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NDLEA Arrests Drug Baron With 103 Bank Accounts Linked To Abba Kyari’s Team

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The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency has arrested Chief Afam Ukatu, who it described as the billionaire drug baron behind the N3bn tramadol deal involving a suspended Deputy Commissioner of Police and former leader of the Intelligence Response Team, Abba Kyari.

A statement on Monday by the spokesperson for the agency, Femi Babafemi, said he was arrested “after months of surveillance and evading arrest.”

According to Babafemi, Ukatu, who is the chairman of Mallinson Group of Companies, was nabbed onboard a flight to Abuja at the MM2 terminal of the Lagos airport, Ikeja, on Wednesday, April 13.

He said, “Investigations reveal he’s been a major importer of large consignments of different brands and high dosages of tramadol hydrochloride, ranging from 120mg, 200mg, 225mg and 250mg, all of which are illicit.

“Ukatu owns pharmaceutical and plastic manufacturing companies, which he used as a cover to import illicit drugs into Nigeria. This is in addition to operating 103 bank accounts, most of which are used to launder money.

“Ukatu came under watch last year after five cartons of tramadol 225mg were seized from his staff on May 4, 2021, when he sent them to sell to undercover police officers (unknown to Ukatu) from the then Kyari-led IRT of the Nigeria Police Force, Lagos State.

“The price of a carton of tramadol was negotiated at N17m each as against the then black market value that ranged between N18m and N20m a carton in Lagos.

“After the arrest of Ukatu’s staff — Pius Enidom and Sunday Ibekwete — Kyari’s men were then led by the suspects to Mallinson’s warehouse at Ojota in Lagos, where 197 additional cartons of tramadol 225mg were seized by the IRT team. The monetary value of the 202 cartons of tramadol seized from Mallinson in one day was over N3bn.

“Three weeks after the seizure, the Kyari’s IRT team transferred only 12 cartons of the tramadol with one truck and a suspect to the Lagos command of the NDLEA, leaving 190 cartons unaccounted for.

“After over eight months of following the lead, anti-narcotic officers of the agency arrested Ukatu at the Lagos airport on April 13, 2022.

“Kyari and four top members of his team are already facing trial for a different but similar offence at a Federal High Court in Abuja.”

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Police Arrest Officers Over Death Of 35-Year-Old Motorcyclist In Moniya

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The Oyo State Police Command has confirmed the arrest and detention of several officers following the death of a commercial motorcyclist during a stop-and-search operation in the Moniya area of Ibadan.

The victim, 35-year-old Sanni Salisu, died during an alleged unauthorized stop-and-search by two officers from the Kara Police Outpost.

While police reported that Salisu suffered an epileptic seizure, witnesses and family allege he was struck by an officer during a struggle. He was pronounced dead upon arrival at a nearby hospital.

In a statement on Saturday, issued by the command’s Police Public Relations Officer, DSP Ayanlade Olayinka, and made available to newsmen in Ibadan, the incident occurred between police officers from the Border Patrol Unit stationed along the Iseyin/Oyo Road and a Fulani man riding a motorcycle.

According to Ayanlade, the individual became violent and restive, leading to a confrontation with the officers.

He added that during the ensuing clash, the man was struck and fell from his motorcycle.

The command’s PPRO said he was immediately rushed to a medical facility, where he was confirmed dead.

The statement read, “Earlier today, an encounter occurred between police officers from the Border Patrol Unit stationed along the Iseyin/Oyo Road and a Fulani man riding a motorcycle.

“Information available indicates that the individual became restive and violent, leading to a confrontation with the officers. During the ensuing clash, he was struck and fell from his motorcycle.

“He was immediately rushed to a medical facility, where he was confirmed dead.

“Following the incident, the Commissioner of Police has ordered the detention of all officers involved, pending the outcome of a thorough investigation, which is currently ongoing. The commissioner has also directed that an autopsy be conducted to medically ascertain the exact cause of death.

“It is pertinent to note that a brief protest occurred in Iseyin in response to the incident; however, the situation was swiftly brought under control, and the crowd was peacefully dispersed after assurances that justice will be served. A complete brief will follow soon.”

The incident comes amid renewed public scrutiny of police conduct following a recent case in Delta State, where a police officer was arrested over the alleged shooting of a restrained suspect.

The development drew widespread outrage after a video of the incident circulated online, prompting the authorities to transfer the case to the Force Headquarters for further investigation and disciplinary action.

The police authorities had said the move was aimed at ensuring transparency and accountability in the handling of the matter.

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Xenophobia: FG Weighs Evacuation Options As Anti-Migrant Groups Plan Nationwide Shutdown In SA

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The Nigerian Consulate in South Africa, in collaboration with the Nigerian Citizens Association in South Africa (NICASA), has offered a free repatriation flight for Nigerians wishing to return home permanently due to the worsening xenophobic attacks in May 2026.

This follows reports of at least two Nigerian fatalities and widespread property damage in cities like East London, Cape Town, and Durban

Amid rising unrest in South Africa, the Nigerian Consulate in the country, in collaboration with the Nigerian Citizens Association in South Africa, has offered a free repatriation flight to Nigerians willing to return home permanently.

The President of NICASA, Frank Onyekwelu, who spoke to Saturday PUNCH, acknowledged that the situation had forced many Nigerians to shut their shops and businesses.

According to him, there is currently no structured support system in place for affected Nigerians, but the consulate’s intervention is already providing an option for those who wish to leave.

Onyekwelu said many Nigerians were already indicating interest in returning home.

He said, “The Nigerian Consulate in conjunction with NICASA has offered a free repatriation flight to any Nigerian who wishes to leave South Africa permanently, and the process is ongoing as we have recorded many Nigerians signalling interest to return home.”

Meanwhile, Nigerians in South Africa have narrated their harrowing experiences.

They lamented that the recurring violence had continued to threaten their safety, livelihoods, and mental well-being.

Those who spoke to our correspondents said they had been forced to stay indoors, and were now living in constant fear amid targeted attacks on foreign nationals.

Violent anti-foreigner protests erupted in cities such as Pretoria, Johannesburg, Durban, East London, and parts of KwaZulu-Natal, resulting in harassment, looting, property damage, and injuries.

This has triggered fear and panic within the diaspora community, with the Nigerians in Diaspora Commission directing Nigerian business owners to temporarily shut down to minimise risks and avoid losses.

The protests, according to reports, are being driven by community groups, anti-immigration organisations, and social movements such as Operation Dudula, the March and March Movement, and similar local initiatives, often under the banner of tackling illegal immigration and unemployment.

The demonstrations are organised by groups accusing migrants of causing economic hardship and crime, with activists demanding the deportation of undocumented foreign nationals, particularly those from African countries such as Nigeria, Ghana, Zimbabwe, Mozambique, and Somalia.

 

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Nollywood Couple Lateef, Mo Bimpe Welcome Triplets Sons

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Nollywood actor Lateef Adedimeji and his wife, actress Adebimpe Oyebade, popularly known as Mo Bimpe have announced the arrival of their triplet sons.

Adedimeji made the announcement via his official Instagram page, sharing an emotional message in which he described the children as his world, responsibility, and legacy.

“I’ve been quiet… not absent. I was building, protecting, and embracing the greatest blessing of my life. God gave me more than I prayed for — a woman who became a mother of three, and three kings to call my own,” he wrote.

The actor, who closed the post with the Islamic expression of gratitude, “Alhamdulilah,” did not disclose the date of birth or the names of the children.

The announcement drew an outpouring of congratulations from fans and colleagues.

Fellow Nollywood actress, Mercy Aigbe wrote, “To God be the glory. Congratulations.”

OloyedeJuliana also wrote, “God is Good!!! God is Good!!!God is Good!!! Watching this again, I’m in tears, congratulations my fam, so happy for you two. Can’t believe
I’m an Auntie”

Also reacting, Omowumi Dada wrote, “Such GOODNEWS for the month of May. THANK YOU JESUSSSSSSSSSSSSS. Congratulations fam”

Adedimeji and Mo Bimpe, both prominent figures in the Yoruba film industry, had their wedding ceremony in 2021.

 

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