Bid Blow As Saraki’s Close Ally Dumps PDP; Heading For APC?

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December 16, 2024

A former President of the Nigerian Senate, Bukola Sarai has lost one of his closest allies, Bolaji Abudullahi from his state, Kwara.

Abdullahi also a former Minister of Sports, on Monday, dumped Saraki’s party, the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP. His resignation was contained in a letter he wrote to the chairman of the party in the state yesterday, even though he has yet to disclose the next political party he’s heading for.

Analysts however predict that he might join the All Progressives Congress, APC, the ruling party in the state. The ruling APC’s have recently become enlarged due to the defection of politicians, particularly from PDP, to its fold.

According to him, in the letter addressed to the chairman of his Ubandawaki ward, Ilorin West Local government, the journalist-turned politician said he had weighed his decision thoroughly, citing no particular decision for his decision.

The letter was dated December 16, 2024.

He wrote in the letter, “I write to formally resign my membership of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP). I have had ample time to reflect, and I have come to the difficult conclusion that this is the only tenable option for me at this time.

“Mr. chairman, please permit me to express, through you, my gratitude to the leadership of the party for the opportunities that I have had to serve the state and the country on its platform, and for the great moments we have shared.”

The party in the state has however reacted to his resignation from the PDP, describing it as a good riddance to bad rubbish, according to the state publicity secretary, Olushola Adewara, who said the former minister is not a thorough-bred politician.

Meanwhile, political analysts insist that the departure of Abdullahi from the main opposition party in the country, is a big blow to both Saraki and PDP, as the party is trying to make a come-back in the next general election.

Saraki, a former governor of the state has been touted as one of those aspiring for Nigeria’s presidency in 2027. The exit of Abdullahi, and others, who have left the party lately will count against it.

Xmas: Poultry Farmers Lament, As Cost of Chickens Forces Consumers To Seek Alternatives

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James Orji

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December 16, 2024

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Consumers will be forced to buy chickens at a higher cost during the yuletide and the New Year celebrations, according to poultry farmers in the country, the News Agency of Nigeria, NAN reports, citing complaints by poultry farmers that the cost of chicken feeds, drugs and others have gone up.

Josiah Adebola, chairman, Livestock and Poultry Farmers Union, LPFU, Oyo state chapter, made this known on Sunday while speaking to journalists in the state capital.

He explained that poultry farmers in the country have no option than to increase the price of chickens, if they are to make profit due to the high cost of chicken feeds, drugs and others.

According to him, the situation could force consumers who are unable to afford the high cost of chicken to seek better alternatives, such as buying imported frozen chicken and turkey.

He said the current economic situation has forced many Nigerians to cut down their spending, including their consumption during the festive period, adding that poultry farmers are in a very tight situation in trying to recoup their investments.

Adebola said, “So, there is no way the price of chicken will not go up, notwithstanding the economic hardship in the country.

“As a result of this hardship, many Nigerians may find it difficult to buy chicken at exorbitant prices.

“Instead, they will likely embrace imported frozen chicken and turkey, not minding the health implications of such.”

Leave Badenoch Alone, Sunday Igboho Tells VP Shetima

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James Orji

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December 16, 2024

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Sunday Igboho, Yoruba Nation activist has described the attack on Kemi Badenoch, the Leader of the British Conservative Party by vice President Kassim Shetima as unnecessary and unwarranted.

He said the British-born Nigeria has a right to form her opinion on issues concerning Nigeria.

The activist made the remark in a statement on Sunday amidst divisions among Nigerians over Badenoch’s controversial comment about the state of insecurity and corruption in the country.

She also took a swipe at northern Nigeria which she described as the problem of the Yoruba her ancestry due to terrorism and violence in the region.

Recall that Shetima had while reacting to Badenoch’s comment advised her to stop making negative comment about Nigeria, urging her to ‘change’ her name if she’s not happy with her Nigerian connections.

Igboho however advised the vice president to focus on his job as Nigeria’s number two citizen rather than dissipating his energy attacking the British politician.He advised President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to call his Vice to order, saying Shetima’s attack on Badenock was unwarranted, asking whether it’s “a sin for someone to express his or her opinion or say the obvious” about Nigeria, whose growth has been stunted as a result of corruption by the political class.

The activist said nobody dared criticised the Fulani when former President Muhammadu Buhari was in power, saying those who tried to do so where ‘muzzled’ through coercive state power, citing his own arrest by the Department of State Services, DSS, for attacking former President Buhari’s administration.

In July 2021, the activist’s Ibadan, Oyo state home was attacked by the secret police, in a gestapo-like operation killing two persons and arresting dozens of others. The Nigerian government had accused him of terrorism at the time.

Rather than attacking Badenoch, Igboho said the current administration should make effort to bring succour to many Nigerians who are groping under severe poverty and sufferings.

Igboho said, “It is incumbent on President Bola Tinubu, who is also from the Yoruba ethnic nationality and lineage, to direct Shettima to face his duties as vice president rather than dissipate energy or engage in verbal war against Badenoch, who merely expressed her candid but true opinion on the pervasive corruption in Nigeria’s system.

“When the immediate past President Muhammadu Buhari was in power, nobody dared launch offensive or verbal attacks against his Fulani ethnic nationality without being dealt with or muzzled through the instrumentality of the state or paying the supreme price.

“Majority of Nigerians are currently being subjected to a harrowing experience, excruciating poverty due to harsh economic policies, and are bogged down by kidnapping and other forms of insecurity, but the Federal Government is still groping in the dark, finding solutions.

“Instead of deploring measures to mitigate the suffering of the masses and frontally tackle the nation’s challenges, Vice President Kashim Shettima is busy taking on Badenoch.

“When has it become a sin for someone to express his or her opinion or say the obvious about how corruption has retarded the growth of Nigeria as a nation or proclaiming her true identity as a member of the Yoruba ethnic group?” he said.

Clark Laments Pathetic State Of South-South Roads, Writes Tinubu To Address Issue

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Akinwale Kasali

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December 16, 2024

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By Akinwale Kasali

Edwin Clark, Leader of the Pan Niger Delta Forum, PANDEF, has urged President Bola Tinubu to declare a State of emergency on the deplorable state of roads in the South-South region in the 2025 budget.

The South South Leader and former Federal Commissioner of Information in a letter addressed to the President called for immediate action to address the dire condition of road infrastructure in the region which he described as the “treasure base of the country.”

He said that it was necessary for President Tinubu to direct the Minister of Works, Senator David Umahi, and other relevant agencies to expedite efforts to repair the region’s roads.

According to him, it is imperative to prioritize these repairs in the 2025 appropriation bill to alleviate the suffering of the people in the Niger Delta.

In the letter, Clark emphasized the critical importance of the South-South roads, citing their role in sustaining Nigeria’s revenue through oil production. He expressed dismay over the neglect of the region’s road network despite the significant contributions of the Niger Delta to the nation’s economy.

“As a leader of the South-South people, I feel obligated to bring to your attention the appalling state of our roads. These roads, which connect key communities are now barely passable, causing immense hardship to the very people who generate the revenue that sustains this country,” Clark wrote.

Providing a detailed account of specific roads in disrepair, noting the time delays and hardships caused by their poor condition.

“Benin-Auchi Road: A journey that should take 2.5

hours now takes an average of 7 hours.

“Benin-Uromi-Sapele Road: Travel time has increased from 1 hour to 3–4 hours.

“Sapele-Warri Road: The 43-kilometer distance now takes 2 hours instead of 30 minutes.

Port Harcourt-Owerri Road: Commuters now spend four hours on what used to be a 1.5-hour journey.

Uyo-Itu-Calabar Road: A trip that once took under 2 hours now requires 6 hours due to its terrible condition.

Calabar-Obudu Road : Travel time has doubled, with commuters spending up to 8 hours on what used to be a 4-hour journey.

He however lamented the condition of the East-West Road, a critical artery for the region, which has seen slow progress despite its importance and past government commitments.

Clark also underscored the irony of the Niger Delta’s predicament, stating that despite being the economic backbone of the nation, the region suffers from environmental degradation and infrastructural neglect.

“At a production level of 1.8 million barrels of oil per day and oil prices at $73 per barrel, it is unacceptable that the region responsible for this wealth cannot boast of basic infrastructure like decent roads,” he said.

He argued that the cost of fixing the region’s roads amounts to less than a week’s worth of oil production revenue.

The elder statesman made a passionate plea for the situation to be addressed immediately, urging President Tinubu to declare a state of emergency on South-South roads in the 2025 budget and as a matter of urgency instruct the Minister of Works and relevant agencies to prioritize and expedite repairs.

“Mr. President, this is a chance for your administration to stamp its name in the annals of history by addressing the injustice meted out to the people of the Niger Delta,” Clark wrote.

He however concluded by assuring the President of his blessings and support while reiterating the urgency of his appeal to alleviate the plight of the South-South people.

Four Killed, Five Arrested As Imo Joint Security Taskforce Dismantles Terrorists Camp

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Suleiman Anyalewechi

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December 15, 2024

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By Suleiman Anyalewechi

In a major clearance operation, the Imo State Joint Security Taskforce on Sunday, December 15, 2024, announced the killing of no fewer than four suspected terrorist elements, and the arrest of five others.

At a media briefing, the joint taskforce comprising all the security agencies in the state said the operation was carried out at the notorious IPOB/ESN camp at St Peter’s Anglican Church premises in Eziama Obiato, in Mbaitoli Local Government Area of the State.

The Source reports that the camp is believed to be the operational headquarters of an armed wing of a suspected terrorist group- the B44, just in the mould of Simon Ekpa’s Autopilots militia.

The group, allegedly, led by one Oluchukwu Ogu, according to the joint taskforce, has for some time ,now ,set its camp in Eziama Obiato from where they have been terrorizing innocent people.

Brigadier General Usman Lawal, Commander 34 Field Artillery Brigade Obinze, Commissioner of Police, CP, Imo State, Aboki Danjuma, Brigadier General Joseph Ogbonna, rtd ,the Special Adviser to Governor Hope Uzodinma, along side other heads of security outfits in the state informed that the main objective of the joint operation was to dismantle the infamous terrorist camp.

They expressed satisfaction with the level of success recorded in the exercise, adding that the hoodlums had before now been launching most of their attacks in the State from the Eziama camp.

According to the State’s Security Chiefs, many residents of Eziama and adjourning communities have deserted their homes due to the criminal activities of the B44 group.

The taskforce maintained that the group and its camp remain one of the strongholds of terrorist elements operating in Imo State, with all the Biafra insignias conspicuously displayed at the camp.

In addition to the neutralization and arrest of some of the suspected terrorists, the taskforce said it also recovered large quantities of arms, ammunition, including explosive devices which were laid by the group to prevent security operatives from penetrating the camp.

However, the devices according to them,were all identified and detonated.

The Joint taskforce while appealing to residents who had fled their homes to return, also, reaffirmed the commitment of the Imo State Government and Security Agencies to adequately protect lives and properties of the people.

They assured Imo State residents of the readiness of security agencies to ensure a hitch free Yuletide season.

Boat Mishap Claims 20 Lives In Benue State

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Akinwale Kasali

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December 15, 2024

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By Akinwale Kasali

It was a Black Saturday in Agatu Local Government Area of Benue State as over 20 people drowned in a boat mishap while crossing the River Benue.

Most of the victims were traders and Agatu indigenes from Nasarawa State who were returning home after trading at Ocholonya market in Agatu LGA.

Eyewitness reports has it that the victims were mainly Agatu people from Toto and Doma LGAs in Nasarawa State who came to Ocholonya market on Saturday.

A Source revealed that the victims were crossing to Odenyi in Nasarawa after the market.

“I was in Ijaha around 8 p.m. when I heard women crying and shouting that the boat carrying the traders to the Nasarawa side of the river sank before reaching the shore.

“The wooden canoe was overloaded, and despite warnings that some passengers should disembark, the pleas were ignored as they were in a hurry to return home. Midway through the journey, the canoe broke apart after hitting a tree, causing many of the passengers to drown.

“Local divers have recovered some corpses, but many are still missing. Divers are still searching for survivors and bodies. It’s a tragic weekend for Agatu people in both Benue and Nasarawa states because we are all one community.”

Melvin Ejeh, Chairman of Agatu LGA, confirmed the incident, disclosing that around 20 corpses had been recovered so far, with rescue efforts ongoing.

He said, “The victims were mainly Agatu traders from Odadu, Rukubi, Agbashi, Ajima, and other communities in Nasarawa State. They had come to Ocholonya market to trade and were on their way back when the mishap occurred.

“I have been in contact with the Chairmen of Toto and Doma LGAs in Nasarawa State, and we are working together on this matter. I have also reached out to the Nigerian Navy for assistance. So far, about 20 bodies have been recovered, and the search continues for more survivors and victims.”

Ejeh said rescue mission was still ongoing to rescue some of the victims and also recover the bodies of victims in the River.

“Create Your Own Identity If You Think You Are Popular” – PDP Tells Defected Ibori Daughter

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Suleiman Anyalewechi

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December 15, 2024

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Hon Erhiatake Ibori-Suenu — Hon. Erhiatake Ibori-Suenu: Escaped lynching

By Suleiman Anyalewechi

The Delta State Chapter of the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, on Sunday, December 15, 2024, described as utterly provocative and disgraceful, the alleged attempt by Hon Erhiatake Ibori-Suenu to appropriate its structures and assets for the benefits of the All Progressive Congress, APC.

The PDP’s position comes on the heels of the reported invasion of its Secretariat in Oghara, Ethiope West Local Council of the State on Thursday December ,12, by suspected thugs allegedly loyal to Hon Ibori-Suenu.

The Source reports that Hon Suenu, daughter of former Governor James Ibori ,had recently defected from the PDP ,the platform on which she was elected member of the House of Representatives in 2023, to the rival APC.

She was said to have last week, commenced moves to convert the PDP Secretariat in her Ethiope Council to that of her new political nest, the APC, a development which her former party alleged was at the root of the invasion of its Secretariat in Oghara.

But in a statement on Sunday, its spokesperson ,Dr Ebenezer Okorodudu ,the Delta state PDP warned that it will not stand idly by as the integrity of its assets and reputation are undermined .by individuals whose political fortunes are tied to opportunism, rather than genuine service to the people.

The PDP said that the open invasion and subsequent theft of its assets in Oghara by thugs believed to be acting on the directives of Hon Ibori-Suenu ,have shown that her defection was poorly planned, as well as driven only by personal ambition.

“The attention of the Delta state chapter of the Peoples Democratic Party PDP, has been drawn to the unfortunate and unlawful invasion of its party Secretariat in Oghara, Ethiope West Local Government Area of Delta state on Thursday by thugs believed to be acting on the orders of Hon Eihiatake Ibori-Suenu of the All Progressive Congress, APC, whereby they converted the building and repainted it with APC colours.

“The PDP views this provocative and disgraceful action as part of a series of desperate attempts by Hon Erthiatake Ibori-Suenu ,who recently defected to the APC ,to appropriate the structures and assets of the PDP for the benefits of her new party.

“This shows that her defection was poorly planned and driven by personal ambition rather than any genuine political ideology.

“Rather than building her own political identity, she has resorted to hijacking the PDP’s established infrastructure ,seeking to dress her APC venture in the robes of the PDP’s credibility and legacy.

“This act of theft conducted in broad daylight is an affront to the principles of Democracy and political decency”, part of the PDP statement reads.

The party, therefore, urged Hon Ibori-Suenu and others of her ilk to strive to create their own political identity and empire rather than to be seeking to appropriate the PDP’s structures.

” If they truly believe in the APC’s vision ,they should strive to create their own identity, rather than relying on the PDP’s structures and legacy.

“As a democratic and responsible party, the PDP will always avoid anything that can result in a breach of peace.

“We call on party faithful to remain peaceful, and law abiding while urging the decampees to embark on creating their own identity and acceptability instead of hiding behind the PDP’s credibility and popularity”, the PDP stated.

Rivers State To Produce Next Ohanaeze Ndigbo Worldwide President

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The Source

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December 15, 2024

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By Charles Igbo

An accomplished politician and Community Leader, Nze Fidelis Ozichukwu Chukwu, has been crowned the new President of Ohanaeze Ndigbo Worldwide. Chukwu, from Imo State, was confirmed as the new Leader by the highest organ within Ohanaeze, Imeobi at a meeting in Enugu on Saturday December 14, 2024.

However, his tenure will be brief. He would vacate the seat in January 2025 when Ohanaeze Ndigbo Worldwide would hold an election to produce its next President.

In keeping with the constitution of the Group, Rivers State is billed to produce the next President.

Chukwu was crowned to complete the tenure of Imo State following the passing of Chief Emmanuel Iwuanyanwu, the immediate past President. Chukwu is the third President from Imo State who will now complete Imo State’s turn, after the passing of Professor George Obiozor and Iwuanyanwu who was crowned to complete Obiozor’s tenure.

These disclosures were made in a communique after the Enugu meeting signed by Amb. Okey Emuchay, Ohanaeze’s Secretary General and Dr. Chiedozie Ogbonnia, National Publicity Secretary.

Following is the full text of the Communique.

COMMUNIQUÉ ISSUED BY OHANAEZE NDIGBO WORLDWIDE IMEOBI/GENERAL ASSEMBLY IN ITS MEETING OF SATURDAY, DECEMBER 14, 2024 AT THE NATIONAL SECRETARIAT OF OHANAEZE, NO. 7 PARK AVENUE, GRA ENUGU

Ohanaeze Ndigbo Worldwide Imeobi/General Assembly today Saturday December 14, 2024, held its scheduled meeting at the National Secretariat, No. 7 Park Avenue, GRA Enugu, the aim of which was to review the series of events that have taken place since the tragic demise of Chief Dr. Engr. Emmanuel Iwuanyanwu, CFR.

The Imeobi, which was attended by notable Igbo leaders, took note of the chain of catastrophe which has visited Ohanaeze in the last couple of years especially the successive demise of two Presidents-General between 2022 and 2024.

The Imeobi, extensively reviewed the situation and took note that the tenure of Imo State in the presidency of Ohanaeze would expire on January 10, 2025 and that there is need to allow Imo State to complete her remaining 27days in office. The Imeobi, therefore, resolved as follows:

That it accepts the request by Imo delegates to nominate someone capable to oversee the leadership of Ohanaeze until 10th January 2025 when a new President-General will be elected based on the constitutional provision of Ohanaeze Ndigbo

That the constitution of Ohanaeze Ndigbo shall be followed strictly in the election of the next President-General of Ohanaeze Ndigbo Worldwide

That the next President-General of Ohanaeze Ndigbo Worldwide shall come from Rivers State as provided in the constitution.
The Imeobi also resolved that the composition of both Election and Screening Committees for the forthcoming Ohanaeze election is the function of the NEC

Flowing from Resolution No.1 and in line with the doctrine of necessity, the Imeobi adopted the nomination of Nze Fidelis Ozichukwu Chukwu by Barrister C.J Ihemedu, President, Ohanaeze Ndigbo, Imo State; and HRM Eze Cletus Ilomuanya, the Chairman, Council of Elders, Imo State. The motion was seconded by Chief Simon Okeke (Ochendo), amongst others. This motion was unanimously adopted through a voice vote by the Imeobi Ohanaeze Ndigbo.

The nomination of Nze Fidelis Ozichukwu Chukwu as the new President-General of Ohanaeze at the Imeobi was subsequently presented to Ohanaeze Ndigbo Worldwide General Assembly. The State Presidents of Ohanaeze Ndigbo: Abia, Anambra, Delta, Ebonyi, Enugu, and Rivers States, expressed delight over the nomination of Nze Fidelis Ozichukwu Chukwu as the new President-General until January 10, 2025. The Chairman of the South East Caucus in the National Assembly,

Sen. Eyinnaya Abaribe expressed satisfaction over the emergence of Chukwu.

Nze Fidelis Ozichukwu Chukwu was therefore sworn-in as the President-General of Ohanaeze Ndigbo Worldwide by National Legal Adviser, Barrister Joseph Obinamma Ojobu and the Assistant Legal Adviser Dr. Peter Aneke.

That the President-General of Ohanaeze, Nze Fidelis Ozichukwu Chukwu and the National Executive Committee should compose the Electoral and Screening Committees on Sunday December 15, 2024.

The Southeast Governors’ Forum, represented by H.E Gov. Peter Ndubuisi Mbah, charged the new President-General to ensure that the forthcoming Ohanaeze election should be both transparent and credible.

E-Signed

Amb. Okey Emuchay, MFR
Secretary-General
Ohanaeze Ndigbo Worldwide

Rt. Hon. Chiedozie Alex Ogbonnia, Ph.D
National Publicity Secretary
Ohanaeze Ndigbo Worldwide

“I Can’t Bear To Look At The Photos, Videos Of My Late Son” – Babangida

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Akinwale Kasali

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December 14, 2024

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By Akinwale Kasali

The Tragic Loss Is An Everlasting Trauma

Tijani Babangida, ex Super Eagles player has recounted the loss of his wife, son and brother in a ghastly vehicle accident early this year.

The former Ajax Amsterdam Football Club of Holland Winger spoke in an emotional documentary released by Ajax Amsterdam.

On May 9, Babangida was travelling with Ibrahim, his younger brother, alongside his wife, his son, and his maid when the car accident occurred along the Kaduna-Zaria highway.

Ibrahim was said to have died on the spot. Fadil, Babangida’s one-year son, succumbed to the injuries from the crash a few days later. The wife lost an eye and had to undergo face reconstruction surgery, and the maid also fractured a leg.

Speaking on the incident, Babangida said he “will live with this trauma for the rest of my life”.

He said he could not “bear looking at photos and videos of my son” and his wife struggles to remember the name or “anything” about the boy.

“I think I will live with this trauma for the rest of my life. It is hard to forget about it and move on when you suddenly lose your entire family,” Babangida said.

“This is my first time talking about the accident because I couldn’t do it. I can’t bear looking at photos and videos of my son.

“It is even harder for my wife. She is an actress in Nigeria, famous in the northern part of the country. After being married a year, we had a baby. And suddenly, he was gone.

“And my brother, who always joined me when I travelled. For me, I only injured my legs and knees. I had to assist my wife. That’s why I came here with my wife to get proper medical treatment.

“After three months in the Netherlands, I was finally able to tell her that our child was in the car when the accident took place. She started [to] ask about his name. She can’t remember anything about him.”

In the documentary, Babangida, who was in the books of Ajax for seven years, spoke with Luis Van Gaal and other associates in the Netherlands.

Again, NDLEA Secures Multiple Convictions Of Kano Drug Lords In One Day

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Suleiman Anyalewechi

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December 14, 2024

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By Suleiman Anyalewechi

In a yet another boost to its efforts at eradicating drug abuse and trafficking, the Kano state Command of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency NDLEA, on Saturday December, 14, 2024, informed that it has further secured the convictions of 12 drug dealers.

A statement from the Agency’s spokesperson Sadiq Maigatari, described the latest convictions as a significant impetus to the NDLEA’s renewed commitment towards ridden the acclaimed commercial enclave of the North of the scourge of hard drug consumption and trafficking.

The Source reports that the Kano Command of the drug agency has, in the last three months, secured no fewer than four bulk convictions totaling over 50 persons.

During one of such large scale convictions, the Zonal Commander paid glowing tribute to the tenacity and understanding of the presiding Judges of the Federal High Court Kano ,for the great success recorded.

The statement, also, reiterated the unflinching efforts of the Zonal Commander, Ahmad, in combating the activities of drug lords in the state .

Just as in the past cases, the 12 new convictions were secured in one day at a Federal High Court sitting in Kano.

The agency lauded the Judiciary for once again showing unrelenting commitment towards upholding the rule of law ,as well as demonstrating zero tolerance for corruption and other social vices.

According to the statement which was made available to the media in Kano, the convicts were found guilty of engaging in drug related activities, particularly at the city’s infamous Filin Idi drug enclave .

Maigatari noted that each of the convicts was handed down a three year sentence ,without any option of fine.

One of the drug traffickers, Lawan Sani, the statement further noted ,was convicted and sentenced after a 10-month manhunt that ensued after he attacked one of the Agency’s personnel.

For assaulting an officer on lawful duty, he was given two years sentence, in addition to the three for drug trafficking.

The Zonal Commander expressed the optimism that the landmark convictions ,will serve to deter would-be drug dealers in the state.

He, also, reiterated the determination of the Command to make Kano state unsafe for drug addicts and traffickers.