Court Orders Forfeiture of ₦33.6bn Opioids Seized by NDLEA at Onne Port

The Federal High Court in Port Harcourt has granted an interim forfeiture order on 17 containers of illicit opioids worth ₦33.6 billion, seized by the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency, NDLEA, in one of the largest pharmaceutical drug interceptions in Nigeria’s recent anti-narcotics operations.

The containers were intercepted at the Port Harcourt Ports Complex in Onne, Rivers State, between April and September 2025, during multiple coordinated inspections targeting suspicious cargo linked to drug trafficking in Nigeria.

According to court filings and NDLEA statements, the shipments contained a massive haul of controlled substances, including 19.6 million pills of Tramadol, Tafrodol, Tapentadol, and Carisoprodol, as well as 2,496,400 bottles of Codeine syrup, with a combined estimated street value of ₦33,691,200,000.

The forfeiture order was issued by Justice Adamu Turaki Mohammed of the Federal High Court, Port Harcourt, following a motion ex parte filed by the NDLEA on February 10, 2026, in suit number FHC/PH/MISC/25/2026.

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In his ruling, the judge ordered that the 17 shipping containers, along with their contents weighing about 365,657 kilograms of psychotropic substances, be temporarily forfeited to the Federal Government of Nigeria pending final determination of the case.

He further directed that custody and possession of the seized containers be handed over to the applicant agency until the conclusion of legal proceedings.

Reacting to the ruling, NDLEA Chairman/Chief Executive, Brig. Gen. Mohamed Buba Marwa (Rtd), described the development as a significant blow to drug cartels operating in Nigeria, stating that the forfeiture effectively dismantles the financial structure behind the illicit trade.

He said the seizure was not only a disruption of supply but a direct hit on the economic backbone of criminal syndicates that profit from the distribution of dangerous opioids, particularly among young people.

Marwa commended the Nigerian judiciary for what he described as swift and firm intervention, noting that judicial cooperation remains critical in the fight against illicit drug trafficking and substance abuse in Nigeria.

He also praised NDLEA operatives attached to the Onne Port Command for their vigilance and professionalism, which led to the detection of the concealed shipments. He acknowledged the support of sister agencies, including the Nigeria Customs Service and other port stakeholders, whose collaboration ensured the success of the operation.

The NDLEA boss further highlighted the role of international intelligence partners in strengthening Nigeria’s anti-narcotics efforts, adding that global cooperation continues to play a key role in intercepting transnational drug shipments.

Authorities say the latest forfeiture reinforces Nigeria’s ongoing crackdown on opioid trafficking networks, which have been identified as a major contributor to drug abuse and public health concerns across the country.

Court Orders Forfeiture of ₦33.6bn Opioids Seized by NDLEA at Onne Port

Yobe Deputy Governor Explains Why He Built 50 Mosques, Married Off 10 Orphan Girls

The Deputy Governor of Yobe State, Idi Barde Gubana, has commissioned 50 mosques and facilitated the marriages of 10 female orphans under his care in Fune Local Government Area, as part of a broader humanitarian and faith-based intervention.

The initiative was carried out through his foundation, the Gorbo Foundation, which focuses on supporting orphans, vulnerable women, and disadvantaged groups through education, welfare, and community development programmes.

Speaking to journalists during the commissioning of one of the mosques built within the Emir of Fune’s palace, Gubana said the projects were designed to strengthen religious values and community welfare, while also providing long-term support for vulnerable children.

He explained that the marriages of the 10 female orphans were conducted after they had been raised and educated under the foundation’s care, adding that the beneficiaries were joined to partners of their choice.

According to him, the gesture is part of his personal commitment to charity (sadaqah) and gratitude to God for elevating him from a humble background to public office.

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“We currently have over 1,400 orphans under our care. We train them from primary to secondary school, and some are now in tertiary institutions. Some have graduated and found partners, which is why we supported their marriages,” he said.

Gubana added that his administration and foundation remain committed to expanding support for orphan welfare programmes in Yobe State, including education sponsorship and community empowerment initiatives.

He also called on wealthy individuals, political leaders, and organisations to invest more in orphans’ welfare, mosque development, and social support systems that improve both spiritual and economic well-being in society.

Commending the initiative, the Chief Imam of the National Mosque, Abuja, Ibrahim Maqari, praised the deputy governor’s efforts in supporting vulnerable groups and promoting Islamic welfare values.

However, he advised that more support should be extended to the married beneficiaries, particularly through startup capital and small business empowerment, to help them become financially independent in their new homes.

The development highlights ongoing efforts by political and religious leaders in northern Nigeria to combine social welfare programmes, Islamic charity, and community development initiatives aimed at addressing poverty and vulnerability among orphans and women.

Yobe Deputy Governor Explains Why He Built 50 Mosques, Married Off 10 Orphan Girls

BREAKING: FG Files Treason, Terrorism Charges Against Alleged Coup Plotters

The Federal Government has filed a 13-count charge against alleged coup plotters in Nigeria, accusing six individuals—including retired military officers and a serving police inspector—of treason, terrorism, and terrorism financing in a case that could become one of the country’s most significant national security trials in recent years.

The defendants—retired Major General Mohammed Gana, retired Naval Captain Erasmus Victor, Inspector Ahmed Ibrahim, Zekeri Umoru, Bukar Goni, and Abdulkadir Sani—are expected to be arraigned on April 22 before the Federal High Court in Abuja.

Also listed in the charge, but currently at large, is former Minister of State for Petroleum Resources, Timipre Sylva, whose inclusion has heightened public interest in the unfolding coup plot case in Nigeria.

The charge was filed by the Office of the Attorney-General of the Federation and signed by Director of Public Prosecutions, Rotimi Oyedepo. It outlines multiple offences, including treasonable felony, conspiracy to wage war, failure to disclose security intelligence, and money laundering linked to terrorism financing.

According to the prosecution, the defendants allegedly conspired in 2025 to “levy war against the state” and overpower the government led by Bola Ahmed Tinubu. Authorities claim the accused had prior knowledge of a planned coup involving other conspirators but failed to alert security agencies or take preventive action.

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The Federal Government further alleged that the defendants withheld critical intelligence that could have stopped the planned acts, thereby violating provisions of Nigerian criminal law. Prosecutors also accused them of participating in meetings and activities aimed at destabilising the country’s constitutional order.

Under the Terrorism (Prevention and Prohibition) Act, 2022, the defendants are accused of conspiring to commit acts capable of threatening national stability. Some of the accused were specifically linked to gatherings and planning sessions tied to the alleged plot.

Financial investigations also form a key part of the case, with several defendants accused of handling funds connected to terrorism financing in Nigeria. Bukar Kashim Goni allegedly retained ₦50 million believed to be proceeds of terrorism financing, while Abdulkadir Sani is accused of holding ₦2 million from similar sources.

Zekeri Umoru allegedly received ₦10 million outside the formal financial system and retained an additional ₦8.8 million suspected to be linked to unlawful activities. Inspector Ahmed Ibrahim was also accused of possessing ₦1 million tied to the same network.

The case is part of a broader investigation into an alleged coup plot that first gained attention in October 2025, when the Federal Government cancelled a ceremonial parade marking Nigeria’s 65th Independence Anniversary. Although initial reports linking the cancellation to a coup attempt were denied, subsequent developments confirmed security concerns.

Later in October 2025, authorities arrested 16 military officers in connection with the alleged plot, while others were declared at large. In January 2026, the Defence Headquarters confirmed that investigations had uncovered a plan to overthrow the government.

According to the Director of Defence Information, Samaila Uba, those implicated would face appropriate legal proceedings in line with military and civil laws.

The arrests have since sparked protests and appeals from families of detained officers, who have demanded a fair and open trial in Nigeria. In recent weeks, relatives staged demonstrations at the National Assembly, calling for access to the suspects and speedy prosecution.

With the arraignment set to begin, the FG 13-count charge against alleged coup plotters is expected to test Nigeria’s judicial system and its handling of high-profile treason and terrorism cases.

BREAKING: FG Files Treason, Terrorism Charges Against Alleged Coup Plotters