NDLEA arrests Lagos airport cleaner who leads drug syndicate

Operatives of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency, NDLEA, have arrested a cleaner at the Murtala Muhammed International Airport, MMIA, Ikeja Lagos, Ohiagu Sunday, who leads a drug syndicate at the international wing of the airport.

He was nabbed on Tuesday 23rd August following the arrest of an intending passenger on Air peace flight to Dubai, UAE, Obinna Jacob Osita who was arrested with three bags, two of which contained eight blocks of cannabis sativa weighing 4.25kg concealed in cassava product, garri and crayfish. One other member of the airport syndicate who works with Ohiagu has also been arrested while operatives are after another suspect.

Investigations revealed that a Dubai-based drug dealer recruited Obinna, a 42-year-old native of Oyi Local Government Area, Anambra State to traffic the drugs and equally contracted Ohiagu, a 34-year-old airport cleaner from Orlu West Local Government Area of Imo State to create access for the unhindered passage of the trafficker.

The drug syndicate bust, which is the first drug arrest at the new terminal of the MMIA comes on the heels of the seizure of a consignment of bottles of viju and fearless energy drinks used to conceal skunk for export to Dubai, UAE through the NAHCO export shed on Monday 15th Aug. A freight agent has already been arrested in connection with the seizure.

In the same vein, attempt by a syndicate to export illicit drugs through the Lagos airport on Wednesday 24th Aug was foiled during an outward clearance of passengers on Ethiopian Airline to Oman via Addis Ababa.

A suspect Jonah Chukwuemeka was arrested with a total of 1,995 Tramadol tablets with a gross weight of 900 grams hidden in locust beans in his luggage. The bag containing the illicit substance was handed over to him at the airport by one Olagunju Abbas who was promptly arrested.

Packs of Tramadol 225mg containing 119,500 capsules were Thursday 25th Aug transferred to NDLEA by the Nigeria Customs, cargo wing of MMIA. The consignment had come in through Ethiopian Airline from Pakistan.

Meanwhile, NDLEA operatives on Saturday raided a car shop, Bolak Motors at Ewela bus stop, Oshodi in Lagos where bags of 615.2kg cannabis were recovered along with nine vehicles. Efforts are ongoing to track the car dealer, Alhaji Ismail who is currently at large.

Comments

NGF Promises Improved Minimum Wage Amid Ongoing Negotiations

The Nigeria Governors' Forum (NGF) has assured Nigerians and organized labor that negotiations are underway to establish a better minimum wage. This comes after the governors previously rejected the Federal Government's proposal of N62,000, citing that some states would need to borrow to pay salaries. Despite this, organized labor continues to push for a wage of N250,000. Nigeria Governor's Forum Following the Federal Executive Council's postponement of the minimum wage discussion, the governors held an emergency meeting, which extended into the early hours of Thursday. According to a communiqué signed by NGF acting Director, Media, Ahmed Salihu, the forum discussed various national issues, including the new national minimum wage. The governors agreed to continue engaging with key stakeholders to reach a mutually acceptable solution, assuring that better wages will result from the ongoing negotiations. They also discussed the World Bank-Nigeria for Women Project Scale-...

Bridging Digital Divides: Empowering People with Special Needs and Uniting Communities Through Technology

By Abdullahi Abdulhafiz Aliyu In today’s fast-changing digital landscape, access to technology is no longer a luxury—it is a necessity. Yet, for millions of Nigerians, especially people with special needs, the digital world remains out of reach due to systemic barriers and a lack of inclusive learning opportunities. My work as a journalist and digital advocate has focused on breaking these barriers, ensuring that technology serves as a tool for empowerment rather than exclusion. Through my engagement with individuals with disabilities and as the host of Duniyar Fasaha (Fasaha World) on Unity FM, I have worked to bridge the digital divide by providing foundational digital education to marginalized groups. By introducing people with special needs to basic computer skills such as Microsoft Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and internet navigation, I have witnessed firsthand how technology can unlock new opportunities and transform lives. Digital Skills for Special Needs: A Path to Inclusion Inclu...

Tragedy at the National Assembly: Customs Officer Passes Away

Tragedy struck at the National Assembly on Tuesday when a senior officer of the Nigeria Customs Service passed away during a meeting with a House Committee. According to a statement released by House Spokesman Akin Rotimi, the officer suddenly fell ill at approximately 1 pm and despite prompt medical attention from first responders and the National Assembly Clinic's medical team, sadly succumbed to his condition. Nass Out of respect for the family's privacy, the officer's identity has not been disclosed at this time. The House of Representatives extends its heartfelt condolences to the family, friends, and colleagues of the deceased and stands ready to support investigations into the circumstances surrounding the incident.

JASAWA TIMES

Search This Blog