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Ex-convict, 3 accomplices arrested over UK-bound cocaine consignment concealed in liquid starch sachets

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Operatives of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) have arrested a notorious drug trafficker, Nwobodo Chidiebere Basil, following the seizure of 75 parcels of cocaine weighing 1.50 kilograms concealed in factory sealed sachets of cold-water starch heading to the United Kingdom at the export shed of the Murtala Muhammed International Airport (MMIA) Ikeja Lagos.

Basil, an ex-convict, was previously convicted of dealing in 30.10kg methamphetamine in 2023.

A statement by the NDLEA’s spokesman, Femi Babafemi, on Sunday, said three cargo agents: Jubrin Firdausi Hassana; Kuku Daniel Oluwasegun; and Igwe Chioma Jane involved in the attempt to export the consignment to the UK were swiftly arrested on Saturday 20th December 2025 before further investigations unraveled 37-year-old Nwobodo Chidiebere Basil as the mastermind.

 

He was arrested in a follow up operation on Sunday 21st December at a popular relaxation centre in Ikeja where he went on a date with his girlfriend.

“The Agency’s criminal database revealed that Nwobodo had been arrested in May 2023 in connection with the seizure of 30.10kg methamphetamine concealed in powdered custard containers as part of a consolidated cargo going to London, United Kingdom at the export shed of the Lagos airport.”

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“He was subsequently arraigned at a Federal High Court in charge number: FHC/L/337C/2023, convicted and sentenced to five years imprisonment with an option of a fine of Seven Million Naira (₦7,000,000.00), along with one-month community service, with effect from 4th December, 2023. He paid the fine and soon after returned to the same crime,” Babafemi added.


Meanwhile, in another successful operation, NDLEA operatives on Monday 22nd December set ablaze tons of skunk, a strain of cannabis and wooden warehouses in Ara forest, Ara-Ekiti, where 638 kilograms of same psychoactive substance were also recovered.

 

Babafemi stated: “No fewer than 1,205 blocks of compressed cannabis sativa, weighing 883.1kg were recovered from three Toyota Camry vehicles intercepted by NDLEA operatives on patrol along Igara-Auchi road, Edo state on Monday 22nd December.

 

“In Cross River state, raid operations conducted on Sunday 21st December at Agoi-Ibami community, Yakurr LGA, led to the arrest of three suspects and seizure of various quantities of skunk. They include: Freedom Jonah Akpama, 27, with 671kg; David Itam David, 30, with 89kg; and Nelson Arikpo Osam, 26, with 148kg. In another operation, a 42-year-old lady Joy Oisamaye was arrested with 38kg skunk by NDLEA operatives on patrol along Abaji- Abuja expressway on Monday 22nd December on her way from Otua in Owan East LGA, Edo state.

See also  NDLEA destroys skunk farms after gun battle inside Edo forest, arrests fake police inspector, recovers rifles (PHOTOS)

 

While NDLEA operatives in Lagos arrested a female suspect Ajoke Dauda with 45.5kg skunk on Christmas day Thursday 25th December at Agbara, along Badagry expressway, another suspect Oluwasegun Felix was nabbed with 18.5kg of same substance at Itoga, Badagry, the previous day Wednesday 24th December.

“In Takum area of Taraba state, two other suspects: Emmanuel Danladi, 39, and John Onoja, 41, were nabbed with 48kg of same substance on Wednesday 24th and Tuesday 23rd December respectively.
In Gombe state, a 65-year-old driver Sada’u Mohammed was arrested while conveying 300 ampoules of pentazocine injection, and 27,900 pills of tramadol, and other opioids, along Gombe-Biu highway, heading to Biu in Borno state.

 

 

 

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Mother, son escape death as Lexus SUV somersaults in Lagos road crash

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A mother and her son narrowly escaped death early Wednesday morning after a Lexus sport utility vehicle they were traveling in overturned multiple times at the NYSC Bus Stop along the LASU–Isheri Expressway, in Lagos.

According to the Lagos State Traffic Management Authority (LASTMA), preliminary findings indicate that the Lexus with registration number KJA 39 JT, travelling from Isheri towards Igando, lost stability and somersaulted three times before coming to rest amid heavy peak-hour traffic on the busy corridor.

LASTMA operatives stationed in the area swiftly mobilised to the scene and carried out a coordinated rescue operation. The occupants—a woman and her son—were safely extricated from the badly damaged vehicle with minor bruises and signs of mild shock, averting what could have been a fatal incident.

Officers of the Nigeria Police Force, Igando Division, provided security support, effectively controlling the crowd and securing the scene throughout the rescue and evacuation process.

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Family members later arrived and transported the victims to a medical facility for further evaluation and treatment.

To prevent secondary crashes and ease congestion along the heavily trafficked route serving the Lagos State University axis, LASTMA coordinated the prompt removal of the wrecked vehicle, assisted by the Lagos State Emergency Management Agency (LASEMA).

The vehicle was subsequently handed over to the police for investigation and necessary administrative procedures.

Commenting on the incident, the General Manager of LASTMA, Olalekan Bakare-Oki, expressed relief that no life was lost.

He wished the victims a speedy recovery and reaffirmed the Authority’s commitment to rapid emergency response, effective traffic control, and sustained road safety enforcement.

Bakare-Oki also urged motorists to strictly adhere to speed limits and to conduct routine vehicle checks, particularly of critical components such as the braking system, before embarking on any journey.

He warned that excessive speed, when combined with mechanical faults, remains a major cause of severe road accidents on expressways.

See also  NDLEA arrests pregnant woman with 1,441kg imported skunk in Lagos

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Man electrocuted while vandalising electricity transformer in Anambra

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A yet-to-be-identified cable thief has met his Waterloo after he was electrocuted while vandalising electricity equipment belonging to FirstPower Electricity Distribution Company Limited at Ogechukwu Street, Awka, the Anambra State capital.

The cable thief was reportedly operating at a transformer substation in the area and had finished cutting the cable when a heavy explosion occurred, electrocuting him.

According to reports, the incident occurred in the early hours of Tuesday, when the lifeless body was discovered on the floor of the substation, while personnel of the electricity distribution company assessed the situation.

A press statement issued by the Head of Communications of FirstPower, Izunna Okafor, confirmed the incident and appealed to residents and community leaders to remain vigilant and promptly report any suspicious activities around electricity installations to FirstPower.

He said the Anambra State Police Command had been contacted, evacuated the body, and commenced further investigation into the circumstances surrounding the incident.

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The statement read in part, “FirstPower Electricity Distribution Company Limited confirms an unfortunate incident that occurred in the early hours of Tuesday, February 24, 2026, at Ogechukwu Street, Awka, involving the electrocution of a suspected vandal.

“Preliminary reports indicate that a heavy explosion occurred at a transformer substation within the area. Upon further assessment, it was discovered that the explosion resulted from unlawful tampering with FirstPower’s electricity network infrastructure by a suspected vandal dressed in security uniform.

“The yet-to-be-identified individual was immediately electrocuted in the process.

“The operatives of the Anambra State Police Command have been contacted, evacuated the corpse from the scene, and commenced further investigation into the circumstances surrounding the incident.”

In his reaction, the Managing Director of FirstPower, Okechukwu Okafor, condemned acts of vandalism and energy theft, which continue to undermine efforts to provide stable and reliable electricity in Anambra State.

*”Beyond the significant financial losses and service disruptions caused by such criminal activities, they also endanger the lives of perpetrators and innocent members of the public.

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“FPEDL also appeals to residents and community leaders to remain vigilant and promptly report any suspicious activities around electricity installations via 08161652465 (WhatsApp or SMS), or to the nearest security agency.

“Protecting power infrastructure is a collective responsibility, and community cooperation remains vital in safeguarding assets meant to serve the public good.

“FirstPower remains committed to delivering safe, efficient, and improved electricity services to our customers. We will continue to work closely with security agencies and stakeholders to curb vandalism and ensure adequate protection of our network facilities,” Okafor added.

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US-based Nigerian fashion designer shot dead by drunk man in New York nightclub

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One Sheriff Shittu, a 30-year-old Nigerian fashion designer based in the United States, has been shot dead following an altercation with a drunk patron at a nightclub in Brooklyn, New York.

Shittu was fatally shot during a birthday celebration at the Quilox Restaurant and Lounge in the East Flatbush area in the early hours of February 14, according to local media reports.

Authorities said the incident occurred at about 4:25 a.m. when a suspected gunman, who was being escorted out of the club by security personnel, allegedly opened fire.

Accounts of the incident indicated that the shooting followed a confrontation involving the intoxicated patron, who was said to have caused a disturbance inside the lounge.

According to reports, the suspect had been behaving disorderly and allegedly inappropriately touched some female guests, including Shittu’s girlfriend, leading to a heated exchange.

Shittu had attended the event alongside his younger brother, Fawaz Shittu, to celebrate a friend’s birthday.

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Speaking with local media, Fawaz recounted the moment his brother was shot.

“I was screaming his name. I was trying to wake him up,” he said.

He explained that the disagreement began after the patron engaged in unruly behaviour inside the club, before the situation escalated.

News 12 Brooklyn reported on Friday that members of Shittu’s family have called for justice, raising concerns about security procedures at the venue.

“We don’t know how the security did not do the job and search properly before somebody could bring a gun into the club,” Salem Shittu, the deceased’s brother, was quoted as saying.

“He was being kicked out, and he was being escorted out when he did it,” he added.

Police authorities said the suspect fled the scene after the shooting and remains at large.

Shittu was reportedly taken to One Brooklyn Health–Brookdale University Hospital Medical Centre, where he was later pronounced dead.

Family members described him as an aspiring fashion designer who was working to establish himself in the United States before the tragic incident.

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Investigations into the shooting are ongoing, while authorities have launched a manhunt for the suspect.

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