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Mob lynches newlywed NDLEA officer in Kaduna

Published

1 year ago

February 17, 2025

Aliyu Imran, an Assistant Superintendent of Narcotic 1

Mob lynches newlywed NDLEA officer in Kaduna

A tragic incident unfolded in Gadan-Gayan, Igabi Local Government Area of Kaduna State, as an officer of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), Aliyu Imran, was killed by an angry mob while on duty last Friday.

According to reports, Aliyu, an Assistant Superintendent of Narcotic 1, was targeted by residents following a fatal accident caused by a suspect attempting to evade NDLEA officers.

Witnesses said the officers had been pursuing a suspected drug dealer when the suspect reversed his vehicle in an attempt to escape, running over and killing at least three people.

Conflicting accounts suggest the number of casualties ranged from three to four. As tempers flared in the aftermath, Aliyu reportedly stepped forward in an attempt to de-escalate the situation but was instead attacked by the enraged crowd.

An NDLEA source revealed that as tensions mounted, Aliyu was stabbed, while the Officer-in-Charge called for reinforcements. However, his colleagues fled the area, leaving him behind. A police officer attempted to rescue him and took him to a nearby hospital for treatment. Unfortunately, the mob later stormed the hospital, forcibly removed Aliyu, and set him on fire.

Aliyu’s family has expressed their grief and frustration, accusing the NDLEA of failing to acknowledge the tragedy or offer support.

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A source within the agency stated, “It happened on Friday when some NDLEA officers were conducting an operation at Gadan-Gayan. They are trying to cover it up. When an officer dies in such incidents, instead of compensating the family, NDLEA often suppresses the news.”

The source explained the events leading up to the officer’s death: “Some officers were on patrol when a suspect reversed and attempted to flee. The officers pursued the vehicle, but the suspect crashed, killing four people. When Aliyu stepped out to calm the situation, the crowd turned violent. The Officer-in-Charge signaled for the team to leave, but in the chaos, Aliyu was left behind. The mob stabbed him, and even after a police officer took him to a hospital, they dragged him out and burned him alive.”

He added, “Do you know what’s heartbreaking? He just got married in December. His wife fainted during his burial. The agency has not addressed the incident publicly, and this isn’t the first time such a tragedy has been covered up.”

Another NDLEA officer lamented the agency’s handling of fallen officers, saying, “When an EFCC officer died, it was widely publicized, and a building was named in his honor. But in NDLEA, we don’t get that recognition. Even our salaries are poor, but nobody knows about it.”

Another colleague recounted, “They were patrolling when they signaled a vehicle to stop, but the driver refused. The officers gave chase, and the suspect’s car crashed, killing three people. When they reached the scene, villagers attacked them. Aliyu was taken to a hospital, but the mob followed, dragged him out, and set him ablaze. His body was only retrieved after his brother, a military officer, and his colleagues intervened.”

Confirming the incident, NDLEA spokesperson Femi Babafemi dismissed allegations that the agency had abandoned Aliyu’s family.

“The chairman of the agency is personally in touch with the family. A delegation led by the director of operations and general investigations has been sent to Kaduna to meet them. Additionally, another commander was dispatched earlier by the chairman. There’s no truth to claims that the family has been neglected.”
He further revealed that steps were being taken regarding the incident, stating, “To show the seriousness of this matter, the management has suspended the commander involved. This is an ongoing investigation, and the agency remains in close contact with the family while working to uncover the full circumstances surrounding the tragedy.”

Mob lynches newlywed NDLEA officer in Kaduna

(SAHARA REPORTERS)

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Nigeria’s Ambassador-Designate to Algeria, Mohammed Lele, Dies at 50

Published

7 hours ago

April 22, 2026

Trends Admin

Nigeria’s Ambassador-Designate to Algeria, Mohammed Lele

Nigeria’s Ambassador-Designate to Algeria, Mohammed Lele, Dies at 50

Nigeria’s Ambassador-Designate to Algeria, Mohammed Lele, has died at the age of 50 after a prolonged illness, the Federal Ministry of Foreign Affairs has confirmed.

In a statement issued in Abuja on Wednesday, the ministry disclosed that Lele passed away on April 19, 2026, in Ankara, Türkiye, where he had been receiving medical attention before his death.

The ministry explained that Lele was serving as Director in charge of the Middle East and Gulf Division at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs before his nomination and Senate confirmation as Nigeria’s ambassador-designate to Algeria by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.

It noted that although he had been confirmed for the diplomatic posting, he died before formally assuming duty as Nigeria’s envoy to Algeria.

The statement read in part: “The late Ambassador Lele, until his death after a protracted illness, was the Director in charge of the Middle East and Gulf Division in the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.”

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Born in Gamawa, Bauchi State, in 1976, Lele studied Economics at Bayero University, Kano, before joining Nigeria’s Foreign Service, where he built a long-standing career in diplomacy.

He served Nigeria in several foreign missions, including postings in Berlin, Lomé, and Riyadh, where he was widely regarded as a disciplined and experienced career diplomat with deep expertise in international relations.

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs described him as a committed officer with strong intellectual capacity and strategic insight, noting his contributions to advancing Nigeria’s foreign policy objectives, particularly in the Middle East and Gulf regions.

“Ambassador Lele was known for his intellectual depth, strategic insight and commitment to the advancement of Nigeria’s foreign policy objectives,” the ministry added.

His death has been described as a major loss to Nigeria’s diplomatic service, with officials noting his role in strengthening the country’s international engagements and diplomatic relations.

His remains were received in Abuja by officials of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs before being moved to Kano State for burial in accordance with Islamic rites.

Further arrangements for condolence visits and official tributes are expected to be announced by the federal government and the diplomatic community.

Nigeria’s Ambassador-Designate to Algeria, Mohammed Lele, Dies at 50

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CBN Raises Alarm Over Fake Messages, Cyber Hack Attempts on Nigerians’ Accounts

Published

7 hours ago

April 22, 2026

Trends Admin

CBN Warns Nigerians Over Fake Messages, Rising Cyber Hack Attempts on Bank Accounts

The Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) has issued a fresh alert to Nigerians over increasing cyber hack attempts targeting personal and bank accounts through fraudulent messages and emails falsely claiming to originate from the apex bank.

In a statement signed by its Acting Director of Corporate Communications, Hakama Sidi Ali, the regulator said it had identified a surge in phishing attacks designed to deceive members of the public and gain access to sensitive personal information.

According to the CBN, the fraudulent communications—circulating via emails, SMS, and online platforms—often contain misleading claims about the bank’s leadership, licensing activities, and policy decisions, while prompting recipients to click on suspicious links.

The apex bank warned that such messages are crafted to trick unsuspecting users into revealing confidential details such as banking credentials, passwords, and verification codes, which can then be used to compromise accounts.

“The official website of the Central Bank of Nigeria remains www.cbn.gov.ng. Members of the public are strongly advised to refrain from clicking links or sharing personal information on suspicious websites,” the statement said.

The CBN urged Nigerians to always verify the authenticity of any communication purportedly from the bank through its official website and recognised media platforms, stressing that it does not request sensitive information via unsolicited messages.

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It also advised the public to report any suspected fraudulent emails, websites, or messages to law enforcement agencies and relevant authorities for prompt action.

The warning comes amid a broader rise in cybersecurity threats in Nigeria’s financial sector, as increased digital banking adoption continues to attract cybercriminal activity.

In response, the CBN said it is strengthening its cybersecurity frameworks in collaboration with financial institutions, law enforcement agencies, and other regulators to safeguard the integrity of the financial system.

Recent developments have heightened concerns over digital vulnerabilities. On April 15, the Corporate Affairs Commission (CAC) confirmed a cyberattack on its information systems, raising alarms about data security within critical government platforms.

Similarly, the Nigeria Data Protection Commission (NDPC) recently launched an investigation into an alleged data breach involving Remita Payment Services Limited and Sterling Bank, alongside other entities.

Experts say these incidents highlight the urgent need for stronger digital protection measures, as cybercriminals increasingly exploit weak security practices and user vulnerabilities.

The CBN reiterated its commitment to protecting Nigerians’ financial data and urged individuals and organisations to remain vigilant, adopt secure online practices, and promptly report suspicious activities to prevent financial losses.

CBN Raises Alarm Over Fake Messages, Cyber Hack Attempts on Nigerians’ Accounts

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BREAKING: Power Minister Steps Down, Eyes Oyo 2027 Election

Published

7 hours ago

April 22, 2026

Trends Admin

Adebayo Adelabu

BREAKING: Power Minister Steps Down, Eyes Oyo 2027 Election

Nigeria’s Minister of Power, Adebayo Adelabu, has officially resigned from office to pursue his long-standing ambition of contesting the Oyo State governorship election, bringing days of speculation to an end.

In a resignation letter dated April 22, 2026, and addressed to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, Adelabu said his decision was driven by the need to fully concentrate on his gubernatorial bid in line with the provisions of the Amended Electoral Act 2026, which requires political office holders to step down before seeking elective positions.

The letter was submitted through the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, George Akume, following a meeting between the former minister and the President on Tuesday, where he formally communicated his intention to exit the Federal Executive Council (FEC).

“My decision to step down is informed by my intention to focus fully on my gubernatorial ambition in Oyo State,” Adelabu stated, noting that the aspiration dates back to 2016 during his tenure as Deputy Governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria.

A member of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Adelabu previously contested the Oyo State governorship election in 2023 under the Accord Party but lost to incumbent governor, Seyi Makinde of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).

During his tenure, Adelabu said his administration implemented power sector reforms aimed at stabilising Nigeria’s electricity market, including tariff adjustments and a N4 trillion debt restructuring programme.

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According to him, these measures significantly boosted market revenue—from about N1 trillion in 2023 to N1.7 trillion in 2024 and N2.3 trillion in 2025—while improving investor confidence and setting the sector on a path toward long-term sustainability.

He also cited progress in rural electrification and renewable energy deployment, which expanded access to electricity in underserved communities, including schools and healthcare facilities across the country.

Despite these gains, Adelabu acknowledged that the sector continues to face critical challenges such as gas supply constraints, infrastructure vandalism, and inefficiencies across the electricity value chain.

To address these issues, he recommended the implementation of cost-reflective tariffs with targeted subsidies for vulnerable Nigerians, recapitalisation of distribution companies, accelerated nationwide metering, and sustained investment in transmission infrastructure to improve grid stability.

He further proposed the creation of a Coordinating Minister for Energy to oversee strategic alignment across power, gas, water resources, and environmental sectors, noting that such integration would enhance both thermal and hydroelectric power generation.

Adelabu’s resignation is widely seen as part of early political realignment ahead of the 2027 elections, particularly in Oyo State, where he is expected to be a key contender.

The Presidency is expected to announce a replacement or interim leadership for the Ministry of Power to ensure continuity in ongoing reforms and projects within the sector.