NDLEA Arrests 12 Apapa Dock Workers over Link to Seized N9.5bn Cocaine - Newstrends
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NDLEA Arrests 12 Apapa Dock Workers over Link to Seized N9.5bn Cocaine

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5 years ago

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The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) yesterday said it had arrested 12 dockworkers at the Apapa Seaport in Lagos over their alleged link to the importation of 32.9 kilogrammes of cocaine worth over N9.5 billion in street value.

Director, Media, and Advocacy, NDLEA Headquarters, Abuja, Mr. Femi Babafemi, said this in a statement yesterday.

Babafemi said a Federal High Court in Lagos had granted an application by the agency for the interim attachment of a vessel, MV Chayanee Naree, used to import the 32.9 kilogrammes of cocaine into Nigeria through the Apapa Seaport.

He said besides the attachment order, the court also granted NDLEA’s request to detain the Master of the ship, Mr. Tanahan Krilerk, and 21 foreign crew members as well as the dockworkers arrested in connection to the case.

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“The anti-narcotic agency had on October 13 intercepted the ship at the Apapa seaport following intelligence from international partners and support from other security forces such as the Nigerian Navy, Nigeria Customs Service, DSS, and the police. A thorough search of the ship led to the recovery of 30 parcels containing cocaine, which weighed 32.9kg.

“The application in suit no: FHC/L/CS/1518/2021, which was filed by the agency’s Director of Prosecution and Legal Services, Joseph Nbone Sunday on Thursday 28th October was granted the following day Friday, 29th October by Hon. Justice A.O. Awogboro. An application to renew the remand order was also filed on Friday, 12th November because of the volume of evidence coming out from the cooperation of the suspects in custody,” Babafemi said.

The NDLEA in the statement said its clarification became necessary following claims by the Maritime Workers Union of Nigeria that some of its members are being detained unlawfully by the agency.

“Of the total number of 18 dockworkers initially being interviewed by operatives, six of them with no sufficient evidence linking them to the crime had been released while 12 others with significant links are cooperating with the ongoing investigation. In line with the intelligence available to the agency, there is a syndicate of dockworkers, crew members with apparent international conspirators who work in synergy to traffic in the illicit substances. While the substances are concealed in the shipment from the originating Port, the dockworkers assist to pick up the illicit consignment for onward delivery to the Nigerian drug barons.

“In the case of a criminal investigation of this magnitude, it is lawful and expedient to investigate those within the purview of the agency’s reasonable suspicion and those who do not have any serious involvement are let go. “Already, two dockworkers are now on the run, after absconding from their place of work, since the beginning of the investigation.

“For the avoidance of doubt, all the agency’s actions are guided by international best practices and in line with the Global Maritime Standard Operational Procedure on arrest, seizure, and detention of vessels and crew members,” the statement added.

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Fayose Petitions IGP, Threatens Lawsuit Over Rape, Torture Allegations

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26 minutes ago

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November 10, 2026

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Fayose Petitions IGP, Threatens Lawsuit Over Rape, Torture Allegations
Isaac Fayose
Fayose Petitions IGP, Threatens Lawsuit Over Rape, Torture Allegations

Businessman and social commentator, Isaac Fayose, has petitioned the Inspector-General of Police (IGP) and threatened legal action against a woman identified as Queen of Abuja over allegations that he raped and tortured her and her three-year-old son.

Fayose, younger brother of former Ekiti State Governor, Ayodele Fayose, is demanding that the woman withdraw the allegations, apologise publicly and remove the contentious publications from social media within three days or face legal consequences.

The development followed a series of posts by the woman, also identified as Alexandria, on the social media platform Threads on Sunday, November 8, 2026, accusing the businessman of sexually assaulting and torturing her and her young son.

In the posts, she alleged that the incidents began in May 2026 and claimed to possess evidence to support her accusations. She also threatened to release further information about the alleged incidents.

In one of the publications, she directly mentioned Fayose, insisting that he would face the consequences of his alleged actions. She further claimed that she had shared evidence with him.

However, Fayose has rejected the accusations through his legal representatives, who described the publications as defamatory and damaging to their client’s reputation.

The legal threat was contained in a pre-action notice dated November 8, 2026, and signed by Nzedebe Chinonso Paul, principal partner of the law firm representing Fayose.

The notice, which Fayose shared on his Instagram account on Monday, November 9, stated that the businessman had received calls and messages from friends and acquaintances informing him that his name was trending on social media over the allegations.

According to the lawyers, the publications had exposed their client to public ridicule and damaged his reputation as a businessman and social commentator.

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They also questioned the woman’s reference to her three-year-old son in the allegations, challenging her to explain the connection she claimed existed between the child and their client.

The legal representatives demanded the immediate and unconditional withdrawal of the allegations, alongside an unreserved public apology.

They further insisted that the retraction should extend beyond the woman’s personal social media accounts to bloggers and other platforms that had republished the accusations.

The lawyers warned that failure to comply within three days would compel them to pursue available legal remedies, including instituting a civil lawsuit and petitioning the appropriate authorities for investigation and possible prosecution.

Fayose Takes Matter to Police

In a separate move, Fayose petitioned the Inspector-General of Police over what he described as cyberbullying, criminal defamation, blackmail and victimisation involving the woman.

The petition, also dated November 8, was submitted through his legal representatives following the social media publications.

In the document, Fayose accused Alexandria of publishing allegations that he raped and tortured her and her three-year-old son.

His lawyers urged the police chief to investigate the matter and take appropriate action against the woman and anyone else allegedly connected with the publications.

Fayose also made his position public on Instagram, warning that the woman had between two and three days to respond to his demands or face court action.

The police petition marks a further escalation of the dispute, which has attracted attention on social media.

However, the allegations against Fayose have not been independently established, and the legal notice and police petition represent the position of his legal team rather than findings by a court or investigative authority.

As of Monday, November 9, 2026, there was no reported court judgment establishing the truth of the allegations or determining liability between the parties.

The matter could now proceed through formal legal channels if the parties fail to resolve their differences.

Fayose Petitions IGP, Threatens Lawsuit Over Rape, Torture Allegations

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‘Miracle’ Turns Sour as Visiting Pastor Vanishes with Congregants’ Phones During Crusade in Edo

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12 hours ago

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November 9, 2026

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‘Miracle’ Turns Sour as Visiting Pastor Vanishes with Congregants’ Phones During Crusade in Edo

By NewsTrends Correspondent

UROMI, EDO STATE – Worshippers in Uromi, Edo State, have reportedly been left devastated after a visiting pastor allegedly disappeared with their mobile phones during a prayer programme.

The incident, which reportedly occurred over the weekend, has sparked outrage and widespread reactions on social media after videos showing some of the affected worshippers crying over their losses emerged online.

According to reports, the visiting cleric instructed participants at the religious gathering to surrender their mobile phones and place them at the altar before the commencement of prayers.

The worshippers reportedly complied with the directive, apparently trusting the pastor’s instructions.

However, the situation allegedly took a dramatic turn when the cleric disappeared with the devices during the programme, leaving the congregation shocked and confused.

Videos circulating online show some of the affected worshippers, particularly women, visibly distressed and lamenting the disappearance of their belongings.

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One of the women was heard expressing her frustration and concern over how she would cope without her mobile phone.

The circumstances surrounding the incident have generated widespread criticism, with many Nigerians questioning why worshippers were persuaded to surrender their personal belongings to a visiting religious leader.

The identity of the pastor, the exact number of phones allegedly taken and his whereabouts had yet to be established as of the time of filing this report.

Meanwhile, The Sun Nigeria reported that the Edo State Police Command had not confirmed the incident as of Monday, November 9.

The development has renewed calls for caution among religious worshippers against surrendering valuable personal belongings to individuals under the guise of spiritual instructions.

Miracle’ Turns Sour as Visiting Pastor Vanishes with Congregants’ Phones During Crusade in Edo

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‘You’re Peter Obi’s Unofficial Spokesman’ – Bwala Accuses Arise TV’s Rufai Oseni

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20 hours ago

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November 9, 2026

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‘You’re Peter Obi’s Unofficial Spokesman’ – Bwala Accuses Arise TV’s Rufai Oseni

 

ABUJA, Nigeria – Presidential spokesperson Daniel Bwala has accused Arise Television presenter Rufai Oseni of acting as an unofficial spokesperson for former Anambra State Governor and Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) presidential candidate, Peter Obi.

 

Bwala made the allegation on Monday, November 9, 2026, in a post on X while reacting to Obi’s criticism of President Bola Tinubu over his administration’s handling of public resources and governance.

 

The presidential spokesman alleged that Oseni drafted a recent social media post by Obi to enable the former Anambra governor to amplify his criticism of the Federal Government during the Arise Television morning programme.

 

In the post, Bwala questioned why the broadcaster would not openly acknowledge his alleged political relationship with Obi.

 

“That tweet of @PeterObi was drafted to him by Rufai Oseni so he (Rufai) would amplify on their morning show. Check the pattern and flow as revealed to me by my sources in their camp.

 

“What is wrong with openly acknowledging that he is Obi’s unofficial spokesman? Hypocrites,” Bwala wrote.

 

What Triggered Bwala’s Outburst?

 

Bwala’s accusation followed a post by Obi titled, “Good Day, Mr President: Nigerians Deserve Accountability,” in which the NDC presidential candidate challenged Tinubu to account for funds saved from the removal of petrol subsidy, government borrowings and increased government revenue.

 

Obi also questioned the administration’s achievements in addressing poverty, out-of-school children, inadequate healthcare, poor electricity supply and insecurity.

 

Reacting to the post, Bwala suggested that Oseni was behind its composition and intended to use his television platform to give Obi’s criticism wider publicity.

 

However, the presidential spokesman did not provide evidence to substantiate his allegation that the Arise Television presenter drafted Obi’s post.

 

Political Tensions Ahead of 2027 Elections

 

The latest exchange comes amid growing political disagreements between supporters of the Tinubu administration and opposition figures ahead of the 2027 general elections.

 

Oseni has become a prominent voice in public discussions on governance, frequently interrogating politicians and challenging public officials on issues affecting Nigerians.

 

Bwala, on the other hand, has been actively defending the Tinubu administration against criticism from opposition politicians and other public commentators.

 

The allegation has again brought attention to the relationship between political communication, media independence and the responsibility of journalists to hold public officials accountable.

 

While Bwala has questioned Oseni’s perceived neutrality, his allegation that the broadcaster authored Obi’s post remains unsubstantiated based on the information contained in his public statement.

 

‘You’re Peter Obi’s Unofficial Spokesman’ – Bwala Accuses Arise TV’s Rufai Oseni

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