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Tag: Crime

  • NDLEA Arrests 63-Year-Old Chinese Woman Over ₦2.1bn Drug Shipment At Lagos Airport

    The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency has arrested a 63-year-old Chinese national, Ting Hung Kiong, for allegedly attempting to smuggle 31 kilogrammes of Canadian Loud into Nigeria through the Lagos airport.

    The suspect, who reportedly holds Malaysian citizenship, was intercepted at the Murtala Muhammed International Airport after arriving on an Emirates flight from Thailand through Dubai.

    Drugs Hidden Inside Travel Boxes

    According to the agency, the suspect arrived with two large travel boxes containing the synthetic strain of cannabis.

    Investigators said the woman claimed she worked as a caregiver in Malaysia and disclosed that her daughter sponsored her trip to Thailand before the drugs were allegedly handed over to her for delivery in Nigeria.

    NDLEA Intercepts ₦2.19bn Shipment

    In another operation, NDLEA operatives recovered 1,825,710 tablets of Tapentadol 250mg valued at about ₦2.19 billion at the Lagos airport cargo shed.

    The shipment reportedly arrived from India through Emirates Cargo and was later handed over by the Nigeria Customs Service after monitoring operations.

    Cocaine, Tramadol Recovered In Airports

    At the Akanu Ibiam International Airport, operatives arrested a suspect identified as Onyeka Emeka after he allegedly excreted 185.36 grammes of cocaine.

    Authorities said he arrived from Sierra Leone through Addis Ababa on an Ethiopian Airlines flight.

    In Abuja, NDLEA officers also arrested 29-year-old Babatunde Afekhide at the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport while attempting to travel to Italy.

    The agency said 10,280 pills of Tramadol and Tapentadol were discovered hidden inside his luggage.

    More Drug Busts Across Nigeria

    The anti-drug agency further disclosed that parcels containing MDMA, Tramadol and other substances concealed inside soap, body cream and bicycle luggage carriers were intercepted at a courier company in Lagos.

    In Edo State, operatives reportedly recovered 489kg of skunk cannabis and cannabis seeds during a raid in Owan East Local Government Area.

    Another raid in Ekiti State led to the seizure of over 1,116kg of skunk and the arrest of a suspect identified as Ogundana Adebayo Julius.

  • Outrage as Nursing Student Allegedly Raped, Killed in Imo Apartment

    A nursing student identified as Chinwendu “Wendy” Achumba has reportedly been raped and murdered in her off-campus apartment in Obowo Local Government Area of Imo State.

    The tragic incident, which has sparked outrage across social media and within the nursing community, reportedly occurred on Thursday evening.

    Body Discovered Inside Apartment

    According to reports, neighbours became worried after repeated attempts to reach the student failed.

    Residents were said to have forced open her apartment door, where they allegedly discovered her lifeless body with severe injuries.

    Wendy, who was reportedly a student of a nursing institution in the state, was said to have been living alone temporarily after her roommates travelled for practical training.

    The incident immediately triggered panic and emotional reactions within the community.

    Suspects Arrested

    Reports indicate that two suspects were later apprehended by local youths and vigilante members before being handed over to the police.

    One of the suspects was identified as a vulcaniser in the area.

    According to viral reports circulating online, the suspects allegedly confessed that the attack happened after one of them reportedly made advances towards the victim which she rejected.

    The claims have, however, not been fully verified independently by authorities.

    Police Launch Investigation

    The Imo State Police Command confirmed the incident and said investigations were ongoing.

    Police spokesperson DSP Henry Okoye reportedly assured residents that efforts were being intensified to ensure everyone connected to the crime faces justice.

    The victim’s body has since been deposited at a morgue.

    Outrage Spreads Online

    The killing has generated widespread anger online, with many Nigerians demanding justice for the deceased student.

    Several social media users also raised concerns over increasing cases of violence against women and insecurity affecting students living off-campus.

    Others called on authorities to improve security around schools and residential areas occupied by students.

  • Thai Police Arrest Six Nigerians Over Alleged Romance Scam Operation in Luxury Condominium

    At least six Nigerian citizens have been arrested by Thai police during a raid on a luxury condominium in Nonthaburi province over an alleged romance scam operation.

    According to reports by Thai media outlets, the operation, code-named “Dark Room Crackdown,” was carried out on Thursday following investigations into suspicious financial transactions linked to foreign criminal networks.

    Police Recover Phones, Laptops During Raid

    Authorities reportedly stormed three condominium units near Phra Nang Klao Bridge in Bang Kraso district after obtaining search warrants from the Nonthaburi Provincial Court.

    During the operation, police recovered 18 mobile phones, three laptop computers and three bank books allegedly connected to online fraud activities.

    Investigators also claimed the devices contained romance scam conversations, scam scripts and AI-generated profile pictures used to deceive victims online.

    The suspects were identified as Denis, Ejikeme, Ibekwe, Okorom, Nwosu and Obielu, aged between 23 and 35 years.

    Five Suspects Allegedly Overstayed Visas

    Thai authorities disclosed that five of the six Nigerians allegedly overstayed their visas for periods ranging from 695 days to over 1,500 days.

    Police also claimed the suspects entered Thailand on student visas but were unable to provide proof of attending school or engaging in legitimate employment.

    According to investigators, their bank accounts reportedly showed unusually large financial deposits.

    Authorities Allege Online Romance Scam Scheme

    Police alleged the suspects created fake online identities posing as professionals such as pilots, lawyers, engineers, soldiers and doctors on social media platforms including Facebook Messenger, TikTok, WeChat, Line and Zalo.

    The alleged scheme reportedly involved building romantic relationships with victims before requesting money to clear fake overseas parcels allegedly seized by customs authorities.

    Authorities said many of the alleged victims were older Thai women.

    Attempted Escape During Operation

    Reports also claimed some of the suspects initially refused to open their apartment doors, forcing officers to break in.

    One suspect allegedly attempted to escape through a balcony, while another was reportedly caught hiding in a bathroom trying to alert others through text messages.

    The suspects were later transferred to Rattanathibet Police Station alongside the recovered items.

    Thai police said the men were initially charged with membership of a secret society and visa overstay offences, adding that more charges linked to romance scam activities could follow after further investigations.

  • Nigerian Woman Jailed In Ghana Over Alleged Fake Passport Documents

    A Nigerian woman identified as Franca Wilson has been sentenced to six months imprisonment with hard labour in Ghana for attempting to obtain a Ghanaian passport with forged nationality documents.

    Wilson, a 41-year-old welder, was convicted by the Adabraka District Court in Accra after pleading guilty to the charges.

    The sentencing was handed down on Wednesday, May 20, 2026, with the court ordering that the prison terms run concurrently.

    Woman arrested during passport screening

    According to the Ghana Immigration Service, Wilson was arrested on April 24, 2026, at the Accra Passport Application Centre after officials detected inconsistencies during the screening process.

    The agency disclosed that she was later referred to the National Enforcement Department at the GIS Headquarters for further investigations.

    Investigators subsequently discovered that Wilson is a Nigerian citizen born in Rivers State to Nigerian parents.

    Forgery allegations emerge

    Authorities alleged that she submitted a forged birth certificate claiming she was born in Somanya in Ghana’s Eastern Region to a Ghanaian mother.

    The Ghana Immigration Service stated that Wilson failed to provide credible information about the supposed Ghanaian parent during questioning.

    “She was subsequently referred to the National Enforcement Department at the GIS Headquarters for further investigations,” the agency stated.

    The conviction was later confirmed in a report published by the .

    Case sparks reactions online

    The development has generated reactions online, with many social media users debating immigration fraud, identity falsification and cross-border documentation issues within West Africa.

    The case also comes amid increasing scrutiny by immigration authorities across different African countries over forged citizenship and travel documents.

  • NDLEA Dismantles Nigerian–Mexican Meth Cartel, Recovers ₦480 Billion Drugs in Ogun Forest Lab

    The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) has uncovered and dismantled a major transnational methamphetamine production syndicate involving Nigerian and Mexican nationals in Ogun State.

    The operation led to the arrest of 10 suspects, including three Mexican drug “chemists” and the alleged Nigerian kingpin of the cartel.

    Forest meth lab uncovered in Ogun

    According to NDLEA Chairman, Brig. Gen. Mohamed Buba Marwa (retd.), the clandestine laboratory was discovered inside Abidagba forest in Ijebu East Local Government Area of Ogun State.

    The agency said the site was being used for large-scale production of methamphetamine disguised as a farm settlement.

    ₦480 billion worth of drugs recovered

    Marwa disclosed that operatives recovered 2,419.48 kilograms of chemical substances and finished meth products from the lab.

    He said the seized drugs have an estimated street value of about ₦480 billion in the international market.

    “The network did not just traffic drugs; they were actively manufacturing industrial-scale quantities of highly lethal illicit substances right on our soil,” Marwa said.

    10 suspects arrested, including Mexicans

    Those arrested include the alleged cartel leader, Anochili Innocent, alongside six Nigerian collaborators and three Mexican nationals reportedly brought in as technical experts.

    The Mexican suspects were identified as Martinez Felix Nemecto, Jesus López Valles, and Torrero Juan Carlos.

    Other Nigerian suspects include Nwankwo Sunday Christian, Igwe Abuchi Remijus, Ifeanyichukwu Chibuike Joshua, Egwuonwu Uchenna Victor, and Kingsley Orike Omonughwa.

    Lagos luxury estate linked to cartel boss

    NDLEA operatives also reportedly stormed properties linked to the kingpin in Lagos, including a luxury residence in Lakowe, Lekki.

    The agency said international passports and mobile phones of the Mexican suspects were recovered from the suspect’s residence, linking him directly to their operations.

    Coordinated intelligence operation

    Marwa said the raid was executed by the agency’s Special Operations Unit after months of intelligence gathering.

    He added that simultaneous operations were carried out across Ogun and Lagos States within 48 hours.

    NDLEA warns drug cartels

    The NDLEA boss warned drug traffickers that Nigeria remains hostile territory for illicit drug production and distribution.

    He also urged Nigerians to report suspicious activities, including unusual chemical smells or movements in rural communities.

    “This war is for the soul of our nation, and we will not back down until we achieve a drug-free Nigeria,” he said.

  • Baltasar Engonga Trends Again Amid Rumours of Early Release From Prison

    Baltasar Ebang Engonga, the former Equatorial Guinean official who became globally controversial over leaked explicit videos and corruption allegations, is once again dominating social media conversations following rumours of his alleged release from prison.

    The reports, which began circulating online on Tuesday, claimed the former government official had regained freedom after spending about two years behind bars.

    Social Media Explodes Over Rumoured Release

    The development triggered massive reactions across X, Instagram and other social platforms, especially in Nigeria, where Engonga’s scandal previously generated widespread attention and memes.

    Several users reacted with jokes, memes and sarcastic comments, with many expressing disbelief over the reports.

    Others questioned the authenticity of the claims, noting that there has been no official confirmation from authorities in Equatorial Guinea at the time of filing this report.

    How Engonga Became Global Headline

    Engonga, a former Director General of the National Agency for Financial Investigation in Equatorial Guinea, rose to international notoriety in 2024 after authorities reportedly uncovered explicit videos during investigations linked to corruption allegations.

    The scandal quickly went viral across Africa and beyond, turning the former official into one of the most talked-about personalities online.

    In 2025, he was reportedly convicted on charges related to embezzlement, abuse of office and diversion of public funds.

    Reports at the time stated that he received a lengthy prison sentence alongside heavy financial penalties.

    Confusion Over Release Claims

    Despite the latest online claims, confusion remains over whether Engonga has actually been released or whether the reports are merely rumours amplified by social media speculation.

    Some observers also questioned the timeline, arguing that the reported prison term did not align with claims that he had already completed his sentence.

    As of the time of this report, authorities in Equatorial Guinea have yet to issue an official statement clarifying his status.

    Fresh Debate Across Africa

    The rumours have once again reopened conversations around political influence, elite scandals and social media culture across Africa.

    Many online users described the situation as another example of how viral internet moments can transform controversial public figures into long-lasting social media sensations.

  • EFCC Arrests Ex-Power Minister Saleh Mamman After 75-Year Corruption Conviction

    The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has arrested former Minister of Power, Saleh Mamman, days after he was convicted and handed a 75-year prison sentence over corruption-related offences involving about ₦22 billion.

    EFCC Chairman, Ola Olukoyede, confirmed that Mamman was picked up at about 3:30am on Tuesday in Kaduna following a court order directing security agencies to arrest him wherever he is found.

    Arrest Follows Court Conviction

    Mamman’s arrest comes after Justice James Omotosho of the Federal High Court in Abuja convicted him on a 12-count charge bordering on money laundering and diversion of public funds.

    The court ruled that the prosecution successfully proved its case beyond reasonable doubt, leading to multiple prison terms on each count, which are to run consecutively, amounting to a total of 75 years.

    Justice Omotosho also ordered that the sentence takes effect from the date of Mamman’s arrest.

    ₦22 Billion Power Project Fraud Case

    The former minister was prosecuted over alleged fraudulent transactions linked to the diversion of funds meant for major electricity infrastructure projects under the Ministry of Power.

    The affected projects include the Mambilla and Zungeru hydroelectric power schemes, both considered critical to Nigeria’s long-term energy expansion plan.

    The court further ordered the forfeiture of recovered funds and properties linked to the case to the Federal Government, as well as the refund of outstanding diverted amounts.

    EFCC Moves to Enforce Judgment

    Following the ruling, the EFCC intensified efforts to ensure enforcement of the judgment, leading to Mamman’s arrest in Kaduna.

    The commission said the arrest was necessary to ensure compliance with the court’s decision and continuation of the sentencing process.

    The case adds to ongoing anti-corruption prosecutions involving high-profile former public officials accused of mismanagement of public funds.

  • El-Rufai Family Raises Alarm Over DSS Transfer, Alleges Court Order Breach in Abuja Custody Dispute

    The family of former Kaduna State Governor, Nasir El-Rufai, has raised serious concerns over what they described as a controversial transfer of the former governor to Department of State Services (DSS) custody after his court appearance in Abuja on Monday.

    They alleged that the move was carried out in violation of existing court orders directing that he remain under the custody of the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC).

    Family Alleges Court Order Breach

    Speaking to journalists outside a DSS facility, El-Rufai’s wife, Hasiat, said the family had been living in fear due to alleged constant surveillance and repeated threats.

    “We now live in constant fear. Every day we get a threat — DSS is coming to raid your house, ICPC is coming to raid your house, police are coming to raid your house. You are being followed. Our phones are tapped,” she said.

    She explained that after appearing before Justice Joyce Abdulmalik at the Federal High Court in Abuja, El-Rufai was briefly moved during proceedings, despite earlier directives regarding his custody.

    “I Am Not Furniture” — El-Rufai Reportedly Resists Transfer

    Hasiat claimed the former governor resisted being moved to DSS custody, insisting that prior court orders required him to remain with the ICPC.

    “He said to them, I am not going to step down because there are two court orders… Why are you bringing me here? He said, I am not a furniture to be moved,” she stated.

    She further alleged that he was later returned to ICPC custody before being moved again after court proceedings, raising questions about the legality of the transfers.

    “What has changed?” she asked.

    Allegations of Medical Neglect and Long Detention

    The family also claimed that El-Rufai has been in custody for 91 days and has been denied consistent access to his personal doctors despite court approvals.

    Hasiat said medical follow-ups recommended by ICPC-appointed doctors were allegedly not properly implemented, worsening concerns about his health.

    “When you see a doctor and you run tests, you are expected to see the doctor back… He was denied access,” she said.

    Son, Allies Criticise Bail Conditions

    El-Rufai’s son, Hon. Bello El-Rufai, also criticised the bail conditions, describing them as excessive and impractical.

    “Who keeps a person for 91 days? Why were the terms of the bail so stringent?” he asked, questioning requirements tied to civil servants and property documentation.

    Supporters of the former governor also described the situation as psychological pressure, arguing that repeated transfers between agencies amounted to undue hardship.

    Security Update on Custody Status

    However, security sources confirmed that after consultations among legal representatives, El-Rufai was eventually returned to ICPC custody by 5pm on Monday.

    The situation continues to generate public debate as legal proceedings in the case remain ongoing.

  • Court Grants El-Rufai ₦100m Bail, Orders Monthly DSS Reporting

    Justice Joyce Abdulmalik of the Federal High Court in Abuja has granted bail to former Kaduna State governor Nasir El-Rufai in the sum of ₦100 million with one surety in like sum.

    The ruling was delivered on Monday as the court outlined strict conditions the former governor must meet before regaining freedom.

    Court lists strict bail conditions

    Justice Abdulmalik ruled that the surety must reside in either Maitama or Asokoro districts of Abuja and must deposit the original Certificate of Occupancy of a landed property at the court registry.

    The court further directed that the surety must be a federal civil servant not below Grade Level 17 and must provide evidence of salary payments for at least three months.

    According to the court, the documents must be authenticated through a letter from the surety’s bank manager within the court’s jurisdiction.

    The judge also ordered the surety to depose to an affidavit of means, enter into a bail bond and submit a recent passport photograph to the court registry.

    El-Rufai to surrender passports

    As part of the bail terms, El-Rufai was ordered to deposit all valid international passports with the court.

    The court also directed that a verification letter from the surety’s department, alongside a six-month tax clearance certificate, must be submitted.

    Justice Abdulmalik additionally ordered the former governor to report to the headquarters of the Department of State Services every last Friday of the month by 10 a.m. to sign an attendance register pending the determination of the case.

    The judge warned that failure to comply with any of the conditions would lead to automatic revocation of the bail.

    The court also directed El-Rufai to submit a letter of attestation from the Chairman of the Kaduna Traditional Council.

    How El-Rufai’s legal battle started

    The former Kaduna governor was initially detained by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission on February 16, 2026, before being granted bail two days later.

    He was subsequently re-arrested by the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission and had remained in custody pending his arraignment.

  • NDLEA Uncovers Underground Drug Tunnels, Arrests 19 Suspects In Kano

    Operatives of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency have uncovered and dismantled underground tunnels and caves allegedly used for illicit drug trade and storage in Kano State.

    The agency disclosed that 19 suspects were arrested during the operation, while various quantities of illicit substances were recovered from the hidden structures.

    NDLEA Reveals Underground Drug Network

    The development was confirmed in a statement issued on Friday by NDLEA’s Director of Media and Advocacy, Femi Babafemi.

    According to him, the tunnels and caves were discovered in the Rimin Kebe area of Kano during a coordinated enforcement operation carried out by officers of the Kano Strategic Command.

    Babafemi described the underground structures as a concealed criminal network allegedly used for drug consumption, storage and distribution.

    “These videos and pictures capture the moment NDLEA officers uncovered and dismantled a network of caves and tunnels used by criminal elements for illicit drug use, trade and storage,” he said.

    Operation ‘Sharar Mafaka’

    The anti-drug agency disclosed that the operation was code-named “Operation Sharar Mafaka.”

    According to the statement, officers acted on intelligence and surveillance before storming the area and dismantling the underground structures.

    Babafemi praised the officers involved in the operation, describing the discovery as unusual and alarming.

    “It’s indeed a different life underneath the earth,” he added.

    Suspects In Custody

    Authorities confirmed that the 19 suspects arrested during the raid are currently in custody and undergoing interrogation.

    The NDLEA also stated that the recovered substances have been taken for forensic analysis as investigations continue into the full extent of the alleged drug network and possible collaborators.

    The agency said the operation forms part of ongoing efforts to disrupt drug trafficking activities and dismantle hidden drug hubs across Nigeria.