The Nation Newspaper

Tag: Qatar

  • What Qatar cannot do—exists

    What Qatar cannot do—exists

    • By Charles Dickson

    Sir: When Qatar won the bid to host the 2022 FIFA World Cup, sceptics questioned its capacity. A decade later, the world watched in awe as Doha unveiled state-of-the-art stadiums, a seamless metro system, and the architectural marvel that is Hamad International Airport. This airport, with its futuristic design, indoor gardens, and 40,000-square-meter retail space, is more than a transit hub—it’s a statement. Qatar invested over $200 billion in infrastructure, diversifying its economy beyond oil and gas into tourism, finance, and education.

    Yet, this progress came at a cost. Reports of exploited migrant workers, restrictive labour laws, and censorship cast shadows over Qatar’s triumphs. However, the nation’s leadership demonstrated an unwavering vision: a willingness to spend, plan, and execute projects that transcended short-term politics. Qatar’s success lies not in perfection but in its ability to align resources, ambition, and global branding—flaws notwithstanding.

    Nigeria, Africa’s largest economy and most populous nation, mirrors Qatar in potential. With vast oil reserves, a youthful population, and cultural influence, it could be a continental beacon. Yet, decades of corruption, inept governance, and infrastructural decay tell a different story.

    Consider airports: While Hamad Airport symbolizes Qatar’s ambition, Nigeria’s airports—like Lagos’ Murtala Muhammed International—remain stuck in the 1970s, plagued by power outages, leaking roofs, and bureaucratic inertia. Qatar’s leaders see infrastructure as nation-building; Nigeria’s political class views it as a piggy bank. The $461 million Abuja CCTV contract, the Ajaokuta Steel Mill, and the Lagos-Ibadan Expressway delays are monuments to graft and incompetence.

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    The divergence stems from leadership and vision. Qatar’s monarchy, though autocratic, prioritizes legacy projects that outlive individual rulers. Nigeria’s leaders, however, are consumed by short-term gains—embezzling oil wealth, politicizing development, and weaponising ethnicity. Qatar invests in education (Education City hosts branches of Georgetown and North-western); Nigeria’s universities languish through endless strikes. Qatar leverages its small population (2.7 million) for cohesive growth; Nigeria’s 220 million people endure fractured governance, where state allocations vanish into personal pockets.

    Cultural attitudes also differ. Qatar maintains its infrastructure meticulously; Nigeria’s “maintenance culture” is an oxymoron. Stadiums built for the 2003 All Africa Games lie in ruins. Refineries do not work, despite billions spent on repairs. We celebrate “potential” as an anaesthetic for failure.

    As a Nigerian, this comparison stings. It’s not about Qatar’s wealth but its will. Nigeria has no excuse: Our oil reserves surpass Qatar’s, our diaspora excels globally, and our creativity dominates music and film. Yet, we falter where focus and integrity are required.

    The problem isn’t resources—it’s accountability. Qatar’s World Cup spotlight forced labour reforms; Nigeria’s leaders face no such pressure. Citizens endure hardships while elites stash billions abroad. Our institutions, from the judiciary to the police, prioritize patronage over service.

    Qatar’s story proves that transformation is possible with vision and sacrifice. Nigeria’s redemption requires a leadership revolution—not just in government but in civic responsibility. We must demand transparency, punish corruption, and invest in human capital.

    The Hamad Airport wasn’t built by magic but by intentionality. Nigeria can rise, but only when we confront our demons: greed, tribalism, and apathy. The world saw Qatar’s ambition; it’s time to show them ours. As hurt as I am, I still believe—because Nigeria’s greatest resource isn’t oil. It’s her people. And our story isn’t over yet.

    Qatar has done loads of things right, but one thing it cannot do is make Nigeria do right, if it will happen.

    •Prince Charles Dickson PhD,

    <pcdbooks@gmail.com>

  • Wanted ‘Killaboi’ extradited from Qatar over alleged murder of 21-year-old student

    Wanted ‘Killaboi’ extradited from Qatar over alleged murder of 21-year-old student

    The Nigeria Police Force has confirmed the extradition of Benjamin Best Nnayereugo, popularly known as Killaboi, from Doha, Qatar, where he will face prosecution for the alleged murder of 21-year-old Miss Augusta Onuwabhagbe, a first-class student at Lead City University, Ibadan.

    Nnayereugo, who was declared wanted by police in October 2023, arrived in Nigeria in the early hours of Saturday following coordinated efforts by the Nigeria Police Force, the Federal Ministry of Justice, INTERPOL National Central Bureau (NCB) Abuja, and judicial authorities in Qatar.

    In a statement on via X (formerly Twitter), Force Public Relations Officer, ACP Olumuyiwa Adejobi, explained that the extradition followed “a petition from the family of the deceased, submitted through their legal representatives dated 29th September 2024.” The case was assigned to INTERPOL NCB Abuja for investigation.

    According to police findings, Nnayereugo allegedly murdered Onuwabhagbe at his residence at 24A Abiola Apooyi Street, Oral Estate, Ajah, Lagos on July 13, 2023 before fleeing the country. 

    The victim was a promising student with a first-class academic record at Lead City University.

    Authorities said the suspect later released an online video purporting to confess to the crime — a move the police described as “a deceptive strategy to derail investigative efforts.”

    The police also confirmed that after the suspect was declared wanted by the Lagos State Criminal Investigation Department (SCID) on October 13, 2023, an INTERPOL Red Notice was issued for his global apprehension.

    Nnayereugo was arrested in Freetown, Sierra Leone on October 20, 2023, under a false identity, “KANU PRINCETON SAMUEL,” but escaped from custody during a prison break on November 26, 2023.

    “Further intelligence gathering revealed that the suspect continued to evade law enforcement, traversing multiple regions including West Africa, East Asia and the Middle East, under forged identities before eventually relocating to Doha, Qatar on 24th January, 2025,” the statement added.

    The police said he lived in Qatar under the alias “TOURE ABDOULAYE” and used a forged Guinean passport to secure illegal employment and conceal his identity.

    “Through robust international cooperation and the use of advanced biometrics, INTERPOL NCB Abuja, in collaboration with INTERPOL NCB Doha, confirmed his identity, leading to his arrest by Qatari authorities in February 2025,” the statement noted.

    His extradition was secured after an official request was approved by Qatari judicial authorities, following due process coordinated through the Federal Ministry of Justice.

    Inspector-General of Police, IGP Kayode Adeolu Egbetokun, commended the international collaboration that led to the suspect’s return, describing it as a testament to global cooperation against trans-border crimes.

    Read Also: Wanted Instagram influencer ‘KillaBoi’ found in Sierra Leone

    “The Inspector-General of Police, IGP Kayode Adeolu Egbetokun, Ph.D., NPM, while recognising the strength in the synergy amongst nations to curb trans-border crimes, commended the diligence of INTERPOL NCB Abuja and extended sincere appreciation to the Honorable Attorney-General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, the Government of Qatar, INTERPOL NCB Doha, and the Nigerian Embassy in Qatar for their invaluable collaboration in securing the fugitive’s return,” the statement read.

    Egbetokun also assured the public that the Nigeria Police Force remains committed to ensuring justice in the case, stating, “The Inspector-General of Police further assured the general public of the Nigeria Police Force’s commitment to ensuring that the suspect faces diligent prosecution, as part of the NPF’s dedication to justice and the safety of all Nigerians.”

    In October 2023, the Lagos State Police Command declared Nnayereugo wanted for Onuwabhagbe’s death. 

    At the time, the state police spokesperson, Benjamin Hundeyin, described him as “26 years old, approximately 5’9 ft tall and hails from Abia State. He is dark in complexion and speaks English, Igbo and pidgin English fluently.”

  • NDLEA declares four wanted over cocaine shipments to Saudi Arabia, Qatar, others

    NDLEA declares four wanted over cocaine shipments to Saudi Arabia, Qatar, others

    The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) has declared four associates of Lagos-based drug kingpin, Alhaji Suleiman Aremu Ganiu, also known as Barryshine or Ejeoto, wanted for their involvement in multiple drug trafficking operations.

    Director, Media and Advocacy NDLEA Headquarters, Abuja, Femi Babafemi, made this known in a statement on Monday.

    According to the statement, Barryshine is already facing criminal charges at a Federal High Court in Lagos.

    The statement indicated that the declaration follows an order issued by Honourable Justice Akintayo Aluko of the Federal High Court in Lagos, permitting the NDLEA to publicly list the suspects as wanted individuals. 

    The individuals declared wanted are Olarenwaju Ramon Abdulai, also known as Alhaji Loyingbo; Oluwafemi Akande Abidoye, who goes by the aliases Igbono, Baba Eje, Ade Iwaya, and Femi Iwaya; Olumuyiwa Olufemi Ilori, also called Murphy; and Alate Kafy Bakare Bukki of Kaffy Travels.

    Babafemi said in its ruling on Tuesday, January 28, 2025, the court granted NDLEA’s request in charge no. FHC/L/731C/2024. 

    It ordered that Abdulai, Abidoye, Ilori, and Bukki be declared wanted by public notice, with their photographs conspicuously displayed, as they remain at large despite their involvement in multiple drug trafficking activities linked to Barryshine.

    The leader of the syndicate, Suleiman Ganiu Aremu, was arrested on August 26, 2024, following a two-year investigation by NDLEA, the statement indicated.

    Read Also: Deportee undergoes surgery in NDLEA custody after ingesting 81 cocaine pellets

    The suspect said he had been on the agency’s watchlist due to his role in four failed attempts to smuggle cocaine to Saudi Arabia and Qatar through Murtala Muhammed International Airport (MMIA) in Lagos between 2022 and 2024. 

    Babafemi said several of his drug mules have already been arrested, prosecuted, and convicted, while Barryshine himself is currently facing multiple criminal charges at a Federal High Court in Lagos.

    The NDLEA called on the public to provide any information on the whereabouts of the four wanted suspects. 

    Individuals with relevant details are encouraged to report to the nearest NDLEA Command, call the agency’s toll-free helpline at 080010203040, or send direct messages to NDLEA’s social media accounts on Instagram, X (formerly Twitter), and TikTok (@ndlea_nigeria), Facebook (@ndlea01), or YouTube (@ndleatv).

  • Qatar to host PSG-MonacoTrophee des Champions clash

    Qatar to host PSG-MonacoTrophee des Champions clash

    The Trophee des Champions match between Ligue 1 title winners Paris St Germain and French Cup holders AS Monaco will be held in Doha, Qatar, next month the French League has said.

    The Jan. 5 game will be played at Stadium 974, one of the venues at the last World Cup, which is also hosting two matches of the 2024 FIFA Intercontinental Cup this month.

    Read Also: PSG to cough  N131.8 billion for Osimhen next month

    The Trophee des Champions is the traditional curtain raiser to the French season, although last year’s match also took place in January when PSG beat Toulouse in Paris.

    It will be the first time Qatar has hosted the event, which was first held outside of France in 2009 when the match took place in Canada and since then, Tunisia, Morocco, the United States, Gabon, China and Israel have all hosted the game.

  • Wanted drug baron behind four cocaine shipments to Saudi Arabia, Qatar arrested

    Wanted drug baron behind four cocaine shipments to Saudi Arabia, Qatar arrested

    The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) has arrested a wanted drug baron, Alhaji Suleiman Ganiu Aremu (a.k.a Barryshine) two years after coming under its radar over his alleged role in four foiled attempts to export cocaine to Saudi Arabia and Qatar through the Murtala Muhammed International Airport (MMIA) Ikeja Lagos between 2022 and 2024.

    Director, Media and Advocacy, NDLEA Headquarters Abuja, Femi Babafemi, who made this known in a statement on Friday, said Suleman is the Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of Barryshine Suleiman Nigeria Ltd.

    According to the statement, his name first featured on November 13, 2022 when a female passenger on Qatar airlines flight to Saudi Arabia, Alhaja Ajisegiri Kehinde Sidika was arrested at the MMIA in possession of 400 grams of cocaine, which was concealed inside female footwears.

    Babafemi said investigations later revealed that one Abdullahi Olarenwaju Ramon, who is a brother to Suleiman, hired the arrested drug courier.

    “Further facts emerged that the flight tickets and other travel expenses of the suspect were sourced by Alhaji Suleiman Ganiu Aremu.

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    “A few days after the arrest of Ajisegiri Kehinde Sidika, another drug mule, Lawal Lateef Oyenuga was also arrested on November 24, 2022, with the same quantity of cocaine, 400 grams, concealed in male footwears while going to the same destination, Saudi Arabia.

    “The suspect, Lawal Lateef Oyenuga confessed that one Wasiu Sanni Gbolahan (a.k.a Teacher) who was later arrested and convicted by the court, hired him for Suleiman. Lawal further alleged that Wasiu Gbolahan linked him up with the baron through one Igbono, who was later unveiled through investigation as Oluwafemi Akande Abidoye (a.k.a Igbono, Murphy, Femi Iwaya, Ade Iwaya, Baba Eje and Ejeoto)

    “While investigation of the two cases subsisted and the manhunt for the baron was ongoing, two drug mules were arrested at the MMIA on June 21, 2024 on their way to Doha, Qatar. One of the suspects who was later identified as Aikhomoun Daniel (a.k.a Oladapo Olanrewaju) expelled in observation custody a total of 90 pellets of cocaine, weighing 1.022kg, which he ingested, while the second suspect, Ayigoro Waheed Omobolaji excreted 60 wraps of cocaine with a total weight of 662 grams.

    “Further investigation later revealed that the two arrested couriers, Aikhomoun Daniel and Ayigoro Waheed Omobolaji were recruited by the same Igbono who works for the baron and featured in 2022 during the arrest of Ajesegiri Kehinde Sidika and Lawal Lateef Oyenuga.

    “Financial investigation conducted by the Agency also linked the baron Suleiman to the arrested suspects and two of his associates who recruit traffickers for him: Oluwafemi Akande Abidoye and Olanrewaju Abdullahi Ramon, both currently at large.

    “As a result, the Agency blocked the bank accounts linked to members of the cartel after which Suleiman was eventually taken into custody on August 26, 2024 for further investigation.

    “In his statements, Suleiman claimed he is into property development and hotel management while he lives in Lagos and Paris, France. He also stated that he runs another business that deals in cloths with his wife at Balogun market, Lagos Island, adding that his regular visits to Saudi Arabia was to perform lesser hajj.

    “He said he holds the traditional title of Akeweje of Yaba (Youth Leader of Yaba Land). Already, some properties traced to Suleiman include: two houses at 63 and 72 Queens Street, Ebute-Meta and his Barryshine hotel at 95 Freeman street, Yaba, Lagos,” the statement reads.

    Babafemi informed Justice Dipeolu Deinde Isaac of the Federal High Court, Lagos has granted an application by the NDLEA for the extension of the detention of the drug kingpin Suleiman for 30 days and to declare his two associates: Oluwafemi Akande Abidoye and Olanrewaju Abdullahi Ramon, both currently at large, wanted.

    The NDLEA Spokesman said ruling on the motion ex-parte in suit number: FHC/L/MISC/555/24, Justice Dipeolu said “an order is hereby made declaring one Oluwafemi Akande Abidoye a.ka ‘Igbono’, ‘Murphy’, ‘Femi Iwaya’, ‘Ade Iwaya’, ‘Baba Eje’, ‘Ejeoto’ wanted who is presently at large for his involvement in multiple drug trafficking activities with Suleiman Aremu Ganiu (a.k.a Barryshine).”

    According to the statement, the judge also ruled that “an order is hereby made declaring one Olarenwaju Ramon Abdulahi wanted who is presently at large for his involvement in the drug trafficking activities with Suleiman Aremu Ganiu (a.k.a Baryshine) with respect to the arrest of Ajisegiri Kehinde Sidika who was arrested at MMIA Ikeja-Lagos during outward clearance of Qatar Airways flight to Saudi Arabia with 400 grams of cocaine concealed in foot wears.”

    Reacting to the development, Chairman/Chief Executive Officer of NDLEA, Brig Gen Mohamed Buba Marwa (Rtd) commended the officers and men of the MMIA Strategic Command for the painstaking two years investigation that culminated in the conviction of three traffickers and the eventual arrest of the kingpin behind the cartel.

    He said this demonstrates that the long arm of the law will always get whoever is involved in the criminal trade no matter how long it takes.

  • Nigeria, Qatar set to sign seven agreements today

    Nigeria, Qatar set to sign seven agreements today

    • Alake: FG has identified locations with Lithium in commercial quantity

    President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s two-day official visit to the State of Qatar will assume full gear today with the signing of seven agreements between Nigeria and the Middle East country.

    The visit had begun yesterday with a visit the Nigerian president paid to the Museum in Doha, the capital city where the CEO of Qatar Museums Mohammed Saad Al Rumaihi and the Director of National Museum of Qatar, Sheikh Abdulaziz bin Hamad Al Thani conducted the Nigerian leader around the facilities.

    The Museum which was recently redesigned ahead of the 2022 FIFA world Cup, offers visitors access to a variety of materials used in Islamic art, including carpets and textiles, manuscripts, ceramics, wood, ivory, metalwork, stone and glass.

    The President is expected to see pieces of materials dating back to the earliest Islamic period from the 20th century, spanning Spain and North Africa to the Far East.

    The host is also expected to conduct his visitor to view the early Hijazi Quran fragments, the sitara of the Holy Kaaba, the Moroccan arch, a copy of al-Sufi’s treatise on the fixed stars, the Abbasid blue-and-white bowl, the Seljuq stucco panel, the Doha Hind and the post-Islamic Spanish ceiling.

    The visit to the Museum is expected to herald other events that will culminate in the signing of agreements in seven areas between the Nigeria and Qatari governments today.

    From the Museum, the President will visit the Qatar Foundation, which is responsible for promoting Qatar government humanitarian activities in other countries, including Nigeria.

    The Qatar Foundation for Education, Science and Community Development, is a state-led non-profit organisation in Qatar.

    The institution, which was founded in 1995 by the then Emir of Qatar, Hamad bin Khalifa Al Thani, and his second wife Moza bint Nasser Al-Missne, has been linked to development of schools, houses and health facilities in several countries, including Nigeria.

    The Foundation helped Nigeria with infrastructures including schools, residential houses and health facilities in states ravaged by insecurity.

    Earlier on Friday night, President Tinubu had met with key ministers and top officials of the Qatari government.

    At the meeting were some key Nigerian government officials on the President’s entourage, including the Minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister of the Economy, Mr. Wale Edun; the Minister of Solid Minerals Development, Dele Alake; the Minister of Foreign Affairs, Yusuf Tuggar; the Minister of Trade and Investment, Doris Uzoka-Anite; the Minister of Youth Development, Jamila Ibrahim and the Minister of Health and Coordinating Minister of Social Welfare, Ali Pate.

    FG has identified locations with Lithium in commercial quantity —Alake

    The Minister of Solid Minerals Development, Mr Dele Alake, said the Federal Government (FG) has identified locations where Lithium occurs in commercial quantities in the country.

    He said comprehensive data on the pattern and quantity of energy mineral Lithium are available at the Nigerian Geological Survey Agency for businesses interested in  establishing lithium companies in Nigeria.

    Special Adviser to the Minister, Kehinde Bamigbetan, made this known in a statement.

    He said Alake made this disclosure in Doha, Qatar on Saturday at a meeting with Qatari businessmen on the sidelines of the visit of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to the Arab country.

    He stated: “Comprehensive data on the pattern and quantity of energy mineral Lithium are available at the Nigerian Geological Survey Agency for businesses interested in  establishing lithium companies in Nigeria.

    “Responding to enquiries on the quality of Nigerian lithium by Qatari business mogul Sheikh Shahid Jawad, at the meeting held at the prestigious Sheraton Doha, Alake said mineral exploration initiated by the Federal Government has identified locations where lithium is available in commercial quantities and in high grades.

    “To buttress the disclosure, Alake recalled that on a visit to Australia, he was presented with samples of rock composites from Nigeria with high grade lithium content confirmed by laboratory analysis.

    “He said it showed that the quality of Nigerian lithium has been recognised by the global mining sector.

    “Encouraging Qatari businessmen to visit the country and witness the immense opportunities in mining, Alake said the Nigerian government has put in place generous, investor- friendly policies to facilitate business.

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    “Also speaking at the event, the Executive Secretary of Solid Minerals Development Fund, Mrs Fatimah Shinkafi, urged investors to explore opportunities in mining infrastructures.

    “Giving the example of Vale, a mining company in Brazil that invested in trains to ease the transportation of minerals from the mines to the processing towns, Shinkafi said while the government will continue to provide transportation facilities to the mines, mining companies that recognise the significance of transportation to their future cost control will invest wisely by supplementing government’s efforts.

    “Also giving the minister the update of its activities in the mining sector, the vice- chairman of the Qatar- Nigerian Chamber of Business, Muhammed Santuraki, said the chamber was formed in 2017 to build business relations between both countries.

    “Recalling a recent visit to a gold mine in Nasarawa State, Santuraki observed the existence of good roads for the haulage of minerals to the ports.

    “Other businessmen at the top- level meeting were Sheikh El Jouneid, Chief Executive Officer, ETCC Qatar and Aminu Dahiru, Chairman, Asdub Oil & Gas.”

  • Business & investment forum with Tinubu will hold – Qatar

    Business & investment forum with Tinubu will hold – Qatar

    Qatar has confirmed the business and investment forum proposed by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu during his visit on March 2-3 will hold. 

    This followed rumoured cancellation of the forum after a leaked memo on Saturday claimed Qatar declined the forum over the unavailability of it’s Minister of Commerce and Industry, Mohammed Bin Hamad Al-Thani.

    The Nation had reported the Presidency’s reported the Qatari government did not snub Tinubu.

    A statement by Tinubu’s Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, on Saturday reads: “It is not correct for anyone to insinuate that the Qatari authorities have snubbed the Nigerian leader over a business and investment forum which is tangential to the all-important state visit and which President Tinubu is slated to attend as a guest.” 

    Read Also: Tinubu’s visit to Qatar not cancelled – Presidency

    Qatar Embassy in a memo dated Sunday, February 25 addressed to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs also confirmed that the business forum will hold during Tinubu’s visit.

    The letter reads: “Regarding the upcoming State visit of H.E. Bola Ahmed Tinubu, President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria to Qatar from 2nd-3rd March 2024 and with reference to our Note: Ref: QEA/FA/057/24 dated 22/02/2024 regarding holding of a Business and Investment Forum (BIF) on the margins of Mr. President’s visit to Qatar on 2nd March 2024.

    “The Embassy has the honour to convey that the Qatar Chamber of Commerce will host the above-mentioned event on March 3, 2024 as proposed by the Nigerian side.”

  • Qatar-based businessman, others arrested for drug trafficking

    Qatar-based businessman, others arrested for drug trafficking

    The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) says it has intercepted a Qatar-based businessman, Agu Evidence Amobi, and one other, Uchegbu Onyebuchi Obi, with consignments of psychoactive substances at the Murtala Muhammed International Airport, MMIA, Ikeja Lagos.

    This was contained in a statement by the Director, Media and Advocacy, NDLEA Headquarters Abuja, Femi Babafemi, on Sunday, December 31.

    Babafemi said while Amobi was arrested on Saturday 30th December at the departure point of terminal 2 of the MMIA on his way to Doha, Qatar on a Qatar Airways flight, Obi was taken into custody same day following the seizure of a consignment of 72,000 pills of tramadol 225mg, which he attempted shipping to Kano on a local flight.

    The NDLEA said Amobi who claimed he has been living and working in Doha, Qatar for over 10 years was caught with 1.30kg cannabis sativa concealed in a bag of foodstuff.

    According to the statement, he claimed he bought the substance in Enugu to deliver in Doha to enable him raise enough funds to pay his rents in Doha and Nigeria and school fees of his three children.

    Babafemi said in the same vein, NDLEA operatives at the domestic wing of the airport intercepted

    a carton containing a total of 72,000 pills of tramadol 250mg with a gross weight of 38.50kg.

    He said this was closely followed with the arrest of Uchegbu Onyebuchi Obi who brought the consignment to the airport for shipment to Kano.

    The statement reads: “On Christmas day 25th December in Yobe state, NDLEA officers on patrol along Nguru-Gashua road intercepted the trio of Musa Sani, Mohammed Ibrahim and Adamu Usman in truck conveying 39 blocks of cannabis sativa weighing 15.7kg and 128,500 pills of opioids.

    “Follow up operations the following day 26th December led to the arrest of the actual owner of the cannabis consignment, Ali Ibrahim (a.k.a Ramos) in Geidam where additional 208 blocks of the same substance were recovered from his house, bringing the total to 247 blocks weighing 94.74kg, while the owner of the seized opioids, Mustapha Goni (a.k.a Lolo) was equally arrested.

    “In Imo state, NDLEA operatives on Christmas eve, Sunday 24th December while on patrol along Owerri – Onitsha expressway intercepted a commercial bus driven by Peter Orji, 42, with 400 bottles of codeine syrup; 7, 590 pills of opioids including tramadol 225mg heading to Port-Harcourt, Rivers State.

    “While David Michael, 52, was arrested at Unguwa Ukku area of Kano on Sunday 24th December with 49 blocks of cannabis weighing 42.6kg, Umar Abdullahi, 27, was nabbed with 27, 350 pills of opioids at Gadar Tamburawa area of the city same day.

    Read Also: Amotekun boss in Ekiti charges residents on adequate security in 2024

    “This is even as 45-year-old Yusuf Yahaya was arrested same Christmas eve along Lagos-Ilorin expressway with 31.00kg of compressed cannabis in a commercial bus coming from Ibadan, Oyo state to Kebbi State. Preliminary investigation revealed that he supplies illicit drugs to bandits in Kebbi and Zamfara axis.

    “The Commands across the country balanced their drug supply reduction operations with War Against Drug Abuse, WADA, advocacy campaigns to schools, markets, worship centres and communities.

    “Some of these include: WADA sensitisation lecture organised by Kano state command of NDLEA in collaboration with Kibiya LGA and District Head of Kibiya; WADA sensitisation lecture for students and staff of Ansar-ud-deen Grammar School, Surulere, Lagos as well as WADA advocacy lecture for muslim faithful at Iworo Central Mosque, Ajido Olorunda LCDA, Lagos state, among others.

    “While commending the efforts of the officers and men of MMIA, Yobe, Kano, Kwara and Imo Commands of the Agency for jobs well done in the past week, Chairman/Chief Executive Officer of NDLEA, Brig. Gen. Mohamed Buba Marwa (Retd) tasked them and their compatriots nationwide not to rest on the achievements of 2023 but continue to raise the bar in their offensive action against drug barons and cartels with an equipoise of intense WADA advocacy campaigns in the new year.

    “He wished all officers and men as well as their families, stakeholders and the general public a rewarding and fulfilling new year.”

  • Qatari emir tells Israel “enough is enough”

    Qatari emir tells Israel “enough is enough”

    Qatar’s Emir Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani has urged Israel to end its heavy bombardments of the Gaza Strip, a response to the terror attack by armed Hamas militants in Israel more than two weeks ago.

    “Enough is enough,” the emir said, addressing Israel at the opening session of the Shura Council in Doha on Tuesday.

    It is unacceptable that Israel be given an “unconditional green light and a free licence to kill,” the emir said, Qatar local media reported.

    The Israeli “occupation, siege and settlement” could not be ignored, he said.

    “In our time, cutting off access to water and withholding medicines and food as a weapon against an entire population should also not be allowed.”

    Qatar and Israel do not have diplomatic relations but Qatar has close ties with the organisation that controls the Gaza Strip.

    Read Also: Israel/ Palestine: we’re going to get all hostages out, says U.S.

    More than 200 people were abducted during the Hamas attack on October 7, including citizens of several nations.

    Qatar has helped broker the release of four of the hostages held by Hamas in Gaza.

    Israel opened a trade mission in Qatar in 1996, but the emirate later closed it.

    During the Football World Cup, however, Qatar allowed direct flights from Israel.

    The Emir said the bloodshed must stop and civilians must be spared the consequences of military
    confrontations.

    (dpa/NAN)

  • Qatar Re confirms Michael van der Straaten as CEO

    Qatar Re has, over the weekend, confirmed Michael Van der Straaten as the Company’s Chief Executive Officer.

    Partner Dr. Schanz, Alms & Company, Henner Alms made this known in a press statement made available to The Nation in Lagos.

    According to the statement, Vander Straaten had earlier in the year been appointed acting CEO of Qatar Re.

    The firm also announced the appointment of Pantelis Koulovasilopoulos as Chief Underwriter Office (CUO) Long Tail & Specialty Classes after serving as  deputy CUO – Long Tail & Specialty Classes.

    Sunil Talwar, Chairman of the Board of Directors of Qatar Re, said: “We are pleased to announce that Qatar Re has decided to appoint Michael van der Straaten as CEO. Mike has fitted seamlessly into the position, building on his achievements as our former chief underwriter for Long Tail and Specialty Classes. We are convinced that Mike will bring Qatar Re’s ongoing transition to a business model based on lower volatility and more reliable profitability to a successful conclusion.”

    Michael van der Straaten while commenting said: “I am excited to take the helm at Qatar Re at a time when our company is increasingly generating its own business from market segments that we understand thoroughly. We embarked on this course more than two years ago and we are starting to reap the benefits. Our expertise in these areas is obviously a major boom for us against the backdrop of stubbornly tough trading conditions in global (re)insurance. I am looking forward to working with the Qatar Re team towards positioning our firm as a profitable enabler of innovative and entrepreneurial business models in insurance.”

    Michael van der Straaten joined Qatar Re in late 2016. In February 2017, he was appointed CUO Long Tail & Speciality Classes and joined Qatar Re’s Executive Management Committee. He started his career at Lloyd’s as a Box Manager and Non-Marine Property Treaty Underwriter. He joined Qatar Re from ACE Tempest Re, where he held the role of Deputy Head of London and Head of Casualty, overseeing the development of their international casualty and motor business. Prior to this, van der Straaten has held various underwriting positions with a primary focus on casualty lines alongside wider management responsibilities.

    Koulovasilopoulos joined Qatar Re in May 2017 as Deputy Chief Underwriting Officer Long Tail & Specialty Classes. He has over 27 years of experience in insurance and reinsurance.

    He joined from Chubb Tempest Re International, where he was the Chief Actuary. He was previously Group Chief Pricing Actuary for Aspen and Chief Pricing Actuary at Zurich Global Corporate UK.