The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) arrested a Delhi, India-bound passenger at the Murtala Muhammed International Airport, Ikeja on March 31 for ingesting 80 wraps of cocaine.

Its spokesman, Mr Femi Babafemi stated on Sunday in Abuja that the passenger was to board a Doha-bound flight en-route Delhi using a Liberian passport with the name: Carr Bismark, when he was arrested.

A body scan on the suspect revealed the ingestion of the illicit drugs, he explained.

Babafemi added that preliminary checks showed the passenger’s real name to be Freeman Ogbonna.

The NDLEA placed the passenger under observation and in a short while he started to manifest signs of discomfort.

“Obviously choked by the volume of illicit drugs in his stomach and another substance taken to hold back excretion, the suspect soon began to retch, vomited and excreted wraps of cocaine simultaneously.

“The suspect who claimed he was recruited into drug trafficking by one of his relatives, eventually passed out a total of 80 wraps of cocaine.

“He vomited or excreted the drugs, weighing 889gms over a period of four days.

“The great risk almost took his life.

“Ogbonna said he was given the drugs to swallow at a hotel in Ikeja with a promise of N300,000 reward if he successfully delivers the consignment in India,’’ Babafemi stated.

Also on April 3, the NDLEA arrested a drug mule at the airport on his way to Oman.

Its operatives discovered a false bottom in his backpack and on the sides concealing illicit drugs and also swiftly moved in on a man who accompanied the suspect to the airport.

The second man was later discovered to have been the one who recruited the passenger to traffic the drugs.

“The suspect said he returned from Dubai some years ago, but still had a valid residence permit on his passport.

“He claimed he was promised N1.5 million if he successfully delivered the consignment in Oman, while his recruiter, was to be paid N200,000.

“A charm was found in one of the passenger’s bags when they were searched and another was found on his person.

“The drug mule confessed that he travelled to Ibadan earlier where a cleric made the charms for him to evade arrest during the trip.

“Another charm was found on the recruiter who claimed the charms were procured at a cost of N70,000,’’ Babafemi added.

(NAN)

A former Edo State lawmaker, Pascal Ugbome, has been tipped to replace the Deputy Governor, Comrade Philip Shaibu, if the Edo House of Assembly impeaches him.

Naija News gathered that Ugbome, an Etsako man and a frontline member of the Legacy Coalition in the Edo chapter of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), is likely to replace Shaibu.

According to the Nation, the choice of Ugbome by Governor Godwin Obaseki has gotten the support of the party’s National Vice Chairman (South-South), Dan Orbih, and his teeming supporters ahead of the September 21, 2024 governorship election.

The newspaper reported that Obaseki wouldn’t want to take chances in Edo North Senatorial District, where the former state governor and the National Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Senator Adams Oshiomhole, hails from.

Ugbome, who hails from Ekperi in Etsako Central Local Government Area of Edo, is guaranteed to ensure victory for PDP’s governorship candidate, Dr. Asue Ighodalo, in Edo North senatorial district, thereby reducing the influence of Oshiomhole and Shaibu.

It was learned that the move would help Ighodalo, who is from Edo Central and has the least voting strength, and his running mate, Osarodion Ogie, who is from Edo South and has the highest voting strength.

Ugbome, a Law graduate of the University of Benin (UNIBEN), who is a former Chairman of Etsako Central Local Government Council, according to the permutation in Obaseki’s camp, would be able to convince the preferred governorship aspirant of legacy coalition, Omoregie Ogbeide-Ihama, an influential former member of the House of Representatives, to also support Ighodalo’s aspiration, thereby ensuring unity and peace in Edo PDP.

Justice Stephen Omonua (rtd.) led a seven-member probe panel set up by the Edo Chief Judge, Justice Daniel Okungbowa, on March 25 to investigate the allegations levelled against Shaibu.

The panel rounded off its three-day sitting on Friday and will soon submit its report to Justice Okungbowa for the state’s 24 lawmakers to proceed or not with Shaibu’s impeachment.

[NaijaNews]

The Rivers State Police Command has warned politicians to seek a lawful means to address grievances rather than resort to verbal attacks that can stoke violence in the state.

The warning comes on the heels of recent verbal attacks between Governor Similanayi Fubara and Nyesom Wike, his predecessor, who is now Minister of Federal Capital Territory (FCT).The crisis between the duo has set Rivers political stakeholders against one another.

Although Tunji Disu, the police commissioner, did not mention the names of Wike and Fubara directly, Police Public Relations Officer in the state, SP Grace Iringe Koko, quoted him as saying the command will not fold its hands and watch the state erupt in crisis as a result of utterances and actions of politicians.

The command implored the political class and members of the public in the state to maintain peace and abide by the laws of the land.

“The Rivers State Police Command is fully aware of the numerous political statements and sentiments that have been circulating within the state. In light of these developments, we would like to inform the general public and the esteemed people of Rivers State of the following:

“The Nigeria Police Force is the statutory and constitutional authority entrusted with the responsibilities of enforcing laws and orders, as well as protecting lives and properties, among others.

“The Rivers State Police Command, as an integral part of the Nigeria Police Force, is firmly committed to upholding and enforcing all laws and orders within the state.

“The Command will not stand idle and allow any individual or group to disrupt the existing peace in the state under any guise or pretext.

“The Rivers State Police Command will not hesitate to take decisive action against any person or group of persons found to be in violation of the laws and orders of the state. Therefore, we implore members of the public to maintain peace and abide by the laws of the land. To those involved in the ongoing political unrest, we urge you to seek peaceful/lawful means to address your grievances,” Koko stated.

Koko said the command will remain neutral and apolitical in all matters pertaining to the current political situation in the state.

[DailyTrust]

Thirty-five, 35, Corps members from the 2023 Batch A, Stream II service year in Bayelsa State were on Thursday sanctioned by the National Youth Service Corps, NYSC, for various offences against the service code.

DAILY POST gathered that while twenty-one, 21, corps members who committed various offences had their service extended, Fourteen, 14, corps members would repeat their service year.

The NYSC, however, announced that a total of one thousand, seventy-five, 1,075, Corps members who passed out meritoriously served the nation in Bayelsa State for the 2023 Batch A, Stream II service year have been discharged and issued their certificates of national service.

The State Coordinator, Mrs Okpalifo Obiageli Charity, during the low-key presentation of Certificates to Corps members, congratulated the corps members on the successful completion of the 2023 Batch A stream 2 service year.

She commended the corps members for their immeasurable contributions to the state during their service years.

She also commended the corps employers, traditional rulers and various host communities across the state for providing a conducive environment for corps members to serve the nation in the state.

Some corps members who distinguished themselves during the service year were rewarded with certificates of commendation.

While wishing them the best in their future endeavours, she enjoined those who took advantage of the SAED training programmes to put them to maximum use for their self-reliance and become employers of labour.

She thanked the NYSC staff who have mentored, supervised and monitored the corps members in their various places of primary and secondary assignments.

[DailyPost]

A28-year-old travel content creator, Pelumi Nubi, who embarked on a solo road trip from London has arrived in Lagos.

Nubi began her journey on January 31 facing various obstacles along the way.

She survived a crash in March with a video of the wrecked vehicle revealing severe damage to the front and a shattered windshield.

Nubi started from England, crossed into France, Spain and headed to Morocco then through the West Sahara Desert, Mauritania, Senegal, The Gambia, Guinea-Bissau, Guinea, Sierra Leone, Liberia, Mali, Burkina Faso, Côte d’Ivoire (Ivory Coast), Ghana, Togo, Benin finally  reaching Lagos.

The travel content creator in 2022 listed 77 countries she had visited at 27. She has reached over 80 out of the 193 countries in the world.

With respect to her adventure, Nubi wanted to show the world that “impossible” is just a word while adding that when one has enough grit and determination, impossibility would be overlooked.

Gboyega Akosile, Special Adviser, Media and Publicity to Lagos Governor on Sunday, tweeted: “Lagos State Government gives a hero’s welcome to @peluminubi_, a Nigeria-British citizen who who did a solo drive from London to Lagos.

“Pelumi was received at the Nigeria-Benin Republic border on behalf of Lagos State Government by the Hon Commissioner of Tourism, Arts and Culture, Mrs Toke Benson-Awoyinka and the Special Adviser, Tourism, Arts and Culture @IdrisConnecting.

Welcome home!”

[TheNation]

The abductors of the two students of the Federal University Wukari in Taraba State are demanding a ransom of N50m in exchange for the freedom of the students.

The Head of Information and Protocol Unit of the institution, Mrs. Ashu Agbu, disclosed this in a telephone conversation with journalists on Sunday.

“The abductors revealed that they came for the owner of the eatery and not his staff and will return to get him.

“They are demanding a ransom of N50m to free the two students. Since the incident, security agencies and youths of the area are combing the surrounding forests and bush paths to apprehend the kidnappers and will not relent until the students are rescued alive and safe,” she said.

Our correspondent reported that about 90 percent of the students and staff of the institution live outside the school premises.

The students were picked on Wednesday, April 3 at about 10:pm at a shop close to the busy area, accommodating students staying outside the school premises.

[Punch]

Peter Obi, presidential candidate of the Labour Party in the 2023 elections, says Nigeria needs to invest more aggressively in the health sector.

In a statement to commemorate the 2024 World Health Day, Obi said health remains critical to human development.

He noted that as one of the critical measures of the human development index, health contributes immeasurably to the development of the humans and the progress of a nation.

He said Nigeria’s “poor investment” in the health sector has continued to manifest in many ways.

“Our obvious neglect of our health sector, especially the primary health sector has continued to result in so many unpleasant outcomes for the nation,” he said.

“With Nigeria ranking 14th out of the 18 African countries with poor health systems and also ranking 157th out of the 167 countries measured on health systems, we need to invest more aggressively in the health sector.

“We are today, among the countries with the highest infant mortality rates. The current life expectancy in Nigeria is 56 years, obviously among the lowest in the world.

“Healthcare in Nigeria is increasingly becoming out of the reach of most Nigerians due to its high cost.

“Our budget of N1.3 trillion for the health sector, in a country of about 218 million people, is still not enough to make a serious impact in the sector and still falls below the 15 percent commitment specified in the 2001 Abuja Declaration.

“With the continual decline in our health sector, we need to make more aggressive investments that will improve the lives of the people.

“Aside the negative impacts on the citizens of our lack of investment in the health sector, the attendant capital flight arising from health tourism remains worrisome.

“It is reported that Nigerians spend over $1.5bn on Medical Tourism Annually. Such a volume of funds, if retained in our economy would have impacted positively on the nation and helped us to save the much-needed foreign exchange.”

He added that the World Health Day presents another opportunity for leaders to reflect on their vision and prioritise investment in critical areas of human development for the ultimate good and development of the nation.

“The resources wasted on frivolities and unnecessary expenditure should now be invested in health, education and pulling people out of poverty. Our vision in New Nigeria is to build a healthy and productive nation, and it is possible,” he added.

• Modalities to Deploy Security Boats is priority - Mobereola  

The Spanish Ambassador to Nigeria, His Excellency, Ambassador Juan Ignacio Sell has declared that the Spanish Government is desirous to deepen cooperation with Nigeria through further collaboration with the Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency, NIMASA. Ambassador Juan made this declaration while inspecting the two new Bulletproof Security boats, built for NIMASA by a Spanish Company, Aresa. This is just as the Director General of NIMASA Dr. Dayo Mobereola says deploying the vessels is priority. 

Ambassador Juan said, “This is one more milestone in the cooperation between Spain and Nigeria for maritime security. The Spanish government sees Nigeria as prime in attaining security in the Gulf of Guinea.  We also have a naval ship present in the Gulf of Guinea to enhance security. The message from our President back home is for the Embassy to seek more partnership with Nigeria in the Maritime Sector. The creation of the Marine and Blue Economy Ministry by President Bola Tinubu GCFR is a sign that this administration is committed to harnessing the Ocean potentials and Spain is ready to support Nigeria all the way. This is why I came from Abuja to see the DG”, he said. 

On his part, the NIMASA DG noted that Management under his leadership will fast track the deployment of the patrol Boats as soon as possible. He also welcomed the partnership with Spain noting that security in the maritime domain cannot be done in silos. 

“Maritime security cannot be done in silos by any country. Collaboration plays a major role in achieving safety and security in the maritime domain. We appreciate the gesture from the Spanish Government and we will explore areas of collaboration particularly in terms of both human and infrastructural development. We will work out the logistics so that these vessels can be deployed immediately. I am confident that they will be instrumental not just to enhance security in Nigerian waters, but also shore up revenue accruable to the Federal Government as Port calls by vessels will increase, and Fishing in Nigerian Coastal waters will become a major industry in Nigeria.

The 8 passenger, 13.2 meters long Security Boats with a fuel capacity of 3000 liters is fully air-conditioned with a range of 500 Nautical Miles. They are powered with two 2,300 Horsepower outboard engines with a maximum speed of 45 Knots and 25 Knots at cruising speed. NIMASA now has seven fast intervention bulletproof Aresa boats to be deployed soon.

Osagie Edward, FNIPR  

Assistant Director/Head, Public Relations

NIMASA 

edward.osagie@nimasa.gov.ng 

April 7, 2024

Director General, Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency, NIMASA, Dr. Dayo Mobereola (right) and the Spanish Ambassador to Nigeria, His Excellency, Ambassador Juan Ignacio Sell shortly after an inspection of two new Aresa enforcement boats acquired by NIMASA in Lagos.

Director General, Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency, NIMASA, Dr. Dayo Mobereola (right) presenting a souvenir to the Spanish Ambassador to Nigeria; His Excellency, Ambassador Juan Ignacio Sell during a visit by the Ambassador to NIMASA headquarters in Lagos.

R-L: Executive Director Operations, Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency, NIMASA, Engr. Fatai Taiye Adeyemi; Spanish Ambassador to Nigeria, His Excellency, Ambassador Juan Ignacio Sell; Director General, NIMASA, Dr. Dayo Mobereola; Executive Director, Maritime Labour and Cabotage Services, NIMASA, Mr. Jibril Abba and Executive Director, Finance & Administration, NIMASA, Mr. Chudi Offodile. After an inspection of two new Aresa enforcement boats acquired by NIMASA in Lagos.

“Fading away like the stars of the morning,
Losing their light in the glorious sun,
Thus would we pass from the earth and its toiling,
Only remembered by what we have done.”

I am certain that Horatius Bonar, the prince of Scot­tish hymn writ­ers did imagine less as to how this inspirational work of his, will become so famous, centuries after him. Indeed, only minds infected with insanity can argue the contrary with reference to this great hymn of Dr Bonar. Truth be told! Men, women, boys or girls, especially those whose journeys have ended on planet earth, will only be remembered by what they have done, be it good or evil.

The lyrics of this remarkable hymn suggest that we all have our choices as to what we want humanity to remember us for when we are no more. For my dear mentor, master, friend and brother, Barr. Oronto Natei Douglas (OND), he chose the part and path of good. Since 9^th April 2015 when Oronto transited to the heavenly realm, friends, acquaintances, family members, relatives and loved ones have continued to remember him for his good works when he lived on earth.

9^th April 2024 is Oronto’s ninth memorial. To many of us who had the rare privilege to interact and work closely with this amiable soul, our hearts are heavy with remembrance and reverence for a man who left indelible marks on the landscape of environmental activism, political and social justice in Nigeria. Oronto Douglas, a prominent lawyer, environmentalist, and human rights advocate, continues to be celebrated for his unwavering commitment to defending the rights of marginalized communities and protecting the natural heritage of the Niger Delta region. As Nigerians honor Oronto’s ninth memorial, it's essential to reflect on his remarkable legacy and the enduring impact he had on the land and its people.

Born on the 9^th of October 1966, in Okoroba Community of the great Ebela Kingdom of the Ogbia Nation in Southern Nigeria, Oronto Douglas was intimately connected to the land and its people from a young age. As he grew, he learnt about his beautiful environment with kin interest. The more he learned, the deeper he fell in love until he became one with the land. Growing up in the midst of the region's rich biodiversity and witnessing firsthand the social and environmental injustices perpetrated against its inhabitants, he developed a deep sense of responsibility towards both the land and its people. This profound connection shaped his life's work and inspire him to become one of Nigeria's most vocal advocates for environmental sustainability and social equity.

Oronto Douglas's journey as an activist began as a child in his native home of Okoroba and gained momentum during his time as a student at the Rivers University of Science & Technology Port Harcourt, where he became actively involved in Civil Liberty Organization, student politics and grassroots movements advocating for democracy and human rights. It was his passion for justice and equality that led him to pursue a career in law, using the legal system as a tool to fight against oppression and exploitation. However, it was his tireless efforts to address the environmental devastation in the Niger Delta that would define his legacy.

The Niger Delta, often referred to as the "Heart of Nigeria," is a region of immense ecological significance, blessed with abundant natural resources, including oil and gas reserves. Yet, paradoxically, it is also one of the most environmentally degraded and economically impoverished regions in the world, largely due to decades of oil exploration and exploitation by multinational corporations. Douglas was at the forefront of the struggle to hold these corporations accountable for their actions and to demand justice for the communities affected by their operations.

As a founding member of the Environmental Rights Action/Friends of the Earth Nigeria (ERA/FoEN), Douglas played a pivotal role in raising awareness about the environmental and social impacts of oil extraction in the Niger Delta. Through grassroots mobilization, legal advocacy, and international networking, he effectively challenged the impunity of oil companies and government agencies complicit in environmental degradation and human rights abuses. His efforts helped to galvanize a global movement in support of environmental justice and the rights of indigenous peoples.

Beyond his environmental activism, Douglas was also deeply committed to promoting sustainable development and empowering local communities to assert their rights and assert control over their resources. He believed fervently in the principles of environmental stewardship and community self-determination, advocating for participatory decision-making processes that prioritize the needs and aspirations of ordinary Nigerians. His vision of a just and equitable society where both people and the planet thrive continues to inspire generations of activists and changemakers.

Additionally, OND’s contributions to the enthronement and strengthening of democracy in Nigeria are as significant as his environmental activism. His commitment to justice extended beyond environmental concerns to encompass broader societal issues, including the struggle for democracy and good governance.

In the tumultuous era of military rule in Nigeria, Douglas emerged as a fearless pro-democracy activist, using his legal expertise and grassroots organizing skills to challenge the authoritarian regime of that time. He was actively involved in the pro-democracy movements of the 1990s, which sought to restore democratic governance and respect for human rights in Nigeria.

During the dark days of military dictatorship, Douglas risked his personal safety and freedom to speak truth to power, advocating for the rule of law, freedom of expression, and the rights of citizens to participate in the political process. He played a crucial role in mobilizing civil society groups, student organizations, and other stakeholders in the struggle against military oppression, often at great personal sacrifice. The dictators tried to stop him. They locked him up and tortured him, but once they let him go, he spoke even louder and wrote even stronger against them. Oronto’s words were a great source of strength to the oppressed people of Nigeria. In him, communities and minority groups found their voice.

One of Douglas's most notable contributions to the democratization process in Nigeria was his involvement in the legal defense of political activists and prisoners of conscience including Ken Saro Wiwa. As a human rights lawyer, he provided legal representation to individuals who were detained or persecuted for their opposition to the military regime, ensuring that their voices were heard and their rights protected in the face of state repression.

Moreover, OND was among those instrumental in advocating for electoral reform and the establishment of democratic institutions that would uphold the principles of transparency, accountability, and electoral integrity. He recognized that free and fair elections were essential for the consolidation of democracy in Nigeria and tirelessly campaigned for electoral justice and reforms that would ensure the people's right to choose their leaders without interference or manipulation.

Following the transition to civilian rule in 1999, Douglas continued his efforts to strengthen democracy in Nigeria by monitoring elections, promoting civic education, and advocating for political participation among marginalized groups, including women and youth. He understood that democracy is not merely about holding elections but also about fostering a culture of democratic governance, respect for human rights, and inclusive development.

In addition to his grassroots activism, Douglas also served in various official capacities within the Nigerian government, including as a Special Adviser to President Goodluck Jonathan on Research, Documentation and Strategy. In this role, he worked to promote good governance, transparency, and accountability in the administration while advocating for policies that would benefit the Nigerian people, particularly those in marginalized communities.

Oronto Douglas's dedication to democracy and human rights in Nigeria earned him admiration and respect both at home and abroad. His unwavering commitment to justice, coupled with his courage and integrity, made him a beacon of hope for all those who yearned for a democratic and egalitarian society. Though he may no longer walk among us, his legacy continues to inspire Nigerians to strive for a future where democracy thrives, and the rights and dignity of all citizens are upheld.

The man Oronto was a man of the land and the people. His love for the land was to the extent that everywhere he travelled to, he took his love with him such that strangers were drawn to the land, and they saw what he saw and felt what he felt. He fought for the land and the oppressed people of Nigeria. He fought with words and not the bullet. He spoke and wrote, and the world heard from him about the wicked attacks on the land and its people.

In his works, children were given their pride of place and honour. He built and equipped schools with modern facilities for them. The objective was to create an enabling environment for teaching and learning so that the children would grow to use words like him in continuation of the call for environmental and social justice. He gathered the entertainers and artists of the land and provided a stage for plays and songs to be written about the land.

Oronto Douglas's untimely passing on the 9^th of April 2015 robbed Nigeria of one of its most passionate voices for justice and sustainability. However, his spirit lives on in the countless lives he touched and the enduring impact of his advocacy. As we commemorate his ninth memorial, let us not only honor his memory but also recommit ourselves to the ideals for which he so passionately fought. The struggle for environmental justice and human rights in the Niger Delta and beyond continues, and Oronto Douglas's legacy serves as a guiding light for all those who dare to dream of a better world.Top of Form

In the words of Dimeari Von Kemedi, “Once there lived a man, Oronto Natei Douglas, we called him OND and he really lived”.

May the Almighty God continue to rest OND’s soul in perfect peace and uphold his family in safety and progress.

Engr. (Chief) Ipigansi Okumo is the Chairman of the Ogbia Brotherhood Unity Branch – Abuja & Northern Nigeria, and a member of the Ogbia Study Group. He worked with Oronto Douglas for about two decades.