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2.1 tons cocaine seizure: 4 drug lords get 28yrs in jail, forfeit VGC houses, N67m, $50,000 – NDLEA

Four Nigerian drug lords and a Jamaican accomplice have been sentenced to 28 years in prison for their involvement in the historic seizure of 2.1 tons of cocaine in Lagos.

The convicts

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Four drug kingpins arrested in connection with the historic seizure of 2,139.55 kilograms of cocaine at an Ikorodu residential estate in 2022 have been convicted by a Federal High Court, Lagos, presided over by Justice Yellim Bogoro who sentenced them to various jail terms totaling twenty-eight (28) years with hard labour.

The convicts: Soji Jubril Oke, 71; Wasiu Akinade, 55; Emmanuel Arinze Chukwu, 67; and Kelvin Christopher Smith, 44, a Jamaican, were charged with six counts in charge number: FHC/L/607C/2022 in October and December 2022, while the trial of the fifth suspect, Oguntolure Sunday arraigned along with them is still ongoing in court. The charges border on conspiracy to form and operate a drug trafficking organization (DTO); management and financing of a DTO; importation and possession of 2,139.55 kilograms of cocaine, among others.

Operatives of a special operations unit of NDLEA had in a well-coordinated and intelligence-led operation on Sunday 18th September, 2022 raided a house located at 6 Olukuola crescent, Solebo estate, Ikorodu, Lagos where the over 2.1 tons of cocaine were seized, the largest singular cocaine seizure in the history of Nigeria’s anti-narcotic operations. The drug kingpins were picked from hotels and their hideouts in different parts of Lagos between the night of Sunday 18th and Monday 19th September, 2022.

 After over two years of diligent prosecution, the trial judge handed the Jamaican, Kelvin Christopher Smith four years imprisonment with hard labour; Emmanuel Arinze Chukwu got a total of 16 years; Soji Jubril Oke got five years with hard labour and Wasiu Akinade three years with hard labour. The trial judge however gave the convicts varying options of fine with the exception of one of them who will serve his full jail term without an option of fine.

They were also to forfeit a grey colour Toyota Tacoma SUV marked AAA-734HT registered in the name of Emmanuel Chukwu; $50,000:00 USD (Fifty Thousand US Dollars) belonging to Chukwu; N55,099,509.50 (Fifty-Five Million, Ninety-Nine Thousand, Five Hundred and Nine Naira, Fifty Kobo only) also belonging to Chukwu; the sum of N9,003,168.06 (Nine Million Three Thousand, One Hundred and Sixty Eight Naira Six Kobo only) belonging to Wasiu Akinade and N3,052,295.20 (Three Million, Fifty Two Thousand, Two Hundred and Ninety Five Naira Twenty Kobo only), also belonging to Akinade.

The Agency also in another suit marked FHC/L/MISC/672/2024 and filed before Justice Bogoro on 9th December 2024 after an initial interim forfeiture order, secured the final forfeiture of two houses linked to members of the drug cartel. According to the trial court: “That an Order of final forfeiture and confiscation is granted in favour of the Federal Government of Nigeria, Landed Property/House Number 6 Olokunola Street, Sholebo Estate, Ikorodu Lagos, Lagos State, as contained in Exhibit NDLEA 2A, 2B, and 2C attached to this application used for the storage and concealment of 2,139.55kg (More Than Two Tons) Cocaine, an illicit substance similar to Heroin and LSD.

“That an Order of final forfeiture and confiscation is granted in favour of the Federal Government of Nigeria, Landed Property/House Number J9, Road 3, Close 1, Victoria Garden City (VGC) Estate, Lagos, Lagos State, as contained in Exhibit NDLEA 3 attached to this application reasonably believed to be bought with proceeds derived from trafficking in illicit drug substances (proceeds of crime) as in relief 1 of this Motion.

“That an Order is granted directing the sale or disposal by any other means provided by law of the forfeited House/Landed Property by the Applicant and the payment of the proceeds

therefrom to the Federal Government of Nigeria.”

While commending all the officers and men of the Agency involved in the extensive investigation and prosecution of members of the drug cartel, Chairman/Chief Executive of NDLEA, Brig. Gen. Mohamed Buba Marwa (Rtd) said the case is a historical blow to the drug cartels and a strong warning that they’ll not only go to jail but will equally lose all their investments in illicit drug consignments including all the properties and wealth acquired through the criminal trade.

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NELFUND Issues New Guidelines On Upkeep Loan Disbursement

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The Nigerian Education Loan Fund (NELFUND) says that upkeep loan disbursement is now strictly tied to the academic session of each institution.

A statement by the Director of Strategic Communications Oseyemi Oluwatuyi states that in line with the directive, students shall only be entitled to upkeep loans for their current academic session and Upon the conclusion of an institution’s academic year, upkeep payments for that session shall automatically cease.


She further said interested loan applicants are required to apply for the loan at the beginning of every academic session to be eligible for both institutional charges and upkeep for that particular session.

To ensure accuracy and transparency, the NELFUND loan portal is being automated to reflect this adjustment

NELFUND is a student loan initiative in Nigeria that provides interest-free loans to students in tertiary institutions.

Here’s what you need to know :

Key Features:

– Interest-free loan: NELFUND offers loans without interest charges, making it easier for students to repay after graduation.
– Tuition and upkeep coverage: The loan covers both tuition fees and living expenses, ensuring students can focus on their studies.
– Repayment terms: Graduates are required to start repayment two years after securing employment or establishing a business.
– Eligibility: Students from low-income backgrounds, enrolled in public tertiary institutions, and meeting specific criteria can apply.

Benefits:

– Increased access to education: NELFUND aims to reduce financial barriers to higher education, promoting inclusivity and equality.
– Reduced dropout rates: By providing financial support, NELFUND helps students complete their studies and achieve their academic goals.
– Economic empowerment: The loan scheme enables students to pursue their education without financial burdens, empowering them to contribute to Nigeria’s economic growth.

Application Process:

– Registration: Students register on the NELFUND portal, providing required documents and information.
– Verification: NELFUND verifies the student’s eligibility and application details.
– Disbursement: Funds are disbursed directly to institutions for tuition fees and to students for upkeep allowances .

Impact:

– Over 449,000 beneficiaries: NELFUND has disbursed ₦86.3 billion to nearly 450,000 students since its launch in May 2024.
– Improved education outcomes: The initiative aims to enhance education outcomes by providing financial support to students and promoting transparency in fund allocation .

More About NELFUND

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EFCC declares Atiku’s son-in-law, Bashir Haske wanted for money laundering

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The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has declared Abdullahi Bashir Haske, the son-in-law of former presidential candidate, Atiku Abubakar, wanted in connection with a case of criminal conspiracy and money laundering.

In a statement on Thursday, EFCC spokesperson Dele Oyewale urged the public to provide any information that could lead to Haske’s arrest.

The anti-graft agency called on Nigerians to share credible tips with the nearest police station or any EFCC office.

Haske, an entrepreneur, industrialist, and investor from Adamawa, is being sought for his alleged role in the financial crimes.

The statement reads: “The public is hereby notified that Abdullahi Bashir Haske, whose photograph appears above, is wanted by the EFCC in an alleged case of criminal conspiracy and money laundering.

“Abdullahi is 38 year-old and his last known address is: No 6 Mosley Road, Ikoyi, Lagos State; 952/953 Idejo Street, Victoria Island, Lagos State.”

Source: X | officialEFCC

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PRESIDENT TINUBU DEPARTS JAPAN FOR BRAZIL

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President Bola Ahmed Tinubu departed Yokohama, Japan, on Thursday night for the ultra-long-haul flight to Brazil, where he will begin a state visit on August 24.
 
President Tinubu will have a stopover in Los Angeles before continuing his journey to Brasilia, the capital of Brazil.
 
President Tinubu began his two-nation visit on Friday, August 15, when he departed Abuja. He and his entourage stopped over in Dubai, UAE, and arrived in Yokohama early in the morning on August 18.
 
After attending the opening ceremony and plenary of the ninth Tokyo International Conference for African Development( TICAD9) on August 20, President Tinubu held some bilateral meetings, culminating in the interactive session with diaspora Nigerians on Thursday night.
 
Bayo Onanuga
Special Adviser to the President
(Information & Strategy)
August 22, 2025 

Yokohama

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Enugu State

Enugu Restricts Movement, Tightens Security for NBA 2025 Conference

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Enugu To Host the 2025 NBA Annual General Conference
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The Enugu State Government has announced traffic restrictions ahead of the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) Annual Conference, billed to hold in the state from 22nd–29th August 2025.

In a notice on Wednesday, the Ministry of Transportation directed motorists, tricycle riders, and commercial buses to avoid certain roads, including Sullivan/Roban Junction, Rangers Avenue, Cubana Junction, IMT by SPAR, and Toscana Junction.

Alternative routes such as Presidential Road, Ogui Road, Zik Avenue, Agbani Road, and New Haven remain open to ease traffic.

Meanwhile, the Enugu State Police Command says it has deployed massive security ahead of the event. Commissioner of Police Kanayo Giwa assured participants and residents of a safe conference, urging vigilance and cooperation with security operatives.

Emergency hotlines have also been released: 08032003702, 08086671202, 112, 09134666668, 09134448093.

The NBA Conference is expected to draw thousands of lawyers, dignitaries, and stakeholders from across Nigeria.

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IGP Approves 2 Area Commands Upgrades 5 Police Stations to Divisions in Benue state

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The Inspector General of Police, IGP. Kayode Adeolu Egbetokun, has approved the creation of two (2) Area Commands and the upgrade of five (5) Police Stations to Divisions in Benue State.

Police Public Relations Officer, PPRO, DSP Edet Udeme, in a Statement discloses that the structural adjustment becomes necessary as a result of challenges that befalls the command in the course of policing troubled Local Government Areas.

The PPRO adds that an appraisal of the current security challenges and operations carried out in recent times reveals that some geographical gaps exist between the police and the people in some Local Government Areas hence, the adjustment.

The two Area Commands created are; Daudu Area Command and Naka Area Command, while the five police stations that have been upgraded to police Divisions are Ayilamo, Yelwata, Jato-Aka, Okpokolo and Agan Police Divisions.

The Statement explains that Daudu Area Command shall supervise Guma, Daudu yelwata and Agan Police Divisions, while Naka Area Command shall supervise Naka, Apa, Agatu and Okpokolo Police Divisions.

This adjustment will assist the command in policing troubled areas with large and difficult terrains. These Divisions will also ensure quick resolution of conflict between farmers and herders and facilitate quick response to distress calls.

The Commissioner of Police , CP. Emenari Ifeanyi, PhD, psc, mnips appreciates the Inspector General of Police for his continuous support to the command and this crucial adjustment that is geared toward bringing permanent solutions to the challenges bedeviling these areas.

The CP also appreciates the Governor of Benue state, Hyacinth Iormen Alia, for his support to the command in the fight to ensure security of lives and property in Benue State.

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