Lagos, Italy Based Businessmen Arrested For Illicit Drug Shipments To Nigeria, Europe

Lagos, Italy based businessmen arrested for illicit drug shipments to Nigeria, Europe. As NDLEA destroys 13,198 kilograms skunk in Edo forests; busts drug repackaging factory in Katsina village, recovers 86,000 pills of opioid, arrests 4

Marwa commends personnel, prays for safer and drug free society on eid-el-fitr

Operatives of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency, NDLEA, have arrested a Lekki-based businessman and proprietor of Damillionz Takeout, Arokodare Damil Ebenezer in connection with the shipment of 60 parcels of Loud, a strong strain of cannabis, from the United States of America to Nigeria.

The 43-year-old businessman was arrested at Bay Lounge, Admiralty Way, Lekki area of Lagos where he does his illicit drug business on Monday 24th March 2025 while he was expecting to take the delivery of his latest drug consignment.

His arrest followed the seizure of his cargo that arrived Nigeria in seven big cartons at a logistics company in Lagos on 12th March by NDLEA operatives of the Directorate of Operations and General Investigation.

After his arrest, he was taken to his Lekki home for a search during which 94grams of the same psychoactive substance, cannabis crusher and other drug paraphernalia were recovered. This brings the total weight of the drug seized from him to 32.24 kilograms.

In his statement, he claimed he started the illicit drug business in 2017.

Attempt by another businessman Omoruyi Terry to export 1,400 pills of tramadol 225mg weighing 800 grams to Italy has also been thwarted by NDLEA officers at the Murtala Muhammed International Airport, Ikeja Lagos.

Omoruyi was intercepted at the screening point of terminal 2 of the Lagos airport on his way to Italy via a Qatar Airways flight.

Investigation reveals the suspect is an Italy based frequent traveler and logistics agent.

In Katsina, four suspects: Baraka Abubakar, 40; Haruna Alitine, 23; Muhammad Babangida, 20; and Hamisu Lawal, were arrested on Friday 28th March during an intelligence led raid operation at Godai village in Daura LGA where 684 blocks of compressed skunk, a strain of cannabis weighing 423kg and 86,000 pills of diazepam were recovered from them.

The three male suspects were arrested while repackaging the diazepam tablets into other containers while Baraka, the female suspect was apprehended with the heaps of skunk in her house.

Not less than 13,198 kilograms of cannabis sativa were destroyed in Edo forests across parts of the state between Monday 24th and Friday 28th March by NDLEA operatives who also evacuated 158kg of same substance for possible prosecution.

The forests where no fewer than four cannabis plantations were discovered and destroyed include: Uhen forest, Ovia North East LGA; Sobe, Owan West LGA; and Amahor forest in Igueben LGA.

In Niger state, NDLEA officers on patrol along Mokwa-Jebba road on Friday 28th March intercepted a black Toyota Corolla car marked SLM 137 SV and arrested the two occupants in possession of 179 blocks of compressed skunk with a total weight of 77.6kg concealed in false bottom of the vehicle.

The two suspects are: Paul Christopher, 46, and Lucky Star Anumie. In another operation, 50kg skunk was on Saturday 29th March recovered from the home of a suspect, Isa Iliya, who is currently at large, in Wawa village, Borgu council area of the state.

While 108.5kg of skunk was recovered from lockup shops at Aria New Market, in Enugu metropolis, Enugu state by NDLEA operatives on Tuesday 25th March, 25kg of same substance was seized from a suspect Abdulrazak Saka at Kilako Area of Ilorin, Kwara State on Monday 24th March.

Another suspect Suli Saheed, 50, was nabbed with 2.5 kilograms of Ghanaian Loud and 515 grams of Colorado, at Olomi Academy area of Ibadan, Oyo state.

With the same vigour, Commands and formations of the Agency across the country continued their War Against Drug Abuse, WADA, sensitization activities to schools, worship centres, work places and communities among others in the past week.

These include: WADA sensitisation lecture to students and staff of Blessed Martins International School, Abakaliki, Ebonyi state; Model Ideal College, Enugu; Oto-Awori Senior Secondary School, Ijanikin, Lagos state; and Command Secondary School, Numan, Adamawa state, among others.

Italy Based Businessmen

While commending the officers and men of MMIA, DOGI, Edo, Kwara, Niger, Enugu, Oyo and Katsina Commands of the Agency for the arrests and seizures, Chairman/Chief Executive Officer of NDLEA, Brig. Gen. Mohamed Buba Marwa (Rtd) stated that their operational successes and those of their compatriots across the country especially their balanced approach to drug supply reduction and drug demand reduction efforts are well appreciated.

He extended eid-el-fitr greetings to them, their families, other stakeholders and Nigerians at large.

“May the spirit of obedience and sacrifice that defines this special day guide and strengthen us as we remain steadfast in our pursuit of a drug-free society.

May Allah continue to bless and guide us and may our collective efforts bring us closer to a safer and healthier society for all”, the NDLEA boss added.

NCDC Warns: Nigeria In Peak Meningitis Season

NCDC warns: Nigeria in peak meningitis season. The latest figures indicate a surge in infections, with 807 suspected cases and 74 deaths reported across 22 states and Abuja as of March 26, 2025.

The Nigeria Centre for Disease Control and Prevention has raised concerns over the increasing number of cerebrospinal meningitis cases across the country, saying its peak season is between November and May.

The latest figures indicate a surge in infections, with 807 suspected cases and 74 deaths reported across 22 states and Abuja as of March 26, 2025. The NCDC director-general, Jide Idris, said this in an interview on Monday in Abuja.

Mr Idris said the agency has activated emergency response measures to curb the outbreak, particularly in Kebbi, Katsina, and Sokoto, which are the most affected states.

“We are in the peak meningitis season, and the risk of transmission is high due to dry, dusty weather and overcrowding. The government is intensifying vaccination efforts, but public awareness and early detection remain crucial in preventing fatalities,” Mr Idris said.

According to him, in Kebbi, health authorities have confirmed 248 suspected cases and 26 deaths since late January. He described the situation as alarming.

“We are experiencing a sharp increase in cases, and urgent intervention is required to prevent more deaths. In Gombe state, 70 suspected cases have been recorded, with 31 confirmed infections and three fatalities. Residents should seek medical attention immediately.

“Meningitis is a deadly but preventable disease. Anyone experiencing high fever, stiff neck, or severe headaches should visit a health facility without delay,” he said.

He noted that without urgent treatment, meningitis could lead to brain damage, hearing loss, or death within hours.

He said the agency has deployed Rapid Response Teams (RRTs) to the hardest-hit states to curb the outbreak.

“These teams are working with state governments to conduct mass vaccination campaigns in high-risk areas, strengthen case surveillance and laboratory testing, provide free treatment for confirmed cases at government hospitals and launch public awareness drives to educate citizens on prevention,” he said.

According to him, vaccination remains the most effective protection against meningitis.

NCDC Warns

“We urge parents and community leaders to ensure that children and at-risk individuals get vaccinated. The vaccines are available at health centres nationwide,” he said.

He said that Nigerians can stay safe by getting vaccinated at the nearest health centre, avoiding overcrowded, poorly ventilated places and practicing good hygiene—washing hands regularly.

Mr Idris also advised citizens to avoid close contact with sick individuals and seek immediate medical attention if symptoms appear.

He warned health officials that meningitis cases could continue to rise if preventive measures were not taken seriously.

“Nigerians are urged to report suspected cases immediately. For emergencies, dial the NCDC helpline: 6232.

“Early detection saves lives. Let’s work together to stop this outbreak before it claims more victims,” he stressed.

Mr Idris reassured that vaccines and treatment are available. “Stay alert, get vaccinated and save lives,” he said.

Lagos Residents Decry Lack Of Potable Water, Beg Governor Sanwo-Olu For Help

Lagos residents decry lack of potable water, beg governor Sanwo-Olu for help. Some Lagos residents have called on Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu’s government to make potable water accessible.

Some Lagos residents have called on Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu’s government to make potable water accessible.

They disclosed this in separate interviews on Monday in Lagos on World Water Day.

They urged the Lagos government to reduce the spread of water-borne diseases by providing potable water.

According to the World Health Organisation, water scarcity affects one in three people in Africa and worsens with population growth, urbanisation, and increases in household and industrial use.

While some residents attributed the lack of potable water in the state to poor management and inadequate infrastructure, others linked it to a lack of investment and human capital.

A resident in Akowonjo LGA, Ibrahim Mustapha, a businessman, expressed dissatisfaction with the scarcity of potable water in their neighbourhood.

“I am a 54-year-old man, and I can tell you that the last time I enjoyed public-sourced potable water was in my youth days. We have had to rely on a private-generated water supply, which is not a good thing,” said Mr Mustapha.

Another resident, Folake Davies, a dentist who lives around Yaba, said the unavailability of potable water had led to increased household expenditure.

“This has resulted in buying sachet water for drinking and borehole water in gallons for other domestic use. This has added extra financial burden on residents that are struggling already and posing environmental challenges like plastic pollution,” said Ms Davies.

A Makoko resident, Saheed Abbas, an artisan, lamented the hardship of accessing potable water.

“Before residents can access clean water in Makoko, they have to trek for a long distance. Some of them even use motorcycles to get clean water,” he said.

A resident living in Igando, Lydia Anjorin, a business manager, was sad about how much water she used to purchase in the area. Kayode Aderibigbe, a Lekki resident, expressed frustration with the water shortage.

“I was recently forced to relocate my family to my in-laws’ home due to a two-day water outage. I had to stay at one of my properties in Magodo just to take a bath. The situation in Lekki is really disheartening,” Mr Aderibigbe said.

However, for Ese Ayanwun, a Lekki resident, access to clean water has become a reality in her area due to the efforts of the local waterworks.

Ms Ayanwun said a water storage tank had been installed in her house to provide them with a reliable source of clean water.

Areas such as Ajah, Ajao Estate, Ebute Metta, FESTAC and others also lack access to potable water.

Lack Of Potable Water

A general physician, Tunji Akintade, said lack of access to safe water leads to several health problems, including water-borne diseases, malnutrition, and increased vulnerability to infections.

According to him, contaminated water and poor sanitation are linked to the transmission of diseases such as cholera, diarrhoea, dysentery, hepatitis A, typhoid, and numerous neglected tropical diseases.
He urged the government to improve access to clean and safe water to enhance the health of citizens.

The Lagos State Water Corporation spokesman, Anifowoshe Rasaq, could not be reached for comments.