Operatives of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA)  have arrested a 74-year-old man at the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport Abuja, after cocaine concealed in food items was found in his luggage.

Femi Babafemi, NDLEA’s director of media and advocacy, in a statement on Sunday, said the suspect, identified as Ikwuakalom Nwakoro Emeka, was arrested at the departure hall of the airport on Saturday while attempting to board a British Airways flight to London.

Babafemi said the suspect, who claimed he was travelling to London for vacation, was intercepted during routine checks.

He added that a search of the suspect’s luggage led to the discovery of blocks of cocaine weighing 11 kilogrammes concealed in food items, including ground dry pepper, and wrapped in foil papers and balloons.

Babafemi said the arrest was part of a series of operations carried out by the agency across the country in the past week.

In Lagos, Babafemi said NDLEA operatives acting on credible intelligence arrested Maryam Olalowo at Ikad Hotel and Suites on Etim Inyang Street, Victoria Island, while she was allegedly attempting to sell 89 grammes of cocaine and 20 grammes of Canadian Loud, a strain of cannabis.

He said the suspect was found with her three children, including an infant, at the time of the arrest.

Babafemi added that she told investigators the illicit drugs belonged to her husband, Ibrahim Olatunji.

He said the husband was subsequently arrested the same day while the woman was immediately released.

Babafemi said Olatunji confirmed ownership of the drugs during interrogation.

“Further investigation revealed that he had previously been arrested, convicted, and sentenced to two and a half years imprisonment for a similar offence in 2015,” the statement reads.

Meanwhile, in another operation in Lagos, Babafemi said NDLEA operatives arrested two suspects; Kalilou Simpara and Saidu Ibrahim, at Ebetu Ero on Lagos Island.

He said officers recovered 68,000 pills of tramadol (250mg and 225mg) after the suspects had loaded the drugs into a truck and were preparing to transport them to Benin Republic on March 9.

Babafemi said a follow-up operation on March 11 led to the arrest of Nnamdi Cyprian, described as the owner of the consignment, at Idumota market on Lagos Island.

He added that a search of his shop uncovered a parcel prepared for waybill delivery containing 1,000 tablets of tramadol (250mg).

Babafemi said another raid at Idumota market on March 13 resulted in the arrest of Nwanosike Kelvin, from whose shop officers recovered 47,500 ampoules of pentazocine injection.

In Kano state, the NDLEA spokesperson said officers arrested Magaji Dan Azumi, 42, at the Bebeji area with 386 kilogrammes of skunk on March 10.

He said NDLEA officers in Abuja also recovered 282.2 kilogrammes of skunk from a suspect, Isah Wako, 42, in the Gwagwalada area of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) on March 13.

Babafemi said operatives in Edo state raided the Egwa forest reserve in Aduan village, Orhionmwon LGA, where a suspect, Chinedo Odalonu, 33, was arrested.

He added that officers destroyed 4,218.96 kilogrammes of skunk on two farms in the forest while recovering 16.5 kilogrammes of the same substance.

Babafemi also said no fewer than 339,800 bottles of codeine-based syrup were intercepted in two containers at the Apapa seaport in Lagos on March 14 during a joint examination involving NDLEA officers, customs officials, and other security agencies.

He said the containers had earlier been placed on a watch list following intelligence suggesting that opioids were concealed in the shipments.

Babafemi said the agency also continued its War Against Drug Abuse (WADA) sensitisation activities across the country, including lectures delivered to students and staff of schools in Nasarawa, Oyo, Delta, Cross River, and Edo states.

He added that the zone 11 command of the agency also paid an advocacy visit to Francis Nwifuru, governor of Ebonyi state.

Babafemi said Buba Marwa, chairman and chief executive officer of NDLEA, commended officers of the Abuja and Lagos airports, Kano, Edo and FCT commands for the arrests and seizures recorded in the past week.

He added that Marwa also praised other commands across the country for maintaining a balance between drug supply reduction and demand reduction efforts.

In the glittering world of high society and corporate influence, moments of genuine pride and admiration rarely go unnoticed. Such was the case when oil magnate and business leader Jubril Adewale Tinubu stepped into the spotlight to celebrate a milestone achievement by his wife, Bola Tinubu who was recently honoured at the prestigious ARISE 100 Women of Impact in Africa Awards.

The award ceremony, organised by the media powerhouse ARISE News, brought together some of Africa’s most accomplished and influential women—leaders whose contributions have left a remarkable imprint across business, governance, philanthropy, and social development. Among this distinguished league stood Mrs. Tinubu, whose recognition reflects years of quiet excellence, commitment, and purposeful impact.

For the energy tycoon, the moment was deeply personal. Known across the continent as the driving force behind the energy giant Oando Plc, the businessman is often celebrated for his boardroom brilliance and strategic leadership. Yet, beyond the corporate boardrooms and global energy deals, he was simply a proud husband applauding the achievements of the woman who stands beside him.

Taking to social media shortly after the ceremony, Tinubu shared a touching tribute that resonated with many who admire the couple. His message was simple but heartfelt, capturing the essence of admiration and partnership. Referring to the moment as a “proud husband moment,” he congratulated his wife on the prestigious honour and praised the significance of the recognition.

The ARISE Women of Impact Awards have increasingly become one of the continent’s most respected platforms for celebrating female excellence. The initiative highlights women whose work continues to shape industries, inspire communities, and redefine leadership across Africa. For the woman , being counted among this elite group places her firmly within a circle of changemakers whose influence transcends titles and accolades.

Observers at the event noted that her recognition was not merely ceremonial but well deserved. Over the years, she has cultivated a reputation for grace, professionalism, and dedication to meaningful causes—qualities that have earned her admiration within Nigeria’s social and professional circles.

For those who know the Tinubus, the public celebration was hardly surprising. The couple has long embodied a partnership built on mutual respect, shared ambition, and unwavering support for each other’s pursuits. While Tinubu continues to command attention in the energy sector, his wife has quietly carved out her own path of distinction.
The quiet, steady influence of a woman who commands respect without seeking the spotlight shone brightly on that memorable evening reminding many that true influence often speaks in the calmest of voices.

Beyond her professional accomplishments and social standing, the intelligent lawyer nine years ago, translated her deep concern for child protection into action with the launch of the Cece Yara Foundation, an organisation dedicated to protecting children from abuse and giving young victims a safe platform to speak out against injustice.

Over the years, the foundation has become a powerful voice in the fight against child abuse in Nigeria, offering support, counselling and advocacy for vulnerable children. Through its initiatives, many young victims have found both protection and hope.

Through these initiatives, she has continued to demonstrate that her influence goes far beyond society circles. Her commitment to protecting the most vulnerable members of society has made her not only a respected figure in elite circles but also a beacon of hope for countless children and families across the country.

In a society where achievements are often measured in grand gestures and headlines, moments like this serve as a reminder that recognition carries deeper meaning when it is celebrated by those closest to us.

For the GCEO of Oando Group, the award was not just another accolade on the social calendar—it was a powerful reminder that behind every remarkable woman is a story of dedication, resilience, and a partner proud enough to celebrate her success before the world.

President Bola Tinubu has approved the posting of the 65 ambassadors whose nominations were confirmed last December, assigning them to their respective host countries.

Reno Omokri, a former presidential spokesperson, was posted to Mexico, while Femi Fani-Kayode, former aviation minister, was posted to Germany.

Mahmood Yakubu, former chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) was posted to Qatar, while Jimoh Ibrahim, the Ondo south senator, will serve as permanent representative to the United Nations.

In a statement on Friday by Bayo Onanuga, special adviser on information and strategy to the president, Tinubu directed the ministry of foreign affairs to immediately commence the induction programme for the ambassadors-designate and high commissioners.

POSTINGS OF NON-CAREER AMBASSADORS / HIGH COMMISSIONERS
1. Grace Bent: Lome, Togo
2. Ita Enang: South Africa
3. Ikpeazu Victor: Spain
4. Nkechi Linda Ufochukwu: Tel-Aviv, Israel
5. Mahmood Yakubu: Qatar
6. Paul Oga Adikwu: The Vatican City, Holy See
7. Ibok-Ete Ekwe Ibas: The Philippines
8. Reno Omokri: Mexico City, Mexico
9. Abasi Braimah (Fmhr): Budapest, Hungary
10. Erelu Angela Adebayo: Portugal
11. Olumilua Oluwayimika Ayotunwa: Tokyo, Japan
12. Ugwuanyi Ifeanyi Lawrence: Athens, Greece
13. Chioma Priscilla Ohakim: Warsaw, Poland
14. Aminu Dalhatu: United Kingdom, UK
15. Abdulrahman Bello Dambazau: Beijing, China
16. Tasiu Musa Maigari: Gambia
17. Olufemi Pedro: Australia
18. Muhammed Ubandoma Aliyu: Argentina
19. Lateef Kayode Are: USA
20. Joseph Sola Iji: Russia
21. Jimoh Ibrahim: Un Permanent Representative
22. Femi Fani Kayode: Germany
23. Isaak Folorunso Adewole: Ottawa, Canada
24. Ajimobi Fatima Florence: Austria
25. Lola Akande: Sweden
26. Ayodele Oke: France
27. Yakubu N. Gambo: Saudi Arabia
28. Nora Ladi Daduut: Seoul, South Korea
29. Onueze Chukwujika Joe Okocha: Dublin, Ireland
30. Kulu Haruna Abubakar: Tunis, Tunisia
31. Jerry Samuel Manwe: Port Of Spain, T&T

POSTINGS OF CAREER AMBASSADORS / HIGH COMMISSIONERS
1. Nwabiola Ezenwa Chukwumeka: Côte d’Ivoire
2. Besto Maimuna Ibrahim: Niamey, Niger
3. Monica Okwuchukwu Enebechi: São Tomé
4. Mohammed Mahmud Lele: Algiers, Algeria
5. Endoni Syndoph Paebi: Ouagadougou, Burkina Faso
6. Ahmed Mohammed Monguno: Cairo, Egypt
7. Jane Adams Michael: Kingston, Jamaica
8. Clark-Omeru Alexandra: Lusaka, Zambia
9. Chima Geoggrey Lioma David: Bamako-Mali
10. Odumah Yvonne Ehinosen: Malabo, Equatorial Guinea
11. Wasa Segun Ige: Beirut, Lebanon
12. Ruben Abimbola Samuel: Rome, Italy
13. Onaga Ogechukwu Kingsley: Maputo, Mozambique
14. Magaji Umar: Kinsasha, Dr Congo
15. Muhammad Saidu Dahiru: New Delhi, India
16. Abdussalam Habu Zayyad: Dakar, Senegal
17. Shehu Ilu Barde: Accra, Ghana
18. Aminu Nasir: Ethiopia
19. Abubakar Musa Musa: N’djamena, Chad
20. Haidara Mohammed Idris: The Hague, Netherlands
21. Bako Adamu Umar: Rabat-Morocco
22. Sulu Gambari Olatunji Ahmed: Malaysia
23. Romata Mohammed Omobolanle: Tanzania
24. Shaga John Shamah: Botswana
25. Salau, Hamza Mohammed: Tehran, Iran
26. Ibrahim Danlami: Kenya
27. Ibrahim Adeola Mopelola: Cotonou-Benin
28. Ayeni Adebayo Emmanuel: Brussels, Belgium
29. Akande Wahab Adekola: Berne-Switzerland
30. Arewa (Nee Adedokun) Esther: Windhoek, Namibia
31. Gergadi Joseph John: Libreville, Gabon
32. Luther Ogbomode Ayo-Kalata: Sierra Leone
33. Danladi Yakubu Nyaku : Khartoum, Sudan
34. Bello Dogon-Daji Haliru: Bangkok, Thailand

The confirmations are the latest additions to the envoys whose postings began in January with Kayode Are, former director-general of the Department of State Services (DSS), designated to the United States.

In the same month, Ayodele Oke, former director general of the National Intelligence Agency (NIA), was posted to France while Amin Dalhatu, former ambassador to South Korea, was appointed high commissioner-designate to the United Kingdom.