NDLEA Arrests Lagos Pastor, Wife With 11kg Skunk Cannabis

Operatives of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) have arrested a Lagos-based pastor and his wife after discovering 11 kilograms of skunk cannabis concealed in specially modified compartments of their vehicle.

The suspects, Pastor Afolabi Hodonu, 45, in charge of the Celestial Church of Christ, Agonvi Sea Beach, Sakpo area, and his 35-year-old wife, Mrs. Success Hodonu, were apprehended on Thursday, April 2, 2026, at the Gbaji checkpoint along the Seme border in Badagry, Lagos.

According to NDLEA spokesman Femi Babafemi, the couple was intercepted during a search of their Honda Pilot SUV, where officers recovered blocks of highly potent skunk cannabis hidden in secret compartments. Babafemi revealed that the arrest was linked to a previous seizure on March 30, 2026, when a suspected fake security agent, Sunday Samuel, was caught transporting 24.5 kilograms of skunk through the same checkpoint. Subsequent investigations led to the pastor and his wife.

“The arrest of Pastor Hodonu and his wife is part of our ongoing intelligence-driven operations against drug traffickers hiding behind legitimate businesses, religious titles, or elaborate concealment methods,” Babafemi said.

READ ALSO:

• Hajiya Hadiza Attahiru Jega, Wife of Former INEC Chairman, Dies in Abuja
• NAF Releases DSSC 34/2025 Successful Candidates List, Announces Training Date
• Netanyahu Condemns ‘Christian Persecution’ in Nigeria in Easter Message

The NDLEA has simultaneously conducted several other operations across Nigeria, including:

• Seizure of 3.10 kilograms of cocaine at Murtala Muhammed International Airport, Ikeja, hidden in tins of palm kernel extract bound for the UK, leading to multiple arrests, including syndicate leaders in Lagos.
• Arrest of a female drug supplier in Borno State, 28-year-old Aisha Adamu, with 4.3 kilograms of Colorado cannabis linked to bandit groups operating in the North East.
• Recovery of 48,000 tramadol pills in Adamawa State and 1,378 kilograms of skunk in a warehouse in Edo State.
• Arrest of a suspected drug dealer in Ibadan using her 11-year-old daughter to distribute drugs.

NDLEA Chairman and CEO, Brig. Gen. Mohamed Buba Marwa (retd.), commended officers for the successful operations, emphasizing the agency’s commitment to dismantling drug networks nationwide regardless of the traffickers’ status.

The pastor and his wife are currently in NDLEA custody and will face prosecution as investigations continue. Authorities have warned that drug trafficking in Nigeria carries severe legal penalties and that no individual is above the law.

NDLEA Arrests Lagos Pastor, Wife With 11kg Skunk Cannabis

Hajiya Hadiza Attahiru Jega, Wife of Former INEC Chairman, Dies in Abuja

Hajiya Hadiza Attahiru Jega, wife of former Attahiru Jega, has passed away in Abuja, officials confirmed on Sunday, April 5, 2026. The news was announced by Bayero University Kano through its official social media channels.

“Inna lillahi wa inna ilaihi raji’un. With total submission to the will of Allah, we announce the passing of Hajiya Hadiza Attahiru Jega,” the statement read, expressing sorrow and prayers for her family.

Hajiya Hadiza Attahiru Jega

According to the university, her Janazah (funeral) prayer is scheduled to take place immediately after Zuhr prayers at the National Mosque, Abuja, on Sunday, with burial proceedings to follow. The institution prayed that Allah grant her Aljannatul Firdaus, forgive her shortcomings, and give strength to her grieving family.

READ ALSO:

• NAF Releases DSSC 34/2025 Successful Candidates List, Announces Training Date
• Netanyahu Condemns ‘Christian Persecution’ in Nigeria in Easter Message
• Cash vs Digital: Nigeria’s Cashless Dream Meets Street Reality

The university’s Director of Public Affairs, Lamara Garba, also confirmed the death, urging the public to offer prayers and support to the Jega family. “Yes, it’s true. May the Almighty Allah forgive her shortcomings and grant her family patience to bear this loss,” he said.

Hajiya Hadiza was widely respected for her contributions to education, community service, and support for her family, especially in northern Nigeria. Her death has drawn condolences from friends, colleagues, and public figures across the country, highlighting her influence and the respect she commanded in social and academic circles.

Her husband, Prof. Attahiru Jega, is a distinguished academic and public servant, known for his tenure as Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) and his contributions to national policy and governance.

The passing of Hajiya Hadiza Attahiru Jega marks a significant loss for both her family and the broader Nigerian academic and civic community, with funeral arrangements reflecting her standing and the high regard in which she was held.

Hajiya Hadiza Attahiru Jega, Wife of Former INEC Chairman, Dies in Abuja

NAF Releases DSSC 34/2025 Successful Candidates List, Announces Training Date

The Nigerian Air Force has officially released the names of candidates who successfully passed the Direct Short Service Commission (DSSC) Course 34/2025 and announced the commencement date for their training.

In a statement issued on Saturday in Abuja, the Director of Public Relations and Information, Air Commodore Ehimen Ejodame, said the release follows the conclusion of the rigorous Selection Board Interview conducted at the NAF Base in Kaduna from January 12 to February 8, 2026.

According to Ejodame, the full list of successful candidates is now available on the official NAF recruitment portal, and candidates are urged to verify their names and access further instructions via https://nafrecruitment.airforce.mil.ng/updates.

Selected applicants are expected to commence a six-month Basic Cadet Training programme at the Nigerian Defence Academy (NDA), Afaka, Kaduna, starting Saturday, April 18, 2026. Reporting will close by 6:00 pm on Monday, April 20, 2026, and failure to report by the deadline will result in automatic forfeiture of the training offer.

READ ALSO:

• Netanyahu Condemns ‘Christian Persecution’ in Nigeria in Easter Message
• Cash vs Digital: Nigeria’s Cashless Dream Meets Street Reality
• Gunmen Attack Kaduna Churches During Easter, Kill 7, Abduct Worshippers

Ejodame emphasised that all candidates must present original academic certificates, identification documents, and other required credentials upon reporting for proper documentation and admission. Candidates are also advised to come prepared with personal items and uniforms required for military training.

He added that successful completion of the training is mandatory for candidates to attain full status as commissioned NAF officers. The DSSC programme allows qualified civilians and professionals to join the Air Force, combining academic qualifications with intensive military and leadership training.

Ejodame encouraged candidates to prepare adequately and uphold the core values of the Nigerian Air Force throughout the training period.

The announcement comes amid growing interest in military careers among Nigerian youths, highlighting the competitive nature of the DSSC programme and the strict selection standards maintained by the NAF.

NAF Releases DSSC 34/2025 Successful Candidates List, Announces Training Date