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Oyo Govt demolishes another building allegedly used as arms hideout by criminals

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The Oyo State Government on Tuesday demolished a residential property in Ibadan for allegedly being used as a hideout for stockpiling arms and ammunition.

The government has maintained its vow not to tolerate criminal activities in any part of the state.

The property, comprising a storey building and two bungalows within a fenced compound, is located in the Gbenku area on Arubiewe Road, off Olodo Garage in Ibadan.

Speaking during the demolition exercise, the Commissioner for Public Works and Transport, Hon. Mojeed Mogbonjubola, said the action followed investigations by security agencies and a directive from Governor Seyi Makinde.

The commissioner linked the development to the state government’s ongoing efforts to tackle insecurity, recalling recent kidnapping incidents in parts of the state.

“I remember very well that some weeks ago, schoolchildren were kidnapped in Otu, and a few weeks after that, we had another kidnapping in Ibadan involving the younger sister of a former minister,” he said.

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He explained that security operatives had earlier uncovered a hideout where one of the kidnap victims was held and subsequently discovered the property allegedly being used to store weapons.

“Quite unfortunately, just a few days after we discovered that place, we found this property, which is a major hideout for arms and ammunition, including heavy weapons.

“There has been an investigation, and the Commissioner of Police has submitted a report to His Excellency. Following that report, instructions were given that we should demolish the property, and that is what we are doing today,” he stated.

According to him, the demolition serves as a strong warning to criminal elements operating in the state.

“What we are saying today is that this is a major deterrent to people carrying out evil acts in Oyo State. His Excellency will not tolerate these criminal activities and other unlawful acts in the state,” he said.

Asked about the ownership of the property, Mogbonjubola said he could not disclose details because investigations were still ongoing.

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“Honestly, I don’t have that information. It is classified. What I can confirm is that heavy arms and ammunition were discovered on this property, and that is the simple truth,” he added.

The commissioner clarified that the demolished building was not the same property previously linked to the kidnapping case involving the former minister’s relative.

“No, it is not the same property. We dealt with that one about a week ago. This is a fresh discovery. It is a separate location entirely, identified as a hideout for arms and ammunition,” he explained.

He also urged residents to support security efforts by remaining vigilant and reporting suspicious activities to the authorities.

“This should serve as a strong warning to residents. If you see something, say something,” Mogbonjubola said.

He further advised landlords and property agents to carry out proper background checks on prospective tenants before leasing out their properties.

“If you are taking a tenant into a property, investigate who the person is. If you are a landlord, know your tenant. If you own a building, be careful. Security is everybody’s responsibility,” he warned.

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Responding to questions about the legality of the demolition, the commissioner said due process was followed.

“Immediately His Excellency gave the instruction, I informed the Attorney-General and Commissioner for Justice. We are on solid legal ground,” he said.

The demolition forms part of the Oyo State Government’s broader campaign against kidnapping, illegal possession of arms, and other criminal activities across the state.

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Woman jumps into Lagos lagoon, rescued by boat operators

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A yet-to-be-identified woman has been rescued after reportedly jumping into the lagoon from the Idumota end of the Carter Bridge in Lagos state.

The incident, which reportedly drew the attention of passersby and local boat operators, occurred on Tuesday afternoon.

According to eyewitnesses, nearby boat operators responded and brought the woman back to safety.

video circulating on social media showed the woman, seated in a rescue boat shortly after she was brought out of the water.

The footage, shared on X by a user identified as CHUKS, also showed people gathered on the bridge expressing concern about the woman’s condition.

Some bystanders could be heard appealing to the boat operators to ensure that she received appropriate care.

The circumstances surrounding the incident were unclear as of the time of filing this report.

Authorities had yet to issue an official statement on the incident or confirm the woman’s identity and condition.

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Police seize truck-load of fake drug warehouses in Lagos, arrest two

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The Lagos State Police Command says its operatives have uncovered two warehouses allegedly used for repackaging counterfeit pharmaceutical products and arrested two suspected members of a syndicate involved in the interstate and cross-border distribution of fake drugs.

Fatai Tijani, the Commissioner of Police, Lagos State Command,  disclosed this on Monday while briefing newsmen at the command’s Violent Crime Response Unit in the Ijora Olopa area of the state.

The suspects, identified as Eze Okwudilichukwu, 52, and Chukwudi Mba, 42, were arrested during an intelligence-led operation by detectives attached to the unit.

The police boss said the suspects were apprehended at a warehouse located at Number 7A Otto Causeway, Otto, Lagos, where they were allegedly repackaging suspected adulterated pharmaceutical products for distribution to various parts of Nigeria.

He said the operation followed credible intelligence on the activities of the syndicate.

According to the police commissioner, “The suspects, Eze Okwudilichukwu ‘m’ 52 years, and Chukwudi Mba ‘m’ 42 years, were arrested at their warehouse located at No. 7A Otto Causeway, Otto, Lagos, where they were found repackaging suspected adulterated pharmaceutical products for distribution to different parts of Nigeria.

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“Following their arrest and interrogation, the suspects led detectives to another warehouse, where a duly executed search warrant was carried out. During the search, a truck loaded with large quantities of suspected adulterated pharmaceutical products, bearing registration number KFR 241 XA (Katsina), was recovered alongside other exhibits.”

The police boss said items recovered during the operation included about 300 cartons of suspected adulterated Omeprazole; six bags containing unpackaged suspected adulterated Viagra, Ampiclox, Septrin, Piriton, and other pharmaceutical products; and about 10 cartons of suspected adulterated Ampiclox, Viagra, and other drugs.

The CP noted that more than 300 empty printed packs and cartons were used to repackage counterfeit medicines.

According to him, preliminary investigations revealed that the syndicate had been involved in the repackaging and distribution of suspected adulterated drugs for over two years.

He added that detectives uncovered evidence suggesting that the products were supplied to different parts of Nigeria, while large consignments were also destined for Lomé, Togo, indicating the existence of a transnational distribution network.

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“The investigation also suggests that the suspected adulterated drugs are being manufactured somewhere within Lagos State.

“While the production facility has not yet been located, detectives have intensified efforts to identify and dismantle the factory, arrest all those connected with the operation, and bring them to justice,” Fatai said.

The commissioner also alleged that attempts were made to compromise the investigation after the suspects were arrested.

“It is pertinent to state that since the arrest of the suspects, desperate attempts have been made through different channels to induce officers of the Violent Crime Response Unit to release both the suspects and the recovered exhibits.

“I wish to categorically state that these attempts were firmly resisted. The Lagos State Police Command remains committed to professionalism, integrity, and the rule of law, and no amount of pressure or inducement will derail the course of justice,” he added.

Tijani said the suspects, recovered exhibits, and case file had been handed over to the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control for further investigation and possible prosecution.

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He explained that the handover was necessary because the case falls within the regulatory mandate of the agency.

The CP commended operatives of the Violent Crime Response Unit for what he described as a professional and intelligence-driven operation while urging members of the public to provide useful information on the manufacture and distribution of counterfeit pharmaceutical products and other criminal activities.

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NDLEA uncovers cocaine hidden in wooden mortar, backpack bound for China, Italy

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The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) says its operatives have uncovered fresh attempts by drug syndicates to export cocaine concealed inside a traditional wooden mortar and a specially modified backpack destined for China and Italy.

This was contained in a statement released by Femi Babafemi, the agency’s Director of Media and Advocacy, and shared on X on Sunday.

According to Babafemi, one of the consignments involved cocaine concealed inside a traditional wooden mortar, a local tool commonly used for pounding yam and grains, which was being shipped to China.

The agency added that another cocaine shipment destined for Italy was discovered concealed in the false bottom of a backpack hidden among lace materials.

He wrote, “Mortar is a traditional local wooden tool commonly used for pounding yams or grains but was used to conceal cocaine consignment heading to China in one of the latest seizures by #ndlea_nigeria officers who also discovered another shipment of cocaine going to Italy in the false bottom of a backpack hidden in lace materials.

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“Beware of every parcel you’re given to deliver. Remember the key word for liability is possession!”

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