighted various practical issues of addiction and solutions saying that majority of the cases are consequences of unbearable terms and conditions attached to certain positions. They asserted that though most of the employees affected are those saddled with duties that require high level of strength for job execution;  several management workers rely on drug to work exceptionally and effectively.

    While presenting the topic: “Tackling Drug Abuse in the Workplace”, a retired NDLEA official, who doubles as an International Consultant, Drug Control and Prevention, Children and Youths Matters, Mrs. Grace Oyebola Adetula, said  drug dependence goes beyond reliance on hard substances to enhance efficiency.

    She added that there are several other unconventional substances, such as paw-paw leave and petrol, which are commonly abused.

    Mrs. Adetula stated that the most significant effect of dependency in the workplace includes poor job performance, most especially in a manufacturing firm, reduction in productivity, absenteeism, hangover, dementia, family disintegration as well as several psychological effects, such as hallucination, lack of motivation and depression. All these, she argued, would lead to inconsistent work quality, carelessness, errors in judgment, low job returns and dismissal of victim(s).

    A researcher with the Nigerian Institute of Social and Economic Research (NISER), Dr. Adebayo Ajala, who spoke on: “Social and Economic Implication of Addiction in the Workplace”, said addiction is any impulsive behaviour that reflects an individual’s desire/motivation to obtain high-salience outcomes like social dominance; high-energy nutrients; sex and so forth.

    He said the mythical belief of addicts that when they consume more psychoactive substances, they become more productive, is the bane of drug abuse in the society and workplace.

    Dr. Ajala said alcohol and drug use are ranked fifth and 19th respectively among the top 25 leading risk factors. “Addiction is excessiveness of everything. Addiction is a ladder that victims climb over time. Addiction stems from experimental use of substance, recreational and social use, situational use, harmful use, till it gets to the stage of dependence or abuse of substances,” said Dr Ajala.

    On how to combat addictions in the workplace, Dr Ajala said employers need to make policy that defines a course of action to prevent, reduce or respond to alcohol, drug related harm in the workplace. “Workplaces should have drug testing programmes. Research has shown that there is 24 percent less drug usage in places with drug testing programme than where there is no drug testing.

    “Education is the principal means of preventing drug abuse, hence employers should organise series of counselling and employee assistance programmes that should begin in the community and be directed at young persons (potential workers). I enjoined government to allow tax-based incentives for employers who develop workplace mental health plan and programmes for employees,” stated Dr Ajala.

    Lastly, on the legal implications of workplace addiction, a Corporate Legal Adviser, Mrs. Solape Adesuyi highlighted three most significant issues that could lead employers into legal confrontations and extra cost if dependence on narcotic and psychotropic substances are not prevented. They are- vicarious liability, compensation for mental stress while on the job and dismissal.

  • NDLEA arrests suspected drug baron, storms cannabis farms

    NDLEA arrests suspected drug baron, storms cannabis farms

    The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) has carried out a major operation across the South West and South South and North Central States of Ekiti, Edo, Delta and Kogi. The intelligence-led raid code named Operation Weed Eater led to the arrest of a-36-year-old suspected drug baron, and operational head of a cannabis syndicate known as Akunnubas, Uche Destiny Obi also known as ‘The King Maker’ along with seven other members of the cartel including two truck drivers. Cannabis weighing a total of 1,514,278kg with an estimated street value of 15.1 billion naira was also intercepted.

    During the operation, cannabis plantations were raided and destroyed at Ise Forest Reserve in Ise/Orun Local Government Area, Ode camp in Gboyin Local government area both in Ekiti State and Utese Forest Reserve in Edo State. One hundred officers drawn from various state commands participated in the operation that lasted for twelve days.

    Uche Destiny Obi is the Vice Chairman and operational head of the Akunnubas, a group that specializes in cannabis cultivation and distribution. He is called the ‘King Maker’ because of his overriding influence in determining appointment of other executive members as well as execution of punishment on erring members and foes. The criminal group is believed to have a growing influence and operational stronghold in South West and South South states of the country.

    NDLEA investigation reveals that the Akunnubas is responsible for over eighty percent (80%) of cannabis production in the country. The syndicate hires cheap labour including school age children to work at cannabis farms. They use motorcycles in conveying processed cannabis from the farms to a temporary covert warehouse from where trucks are later used in taking the drug for inter-state distribution.

    According to the NDLEA Director of Operations and General Investigations, Mr. Olugbenga Mabo who coordinated the specialized operations, the raid was to eradicate drugs from the country. In his words, “this is a specialized raid operation cutting across different state commands. The operation which lasted for twelve days led to the seizure of 1,514,278kg of cannabis, and the arrest of a suspected drug kingpin and seven others. In Ekiti State, cannabis weighing 1,483,200kg was destroyed in two cannabis plantations. In Edo, 9,300kg of cannabis was intercepted, in Delta, 19,675kg was intercepted in a truck while two trucks containing 2,103kg of cannabis was seized in Lokoja, Kogi State. The cases are under investigation”.

    He also commended officers that participated in the operation for their tenacity, dexterity and zeal. “The interception of a truck with registration number EKY948XB Lagos, carrying a forty =40= footer container loaded with 19,675kg along Amai road Obiaruku – en route Abbi, Delta State by Delta State Command officers and two trucks containing 2,103kg of cannabis by Kogi State command is impressive” Mabo added.

    Chairman/Chief Executive of the NDLEA, Ahmadu Giade described the arrest of Uche Destiny Obi as a reward for painstaking investigation. “The suspected drug kingpin Uche Destiny Obi was placed under investigation by the agency for several months. This is an era of protracted and diligent investigation that will expose illicit drug activities of suspected drug barons who will soon be caught in the dragnet of the NDLEA. I am delighted with the success of the painstaking surveillance carried out by officers in Operation Weed Eater” Giade stated.

    The NDLEA boss stressed that the agency “is poised to dismantle drug trafficking syndicates and put an end to their criminal activities.”

  • Four ‘traffickers’ held with N374m drugs

    Four ‘traffickers’ held with N374m drugs

    •NDLEA backs law’s review for stiffer penalties

    Four suspected drug traffickers – a mother of seven and three men – have been arrested by the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) at the Murtala Mohammed International Airport (MMIA), Ikeja, Lagos.

    The drugs weighing 41.625 kilogrammes with an estimated street value of over N374,625,000 comprise 36.675 kilogrammes of methamphetamine and 4.95 kilogrammes of cocaine.

    The substances were concealed in security lamps, silicon sealants, foodstuff and luggage.

    Lagos Airport Commander, NDLEA , Hamza Umar said Obi John Chukwuenyem (48) was caught with 21.695 kilogrammes of methamphetamine hidden inside his bag; Gilbert Kelvin (37) with 9.980 kilogrammes of methamphetamine concealed inside solar security lamps; Deborah Ifeoma (40) with five kilogrammes of methamphetamine packed inside foodstuff and Okafor Michael (44), with 4.95 kilogrammes of cocaine hidden inside silicon sealants.

    Umar said Okafor was coming from Sao Paulo in Brazil; the others were trying to smuggle methamphetamine to South Africa where they reside.

    Obi, who lives in South Africa with his three children, said he was lured into drug trafficking on his birthday. “I struggle to feed my family by selling foodstuff. Now, the business is near-moribund. A friend met me on my birthday and introduced me into drug trafficking. He promised to pay me 15,000 South Africa rand. My children are out of school because of my inability to pay tuition fee. This is the first time I would deal in drugs and I regret everything. I pray to be out of this problem” he said.

    Gilbert, who also lives in South Africa where he imports and exports phones and clothes, said he has five children from three women, adding: “My business is grounded and I now live from hand to mouth. My South African friend for over ten years gave me solar lamps where the drug was found. He used to assist me financially and he also promised to pay my children’s school fees.”

    Deborah, who lives in South Africa with her family, said: “I take care of my seven children from selling foodstuffs. I came to Nigeria to buy foodstuffs like melon, vegetables and other local spices. I approached a man in South Africa for financial assistance to enable me expand my business. He called me that somebody would give me some food items for him. When I got to the airport, NDLEA officers detected methamphetamine in the package given to me by the man. This was how I found myself in this situation”.

    Meanwhile, NDLEA Chairman/Chief Executive Ahmadu Giade has endorsed  plans to amend the NDLEA Act for stiffer penalties and easier forfeiture of illegal drug proceeds.

    The proposed review is part of efforts to reposition the NDLEA for enhanced performance and greater productivity.

    The planned for amendment is expected to cover penalty for offences and asset forfeiture.

    Giade said: “The focus of the NDLEA is a positive change towards an intelligence-led counter narcotics agency. In line with this paradigm shift, we are putting in place processes and mechanisms to propel operational efficiency.”

    He reiterated his call for more support in the agency’s fight against illicit drugs.

  • Couple sues NDLEA for N50m over alleged rights violation

    Couple sues NDLEA for N50m over alleged rights violation

    A couple, Mr Mathias and Fidelia Muomah, have urged the Federal High Court in Lagos to re-list their N50million suit against the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) for alleged rights violation.

    Justice Okon Abang struck out the case on April 16 “for want of diligent prosecution” because the plaintiffs’ lawyer, Emeka Opara, was not present during a hearing.

    Opara said he was absent that day because he was sick, and that he sent his junior to inform the court of his ill-health.

    He prayed that the case be re-listed so that it will be heard on merit, adding that previous adjournments were at the respondents’ instance.

    The Commander, NDLEA Joint Task Force, Lagos, Mr Sunday Zirangey, is the second respondent.

    The plaintiffs are claiming that NDLEA officials barged into their bedroom on December 6, 2012  about 5.30am and accosted Mrs Muomah while naked, in flagrant violation of their rights to the dignity of their persons.

    The couple is seeking a declaration that her arrest and confiscation of their vehicles on the suspicion that her younger brother, Nonso Okeke, is a drug dealer violates the 1999 Constitution and various articles of the African Charter on Human and Peoples Rights.

    They sought an order mandating NDLEA to tender a public apology to them to be published in a national newspaper, as well as an injunction restraining the agency from further detaining them or their vehicles.

    According to the plaintiffs, NDLEA claimed Okeke used Mouomah’s house to register a Toyota Corolla, which was used to convey someone to a hotel in Victoria Island where a meeting was held to discuss the supply of a drug called Ephedrine, a substance similar to cocaine.

    It was allegedly agreed at the meeting, which had NDLEA informants in attendance, that 25kg of Ephedrine and production machines would be supplied and that proceeds would be shared.

    In a bid to track down the suspects, the plaintiffs said NDLEA officials arrested Mrs Mouma, insisting that the couple must produce Okeke and the Toyota Corrolla, and ordered the wife to be reporting to the agency’s office every Wednesday.

    “Nonso Okeke whom the respondents claim they are looking for does not live in my house and I do not know where he is at the moment. He is a 39-year-old man and is not under my family’s control,” Mr Muomah said in a supporting affidavit.

    The couple said NDLEA operatives did not only embarrass the woman, but the presence of several officials in their red uniforms in the premises led to “terrible embarrassment” for the family.

    However, NDLEA said its officers did not “barge” into the couple’s room, did not meet her naked, and did not unduly detain her. Rather, it said its officers met Mr Muomah at the door and conducted themselves professionally during the search.

    “The respondents did not at anytime threaten to seize the applicants’ vehicles and did not label the applicants’ family ‘a drug family’ and never directed the second applicant to be reporting to NDLEA office every Wednesday.

    “The applicants knew where Mr Nonso Okeke is and are harbouring him contrary to the provisions of the NDLEA Act.

    “Neither the respondents nor its officers saw the nakedness of the second applicant as was alleged. It was the first applicant that led them into his room,” NDLEA said.

    Justice Abang adjourned till January 30 next year for ruling on the application to re-list the suit.

  • NDLEA arrests technician smuggling cannabis to UAE

    NDLEA arrests technician smuggling cannabis to UAE

    OFFICIALS of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) have apprehended a technician for allegedly possessing 665 grammes of cannabis.

    The suspect, Friday Ufot, hails from Akwa-Ibom State.

    The arrest took place at the Murtala Muhammed International Airport (MMIA) during the outward screening of passengers on an Etihad flight to Dubai.

    Dried weeds, which tested positive for cannabis concealed in foodstuff, were found inside the suspect’s luggage.

    NDLEA Commander at the Lagos Airport, Hamza Umar, stated that the case was under investigation.

    The 31-year-old technician, who services and installs electrical appliances, told investigators that he was given the drug by a man who assisted him with his travel documents.

    “I am a technician by profession. I suffered financial hardship and could not settle my bills.

    “After so many fruitless struggles to make ends meet, I decided to travel to Dubai in search of employment. The man who assisted me with my travel documents gave me a bag at the airport.

    “He told me that his friend will collect the bag from me in Dubai. According to his plan, the man will accommodate me and also help me to secure a good job.

    “He told me the bag contained garri, stock fish, beans, dried bitter-leaf vegetables and dried fish.

    “However, while trying to check-in the bag, NDLEA officers discovered the cannabis. I am not happy because my condition has gone from bad to worse,” he lamented.

    The suspect will soon be charged to court.

     

  • NDLEA impounds cocaine in imported shoes

    Officials of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) have discovered 2.235kg of cocaine inside soles of female shoes imported from Brazil.
    The cocaine was found at the Murtala Muhammed International Airport (MMIA) during search of passengers on board an Etihad flight. A suspected drug trafficker who checked-in the bags with the narcotic had been apprehended.
    NDLEA Commander at the Lagos Airport, Mr. Hamza Umar gave the name of the suspect as Mama Solomon.
    According to Hamza, “the suspect claimed to be a shoe merchant, however, during interrogation it was revealed that he only used the shoes as mode of concealing the cocaine. Mama Solomon had two bags containing female shoes and hand bags. The drug was discovered in the soles of the female shoes and he was immediately arrested”.
    During interrogation, the suspect Mama Solomon, 27 years old said that he was given the bag by a friend in Brazil to take to Nigeria.
    “I live and work in Brazil. I was given the drug with a promise that I will be handsomely rewarded if I successfully deliver the bag in Nigeria. They also assured me that somebody will help me in collecting the bags at the airport in Nigeria. Unfortunately, officers demanded to search my bag and in the process, the cocaine was found in my bag, ” the woman stated.
    The NDLEA Chairman/Chief Executive, Ahmadu Giade said that the agency will continue to detect hidden drugs and prosecute drug traffickers. The NDLEA boss also urged members of the public not to relent their effort in reporting suspected drug dealers to the Agency.
    “This seizure will serve as a warning to drug cartels. Efforts shall be intensified to train and retrain officers on interdiction techniques and intelligence gathering in order to maintain our superiority over drug traffickers. “

  • NDLEA staff jailed for aiding trafficker

    Justice Balikisu Bello Aliyu of the Federal High Court, Abuja, on Thursday sentenced a staff of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency, Ibrahim Muazzam, to seven years imprisonment for aiding a suspected drug trafficker, Eni Eze Itu, now at large to export 3.7kg of heroin at the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport, Abuja.

    The judge in her judgment said that it was sad that an officer paid by the government to arrest drug traffickers aided them to perpetrate their criminal act.

    Ibrahim, who pleaded not guilty to a two- count charge of aiding and conspiracy to export 3.7kg of heroin in November 2009, was exonerated on the charge of conspiracy.

    The judge, however, added that although the NDLEA was unable to prove the case of conspiracy against the accused, she was convinced that there were enough evidence before the court to convict him on the ground of aiding and abetting.

    The accused was therefore sentenced to seven years imprisonment.

    According to the NDLEA, Ibrahim Muazzam, was an Assistant Superintendent of Narcotics on grade level 8 prior to his dismissal and trial.

     

  • Couple sues NDLEA for ‘rights violation’

    Couple sues NDLEA for ‘rights violation’

    A couple has urged the Federal High Court in Lagos to re-list their N50 million suit against the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) for alleged rights violation.

    Justice Okon Abang struck out the case on April 16 “for want of diligent prosecution” because Emeka Opara, lawyer to the plaintiffs, Mr Mathias and Fidelia Muomah, was not present during a hearing.

    Yesterday, Opara said he was absent that day because he was indisposed, adding that he sent his junior to inform the court of his ill-health.

    He prayed that the case be re-listed so that it could be heard on merit, adding that previous adjournments were at the respondents’ instance.

    The Commander, NDLEA Joint Task Force in Lagos, Mr Sunday Zirangey, is the second respondent.

    The plaintiffs are claiming that NDLEA officials barged into their bedroom on December 6, 2012 at about 5.30am and accosted Mrs Muomah while naked, in flagrant violation of their rights to the dignity of their persons.

    The couple is seeking a declaration that her arrest and the confiscation of their vehicles on the suspicion that her younger brother, Nonso Okeke, is a drug dealer violates the 1999 Constitution and various articles of the African Charter on Human and Peoples Rights.

    They sought an order mandating NDLEA to tender a public apology to them in a national newspaper, as well as an injunction restraining the agency from further detaining them or their vehicles.

    According to the plaintiffs, NDLEA claimed Okeke used Muomah’s house to register a Toyota Corolla car, which was used to convey someone to a hotel in Victoria Island where a meeting was held to discuss the supply of Ephedrine, a substance similar to cocaine.

    It was allegedly agreed at the meeting, which had NDLEA informants in attendance, that 25kilogrammes of Ephedrine and production machines would be supplied and that the proceeds would be shared.

    In a bid to track down the suspects, the plaintiffs said NDLEA officials arrested Mrs Muomah, insisting that the couple must produce Okeke and the Toyota car. They ordered the wife to be reporting to the agency’s office every Wednesday.

    “Nonso Okeke whom the respondents claim they are looking for does not live in my house and I do not know where he is at the moment. He is a 39-year-old man and is not under my family’s control,” Mr Muomah said in a supporting affidavit.

    The couple said NDLEA operatives did not only embarrass the woman, but the presence of several officials in their red uniforms in the premises led to “terrible embarrassment” for the family.

    However, NDLEA said its officers did not “barge” into the couple’s room, did not meet her naked, and did not unduly detain her. Rather, it said its officers met Mr Muomah at the door and conducted themselves professionally during the search.

    “The applicants did not at anytime threaten to seize the applicants’ vehicles and did not label the applicants’ family ‘a drug family’ and never directed the second applicant to be reporting to NDLEA office every Wednesday.

    “The applicants knew where Mr Nonso Okeke is and are harbouring him contrary to the provisions of the NDLEA Act. Neither the respondents nor its officers saw the nakedness of the second applicant as was alleged. It was the first applicant that led them into his room,” NDLEA said.

    Justice Abang adjourned till January 30 for ruling on the application.