BREAKING: NDLEA arrests drug baron behind N3bn Tramadol linked to Abba Kyari’s team - Newstrends
Connect with us

metro

BREAKING: NDLEA arrests drug baron behind N3bn Tramadol linked to Abba Kyari’s team

Published

on

Emmanuel Ukatu

The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency has arrested a suspected billionaire drug baron behind the N3billion Tramadol deal allegedly involving the embattled suspended Deputy Commissioner of Police, Abba Kyari-led Intelligence Response Team, Chief Afam Mallinson Emmanuel Ukatu.

The anti-narcotic agency said Ukatu arrest followed months of surveillance and evasion of arrest. Ukatu, who is Chairman of Mallinson Group of Companies, was arrested onboard a flight to Abuja at the MM2 terminal of the Lagos airport, Ikeja on Wednesday 13th April.

The NDLEA spokesperson, Femi Babafemi, disclosed this in a statement on Monday, titled, ‘NDLEA arrests drug baron behind N3billion Tramadol linked to Abba Kyaris team’.

Babafemi said investigations revealed that the suspect is a major importer of large consignments of different brands and high dosages of Tramadol Hydrochloride.

According to him, the Tramadol ranging from 120mg, 200mg, 225mg and 250mg are illicit. He added that Ukatu owns pharmaceutical and plastic manufacturing companies, which he used as a cover to import illicit drugs into Nigeria.

READ ALSO:

The statement read, “This is in addition to operating 103 bank accounts, most of which are used to launder money.

“Ukatu came under watch last year after five cartons of Tramadol 225mg were seized from his staff on 4th May 2021 when he sent them to sell to undercover police officers (unknown to Ukatu) from the then Kyari-led IRT of the Nigeria Police, Ikeja Lagos. The price of a carton of Tramadol was negotiated at N17million each as against the then black market value that ranged between N18million and N20million a carton in Lagos.

“After the arrest of Ukatu’s staff: Pius Enidom and Sunday Ibekwete, Kyari’s men were then led by the suspects to Mallinson’s warehouse at Ojota in Lagos where 197 additional Cartons of Tramadol 225mg were seized by the IRT Team. The monetary value of the 202 cartons of Tramadol seized from Mallinson in one day was over N3billion.

“Three weeks after the seizure, the Kyari’s IRT team transferred only 12 Cartons of the Tramadol with one truck and a suspect to the Lagos Command of the NDLEA, leaving 190 cartons unaccounted for.

“After over eight months of following the lead, anti-narcotic officers of the Agency eventually arrested Ukatu at the Lagos airport on 13th April 2022. Kyari and four top members of his team are already facing trial for a different but similar offence at a Federal High Court in Abuja.”

PUNCH

metro

Benue School Harassment: Authorities Investigate Assault on Female Student at Seat of Wisdom Aliade

Published

on

Assault on Female Student at Seat of Wisdom Aliade

Benue School Harassment: Authorities Investigate Assault on Female Student at Seat of Wisdom Aliade

Authorities in Benue State have launched an investigation following a disturbing incident at Seat of Wisdom Secondary School, Aliade, where a female student was reportedly harassed and assaulted by her peers. The event has raised serious concerns over student safety and supervision in the state’s schools.

According to preliminary reports, the victim, a female student at the school, was subjected to inappropriate treatment by a group of classmates while on school premises. The incident came to light after other students alerted the school authorities, prompting the administration to notify local law enforcement.

The Benue State Police Command confirmed that officers have begun a formal investigation. Police spokespersons said statements are being taken from witnesses, and the identities of those involved are being verified. Officials have emphasized that the safety and well-being of all students remain a top priority.

READ ALSO:

School management has pledged full cooperation with authorities, stating that disciplinary measures will be taken against any student found responsible, while also offering counselling services for both the victim and other students affected by the incident. Parents and community leaders have condemned the act, describing it as unacceptable and a violation of students’ rights.

Child protection experts have stressed that incidents like this highlight the urgent need for robust safety policies, awareness programs, and reporting mechanisms within schools. They recommend that schools implement regular workshops on respect, personal boundaries, and peer conflict resolution to prevent future occurrences.

The case has sparked broader discussions across Benue State about the responsibilities of school administrators, teachers, and guardians in protecting students from harassment and ensuring a safe learning environment.

Authorities have assured the public that the investigation will be thorough, and anyone found culpable will face legal consequences in accordance with Nigerian law.

Benue School Harassment: Authorities Investigate Assault on Female Student at Seat of Wisdom Aliade

Continue Reading

metro

Violent Protest in Ogoja After Man Allegedly Kills Girlfriend in Cross River

Published

on

Cross River Police Spokesperson, ASP Sunday Eitokpah
Cross River Police Spokesperson, ASP Sunday Eitokpah

Violent Protest in Ogoja After Man Allegedly Kills Girlfriend in Cross River

Tension has gripped Ogoja following the alleged killing of a 26-year-old woman, Moshie Igu, by her boyfriend, sparking a violent protest in Cross River and renewed concerns over gender-based violence in Nigeria.

According to the Nigeria Police Force, the suspect, 35-year-old Malime Ejor, allegedly carried out the attack in the early hours of Saturday, March 28, 2026, at a farm in Nwang Village, Ekajuk community.

Police spokesperson Sunday Eitokpah disclosed that preliminary findings show the suspect reportedly lured the victim to a nearby stream, where he attacked her with a machete, leading to her death.

Operatives responded swiftly after the incident was reported, arresting the suspect and rescuing him from an attempted mob action by enraged youths at the scene. He is currently in custody, while arrangements are being made to deposit the victim’s remains at the General Hospital mortuary in Ogoja. The police further confirmed that the case will be transferred to the State Criminal Investigation Department (SCID) in Calabar for a thorough and discreet investigation.

The situation escalated on Monday when hundreds of women and youths from Nwang I & II and other parts of the Ekajuk clan staged a protest, demanding the release of the suspect. The demonstrators marched to the Area Command in Ogoja, but the protest soon turned violent, with some protesters attacking officers and vandalising property, including a vehicle and parts of the Rapid Response Squad (RRS) facility.

READ ALSO:

Security operatives were forced to deploy smoke canisters to disperse the crowd, while at least eight individuals were arrested in connection with the unrest. Authorities say the situation is now under control, and in a bid to ease tensions, those arrested during the protest were later released to a community leader.

The Nigeria Police Force reiterated its commitment to ensuring justice, stressing that the suspect remains in custody and will face due legal process. With the case set for transfer to SCID, authorities are expected to deepen investigations and prepare for prosecution.

The incident has sparked fresh conversations around femicide, domestic violence, and the increasing cases of relationship-related killings in Nigeria. Analysts warn that attempts by communities to interfere in criminal investigations—such as demanding the release of suspects—could undermine justice and embolden perpetrators.

Residents and stakeholders have been urged to remain calm and allow the law to take its course, as calls for justice for the victim continue to grow.

Violent Protest in Ogoja After Man Allegedly Kills Girlfriend in Cross River

Continue Reading

metro

Gunmen Attack Wedding in Kaduna, Kill 13, Abduct Several Guests

Published

on

Commissioner of Police in Kaduna State is CP Muhammad Rabiu

Gunmen Attack Wedding in Kaduna, Kill 13, Abduct Several Guests

Suspected bandits have attacked a wedding ceremony in Kahir village, located in Kagarko Local Government Area, killing at least 13 people and abducting an unspecified number of guests.

The incident occurred late Sunday night in Kaduna State when heavily armed assailants reportedly stormed the venue and opened fire on attendees gathered for the celebration.

Eyewitness accounts indicate that the attackers arrived at about 11:47 p.m., shooting indiscriminately inside the wedding hall and causing widespread panic. A resident, Shehu Bala, said some guests sustained gunshot injuries during the assault.

According to reports, the gunmen operated for nearly an hour without resistance, leaving several casualties in their wake.

Injured victims were initially taken to Kagarko General Hospital, while those with critical injuries were later transferred to medical facilities in Kaduna for advanced treatment.

A community leader confirmed that 13 people lost their lives in the attack and have since been buried. He added that efforts are ongoing to ascertain the exact number of those abducted by the assailants.

The attackers were also said to have looted shops within the community, carting away food items, provisions, and drugs from a local chemist during the raid.

“The entire community was thrown into panic due to the heavy gunfire, forcing many residents to flee into nearby bushes,” the community leader said.

Police authorities in Kagarko have confirmed the incident but stated that investigations are still ongoing, particularly regarding the number of abducted victims. The spokesperson of the Kaduna State Police Command, DSP Hassan Mansur, also confirmed the attack, noting that a comprehensive report would be released upon conclusion of investigations.

Meanwhile, the Deputy Governor of Kaduna State, Dr Hadiza Sabuwa Balarabe, alongside a serving senator, visited injured victims receiving treatment at the hospital in Kagarko.

Gunmen Attack Wedding in Kaduna, Kill 13, Abduct Several Guests

Continue Reading
HostArmada Affordable Cloud SSD Shared Hosting
HostArmada - Affordable Cloud SSD Web Hosting

Trending