Category: NATIONAL

THE National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) says it arrested 40,887 drug offenders, including 45 barons, and seized over 5.5 million kilogrammes of illicit substances in two years.

NDLEA Chairman, retired Brig. Gen. Buba Marwa, disclosed this in his welcome address during the inauguration of 48 new vehicles for strategic commands and formations on Wednesday in Abuja.

He said that in two years of President Bola Tinubu’s administration, the NDLEA had recorded remarkable successes across the 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory.

“We have arrested 40,887 drug offenders, including 45 barons, leading to the seizure of more than 5.5 million kilogrammes of assorted illicit substances.

“These were recovered from our streets, communities, warehouses, border routes, and ports nationwide, with 704.445 hectares of cannabis farms, hidden deep in forests, destroyed,” Marwa said.

He said the agency secured the conviction of 8,682 traffickers and kingpins, with assets forfeited to the Federal Government, sending a clear message that drug crimes attract legal consequences.

Marwa said 24,173 drug users had been treated and rehabilitated in 30 rehabilitation centres located across the country within the same period.

He added that 8,698 War Against Drug Abuse (WADA) sensitisation activities were held in schools, worship centres, workplaces, motor parks, and communities to prevent substance abuse.

“These clearly created a fair balance between our drug supply reduction and drug demand reduction efforts,” he stated. Marwa said the agency’s achievements reflected both the resilience of its personnel and its growing operational capacity nationwide.

He noted that the fight against illicit drugs was far from over, with the illicit drug economy exploiting vulnerable youths, porous borders, and sometimes complicit actors.

“To remain effective, our response must evolve with sharper intelligence, stronger community engagement, and improved mobility and logistics,” he said.

Marwa stressed that tackling substance abuse and illicit drug trafficking was crucial to national security, as they fuel several violent crimes in the country.

“The link is undeniable: kidnapping, armed robbery, insurgency, and cult violence are all fuelled by illicit substances.

“Drug trafficking emboldens perpetrators, strips moral restraint, and replaces hope with recklessness,” he said.

Attorney General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Prince Lateef Fagbemi, commended President Tinubu for enabling NDLEA’s recorded successes under Marwa’s leadership in the last two years.

He noted the close connection between drug trafficking and other crimes, adding that illicit drugs embolden criminals, who appear ordinary once the influence wears off.

“That is why attention ought to be given to this fight. When I follow NDLEA activities, I am always very pleased,”  he said.

Chief of Defence Staff, Gen. Christopher Musa, lauded NDLEA’s courage, professionalism, and resilience in tackling threats posed by drugs in challenging conditions.

Musa said the new operational vehicles would significantly enhance the agency’s capacity and effectiveness in the fight against drug trafficking and substance abuse nationwide.

Director-General of the Bureau of Public Procurement, Dr Adebowale Adedokun, congratulated President Tinubu for appointing competent leaders like Marwa to key national agencies.

Adedokun said the vehicles were procured through due process and met the required standards, commending NDLEA as a model for other government agencies.

Our correspondent reports that no fewer than 15 newly promoted Commanders of Narcotics were decorated with their new rank of Assistant Commander General.

 

President Bola Tinubu has appointed Mr Chisom Obih to the Governing Council of Alex Ekwueme Federal University, Ndufu-Alike, Ebonyi State.

‎‎Presidential spokesperson, Mr Bayo Onanuga, who announced the appointment in a statement issued,  yesterday, in Abuja, said ‎Obih’s appointment followed the death of a member of the council.‎

‎Onanuga said the President also appointed Prof. Ralph Akinfeleye to the Governing Council of Obafemi Awolowo University (OAU), Ile-Ife, Osun State.

‎‎Akinfeleye is the former Head of the Department of Mass Communication at the University of Lagos and the Chairman of the Centre of Excellence in Multimedia and Cinematography/Unilag Radio 103.1 FM and Television.

‎‎Previously, he served on the Governing Council of Yakubu Gowon University, Abuja.‎

‎Akinfeleye replaced Mr Wahab Owokoniran, now Pro-Chancellor of the Federal University of Transport, Daura, Katsina State.

‎‎Onanuga said the president also named Prof. Ibrahim Yakasai as the new Vice Chancellor of the Federal University of Health Sciences and Technology, Tsafe, Zamfara.

‎‎The president appointed Mr Hamisu Yelwa as the university’s registrar, Usman Nakazalle Sanusi as the Bursar, and Dr Shehu Liman as the Librarian.‎

‎Yakasai, a retired Nigerian Army Colonel, is currently Provost of Bayero University’s College of Health Sciences, Kano.

‎‎He chairs the Committee of Provosts of Medical Colleges in Nigeria and a governing council member at the Federal University of Health Sciences, Otukpo, Benue State.‎

‎Yakasai earned his MBBS from Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria, then studied in the UK on a European Economic Commission scholarship.

‎‎He holds membership and fellowship titles from the Royal College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists.

‎‎He completed a Master’s in Medical Education at the University of Winchester and fellowships in the USA.

‎‎Yakasai also served as Director-General of the Kano State Hospitals Management Board.

THE Nigerian Correctional Service (NCoS) says no fewer than 8,246 inmates are currently suffering from mental illness across the custodial centres nationwide.

The Assistant Controller-General of Corrections, (ACG), in-charge of Medical Services, Dr Glory Essien disclosed the figure during a public hearing,  yesterday, in Abuja.

Our correspondent reports that the Independent Investigative Panel on Alleged Corruption, Abuse of Power, Torture, and Other Inhumane Treatment by the NCoS, began the third public hearing on Monday.

Essien, however, highlighted the harsh reality of incarceration and its impact on mental health during her address to the panel.

“We have 8,246 inmates with mental health conditions in our custodial centres. From the moment someone is brought in, those who have seen a custodial centre know what I mean.

“The police escort them to the gate and it’s opened, they’re admitted, and then that gate locked behind them. That instant loss of freedom can trigger something. Some begin to show signs of disturbed behaviour almost immediately, as if something in their mind has shifted,”she said.

Essien explained that the prison system relied on an internal network of trained inmate-leaders who assisted staff in identifying those showing signs of psychological distress.

According to her, these leaders are trained to alert the staff when they notice concerning behaviour. “They might say, ‘This inmate seems dazed, hasn’t eaten, hasn’t spoken to anyone.’ That helps us intervene early,”she said.

Essien said in spite of these efforts, the scale of mental health issues far exceeded the available resources.

She said: “If you’re in a facility housing 500 to 1,000 inmates, and you’re the only attending doctor, nurse, or psychologist, it’s simply not possible to monitor everyone individually.

“That’s why we rely on these trained inmates to help us identify those in need, so we can provide care as best we can,” she said.

She, however, underscored the logistical challenges of delivering mental healthcare in correctional facilities.

“Mental illness is chronic. It’s not like malaria where you give a dose and it clears up, pointing to transportation issues, limited drug supplies, and staff shortage as ongoing obstacles.

“We’re not operating in a five-star environment. But with the little we have, we are committed to upholding the highest standards of our work,” she maintained.

Similarly, the Assistant Controller-General of Corrections in charge of pharmaceutical services, Mohammed Bashir, addressed concerns around drug provision and mental health treatment.

He said that the Federal Government had actually been doing its enormous best to see that it catered for the health needs of the inmates.

THE Federal High Court, Abuja has given the Federal Government a September deadline to conclude prosecution of former National Security Adviser (NSA), retired Col. Sambo Dasuki over alleged unlawful possession of firearms and money laundering.

Justice Peter Lifu fixed Sept. 24, 25, and 26 for the Federal Government to call any remaining witnesses and tender all exhibits in support of the charges, which have been pending for a decade.

Dasuki, who was first arraigned in 2015 was facing a seven-count amended charge and was expected to open his defence once the prosecution closed its case.

At the last hearing, a prosecution witness, Monsur Mohammed, told the court that following Dasuki’s arrest, his residences in Abuja, Kaduna, and Sokoto were searched for arms and cash.

Led in evidence by prosecution counsel, Mr Oladipupo Okpeseyi (SAN), the witness, an exhibits keeper with the Department of State Services (DSS), listed items recovered from Dasuki’s Abuja residence at 46, Nelson Mandela Street, Asokoro.

At Dasuki’s House at 46, Nelson Mandela Street, Asokoro, he listed two Compact Disc of Freedom Radio on Jokolo, two GT Bank Cheque books, two blackberries phones, Nokia phone, flash drive, Apple Laptop and statement of account as part of items found in the house.

Others were a Visa card, approval letter of a radio station granted to Afri-Media Integrated Ltd, one CD on arrest and execution of Mohammed Yusuf, 500 US Dollars and 533 Saudi Riyadh.

Also recovered were an HSBC account book and a Cheque book of Habibson Ltd of Abubakar Ibrahim.

The court admitted the items as Exhibits MSD 015 to 034 following no objection from Dasuki’s lawyer, Mr Ahmed Usman.

At Dasuki’s residence in Sabo Birni, Sokoto State, the exhibits keeper claimed that 150,000 dollars were recovered in the house and subsequently deposited with the Central Bank of Nigeria.

The prosecutor said he would ask the DSS to bring the cash to court to be tendered as exhibits.

At the Sultan Abubakar Road, Sokoto house, the witness told the court that no items were found.

At this stage, the federal government counsel applied for an adjournment to enable him bring before the court other items found in Dasuki’s house during the four search warrants executed in the houses.

Justice Lifu while granting the adjournment request directed the federal government to be ready to close its case against the defendant and for Dasuki to open his defence.

The judge subsequently adjourned the case until Sept. 24, 25 and 26.

President Bola Tinubu has congratulated the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC)  on retaining its Maturity Level 3 (ML3) status from World Health Organisation (WHO) for regulation of medicines and vaccines.

‎The commendation is in a statement issued by Presidential Spokesperson, Mr Bayo Onanuga, in Abuja.

‎The WHO conducted a re-benchmarking exercise from May 28 to 30, assessing NAFDAC’s performance against global regulatory standards.

‎NAFDAC first attained ML3 status in 2022, becoming the first African National Regulatory Authority to achieve this for medicines and vaccines (non-producing).

‎In line with WHO protocols, the revalidation involved periodic reviews to confirm sustained compliance with international benchmarks.

‎The latest evaluation followed formal re-benchmarking in November 2024 and five Institutional Development Plan (IDP) review meetings held between February and April 2025.

‎The president described the WHO recognition as “a reflection of government’s significant investments in NAFDAC’s regulatory capacity.

‎He also commended NAFDAC’s leadership and staff for their dedication, professionalism and commitment to protecting public health.

‎Tinubu said the achievement reinforces Nigeria’s credibility as a trusted player in global health security and pandemic preparedness.

‎He restated government’s commitment to strengthening regulatory systems and ensuring safe, effective and high-quality medicines and vaccines.

‎He noted that the milestone aligned with the Renewed Hope Agenda to transform Nigeria’s healthcare landscape.

‎He highlighted progress in upgrading over 17,000 primary health centres nationwide to improve healthcare access.

‎Other efforts include expanding maternal care, upgrading diagnostics in rural areas and training 120,000 frontline health workers.

‎Tinubu also committed to doubling national health insurance coverage within three years to improve access to essential health services.

‎He stressed that boosting local manufacturing of medicines and medical products remains a key priority.

‎He pledged continued collaboration with development partners and donors to expand investment in Nigeria’s pharmaceutical sector.

‎He assured that his administration would support NAFDAC to attain WHO Maturity Level 4, the highest global regulatory standard. NAN

PRESIDENT of the Creative Industry Group, Felix Duke, has accused operatives of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) of alleged invasion of his hotel — Duke and Duchess Hotel in Abule Egba, Lagos State.

Speaking to journalists, yesterday, Duke said the incident, which occurred on Aug. 1, disrupted operations and damaged property worth millions of naira.

Duke also alleged the theft of money from his room during the said invasion.

He alleged that the raid was linked to a fraud accusation against him by a retired soldier with whom he was involved in a land dispute.

“Officials of the EFCC, numbering eight, on Friday, Aug. 1 stormed Duke and Duchess Hotel in an unmarked bus without presenting a valid warrant.

“The EFCC operatives arrived armed and without any legal documentation. They attempted to arrest my wife, Lady Capriz, while I was away.

“Fortunately, she is an American citizen and refused to go with them unless they produced a valid court warrant, which they could not provide,” he said.

He alleged that the commission’s operatives blocked the hotel entrance, chased away customers, and forcibly broke into rooms, claiming they were searching for him.

“I later discovered that they carted away 5,000 (euros) that was kept in my room,” he said.

Duke described the action as an act of intimidation, accusing the EFCC of using the retired soldier’s petition as a cover to harass him.

According to him, the matter stems from a land dispute, and he (Duke) had previously filed a petition against the retired soldier, who he believed was using the anti-graft agency to retaliate.

While demanding an unreserved apology from the agency, Duke threatened legal action against both the retired soldier and the EFCC.

NAN was unable to obtain the EFCC’s reaction, as calls to its Zonal Lagos office hotline — 09158993509 — were either switched off or unreachable.

But the agency’s Spokesperson, Dele Oyewale, in a telephone interview, denied the claim, saying there was no such operation carried out by the commission as alleged.

”There was no such operation carried out by our operatives, please,” Oyewale said.

• Inaugurates Projects In Bomadi

BY SAM DUVWODE

THE Governor of Delta State, Rt. Hon. Sheriff Oborevwori, yesterday, commissioned several projects in Bomadi Local Government Area.

Speaking at the occasion, the Governor observed that with the number of projects commissioned, it was evident that local governments “can drive real change when leaders are focused and committed.”

Governor Oborevwori, who commended the Chairman of Bomadi Local Government Council, Hon. Dagidi Andaye for executing the projects, was represented at the occasion by his Deputy, Sir Monday Onyeme.

Oborevwori asserted that “my administration will continue to support local governments to bring real benefits of development to our people.”

“Let us move forward with hope, the projects are signs of progress and a better future and they are important projects completed by the Hon. Dagidi Andaye-led administration in Bomadi.

“These projects show his clear focus on service, unity and development, values that align with our MORE Agenda.

“Hon. Andaye began his journey with humility and a deep desire to serve. Before assuming office, he used ₦50 million of his personal funds to fix the Bomadi-Ohoro Road, a true example of selfless leadership.

“In just one year, he has delivered projects such as connecting Bomadi to the National Grid, construction of concrete pavements with two-sided drainages, in addition to the Bomadi Elderly Women Empowerment Programme (BEWEP), launched to provide care for the vulnerable.

“He has undertaken the construction of residential building for the high court judge, renovation of the Chairman’s lodge, construction of residential building for the Vice Chairman, construction of Deaconess Tobore Oborevwori Event Centre, among others. “There are ongoing projects, which include staff quarters, more concrete pavements and an Internal Audit Block. “These efforts reflect good governance, putting people first, improving infrastructure and showing transparency.

“I encourage the people of Bomadi to keep supporting Hon. Andaye because, these successes are team efforts and evidence of what unity can achieve.

“Hon. Andaye, I say well done, keep serving with humility and stay connected to the people.”

Hon. Andaye had in an address, thanked Governor Oborevwori for “his visionary leadership and unwavering support. “Our Governor’s commitment to Bomadi’s development is evident in the numerous projects and appointments given to sons and daughters of Bomadi and we are also grateful for the Bomadi/Orho road project which has improved accessibility and connectivity in our local government area,” Andaye said.

The rally-like commissioning of projects capped the celebration of one year in office of Hon. Andaye. The event was witnessed by Prof. Sam Oyovbaire, Sen. Abdul Ningi, Sen. Emmanuel Aguariavwado, Sen. James Manager, Commissioners, Rt. Hon. Funkekeme Solomon, Sir Ifeanyi Osakwe, Mrs. Lyna Ochulor, local government council chairmen, traditional rulers, among other personalities.