metro
NDLEA grills socialite, Obi Cubana, for alleged drug links
The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency on Thursday grilled socialite, Obi Iyiegbu, popularly known as Obi Cubana, for his alleged link to the illegal narcotic business, The PUNCH has learnt.
The PUNCH reports that Iyiegbu, who is the Chairman, Cubana group of companies, was grilled for about five hours at the Abuja headquarters of the NDLEA before he was granted bail and asked to return at a future date.
Impeccable sources told our correspondent that suspicious payments were made into Cubana’s account by three convicted drug dealers from Malaysia, Nigeria and India.
Operatives of the NDLEA and the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission have now widened the probe into Cubana and his business network based on the premise that he may be involved in the drug business.
“Obi Cubana arrived at the NDLEA office around 9am and responded to questions for some hours before he was granted bail at 2pm. There are suspicions that he may be a drug kingpin. Some convicted drug dealers paid funds into his account.
“We have been able to establish three of such payments. One of the persons that paid money into his account was convicted in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia; another one that was convicted in New Delhi, India; also paid money into his account while a third person that was arrested at the Murtala Muhammed International Airport, Lagos and convicted in 2017, also paid money into Cubana’s account,” said a source.
READ ALSO:
- Nigeria vs Sudan: Super Eagles set to clip Falcons’ wings
- Man stabbed to death by daughter’s lover
- Fake Army General arrested over N270 million fraud with six guns
The socialite was allowed to go home in order to get some documents which would be presented to the NDLEA.
Cubana who has been in the nightclub business since 2006, grabbed international headlines last July when he organised a lavish funeral for his mother, Ezinne Iyiegbu, in Oba, Idemili South local government area of Anambra State.
The event attracted several entertainers and renowned politicians from across the country including embattled Nigerian super cop, Abba Kyari. Other entertainers that graced the event include- Davido, D’banj, Kcee, Poco Lee and Ubi Franklin/ The guest list also had Nollywood stars and early callers like Kanayo O. Kanayo, Alex Ekubo and Williams Uchemba.
But the highlight of the event was the ostentatious display of wealth as evidenced by the donation of about 400 cows to Cubana as well as the ‘naira rain’.
In what seemed like a bid to outdo one another, Cubana’s associates sprayed him with bundles of new naira notes. In one of the videos that went viral, two guests were seen having a playful cash fight as they threw wads of money at each other, while other guests laughed.
In another viral video, wads of N50, 000 are thrown at Cubana while he juggles them like a football. The event became the most talked about party of 2021 as it trended on social media for several months. After the funeral, Cubana continued to show off his wealth, posting photographs of his trips to exotic locations on private jets.
As his celebrity status blossomed, he was honoured by several dignitaries. In October last year, he was a guest at the Nigerian Army Resource Centre to launch a book titled, ‘ Leadership Principles for Junior Commanders in the Military’ authored by Col. Chukwu Obasi.
He also built a church, The Good Shepherd Anglican Church in his hometown late last year.
READ ALSO:
- NLNG suspends cooking gas export, channels 100% to domestic market
- Ebonyi will never be part of Biafra – Governor Umahi
- Court dissolves 3-year-old marriage after wife eloped with lover
- Hushpuppi: DCP Abba Kyari’s suit seeking stoppage of arrest, extradition suffers setback
When questions about the source of his wealth began to crop up, Cubana told the BBC that he came to Abuja for his National Youth Service Corps programme in 1999 and served at the National Assembly.
He said he went into the real estate business where he got a contract to furnish houses. The socialite added that he got a contract with the Pipelines and Product Marketing Company and later ventured into the hospitality sector where he has made billions of naira.
The 46-year-old has since opened branches of Cubana club in about five states including Imo, Lagos, Rivers, Enugu and Abuja. But the authorities were not satisfied with his explanation.
Cubana, who had hitherto kept a low profile, subsequently became a subject of investigation by the Nigerian government.
In November 2021, he was detained by the EFCC for three days as part of investigations into alleged money laundering, tax fraud and other financial crimes before he was released with a condition that he would continue to report back for questioning.
Other associates of the socialite who have been questioned by the authorities for their flamboyant lifestyle include: Pascal Okechukwu, popularly known as Cubana Chief Priest; and the Chairman, Five Star Group, Emeka Okonkwo aka E-Money.
The Spokesman for the NDLEA, Mr. Femi Babafemi, refused to comment when The PUNCH sought his reaction on Thursday.
An aide to the socialite, Chioma Nwachukwu, however, refused to comment on the matter when she was contacted by The PUNCH.
“There is no comment on the matter now,” she simply said.
Punch
metro
Police Arrest Suspect Over Fake Job Interview Robbery in Magodo
Police Arrest Suspect Over Fake Job Interview Robbery in Magodo
The Lagos State Police Command has arrested a suspect in connection with a fake job interview robbery scheme in which unsuspecting job seekers were allegedly lured to Magodo area of Lagos and dispossessed of their valuables.
The incident came to public attention after a viral video posted on X by user @General_Somto on April 10, which triggered widespread concern over the rising trend of job scam robberies in Lagos targeting young applicants searching for employment.
In the video, one of the victims narrated how the group was deceived into attending what appeared to be a legitimate interview, warning the public to be cautious when responding to job offers online.
“Nigerians, let’s be careful out there. Not all job offers are legit. We went for a job interview in Magodo, Lagos only to be robbed. They took our phones, money, and everything we had on us,” she said.
The victims said the suspects created a convincing interview environment that appeared professional and trustworthy, which initially reduced suspicion. However, shortly after they were asked to step out briefly, they returned to discover that their mobile phones, cash, and personal belongings had been stolen.
READ ALSO:
- BREAKING: ADC Names Atiku, Peter Obi, Others for Tuesday Convention Planning
- BREAKING: Military Intensifies Offensive, Destroys ISWAP Enclave in North-East
- NDLEA Smashes Drug Networks, Arrests Nonagenarian, Doctor in Nationwide Raids
Security sources believe the operation may have been carefully planned and could be part of a wider network using fake recruitment adverts to carry out armed robbery and theft under the guise of employment opportunities.
The Lagos State Police Command confirmed the incident in a statement released on Sunday, noting that the case was reported at about 11 p.m. on April 9, 2026.
According to the police, one suspect has been arrested and is currently in custody, while efforts are ongoing to apprehend other fleeing members of the gang involved in the operation. Investigations are ongoing to uncover the full structure behind the fake job recruitment scam.
Police authorities also warned members of the public, especially job seekers, to be extremely cautious when responding to job advertisements shared on social media and unofficial platforms.
They advised applicants to verify job offers through official company channels, avoid attending interviews in isolated or unverified locations, and always inform trusted contacts before attending any interview.
The command reaffirmed its commitment to tackling emerging forms of cyber-enabled fraud, job scams, and violent robbery networks across Lagos State.
Police Arrest Suspect Over Fake Job Interview Robbery in Magodo
metro
BREAKING: Military Intensifies Offensive, Destroys ISWAP Enclave in North-East
BREAKING: Military Intensifies Offensive, Destroys ISWAP Enclave in North-East
The Nigerian Air Force (NAF), operating under Operation Hadin Kai, has announced the destruction of a major ISWAP logistics hub and terrorist enclave in Jilli, Gubio Local Government Area of Borno State.
The Air Force said the precision strike, carried out on April 11, 2026, targeted a suspected insurgent stronghold used for coordinating terrorist logistics operations and movement of fighters across the North-East.
According to a statement by the Joint Task Force North-East spokesperson, Lt. Col. Sani Uba, the operation followed sustained intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance (ISR) missions along the Bindul–Jilli axis, identified as a key corridor for Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP) activities.
The military explained that intelligence reports had indicated movement of gun trucks and motorcycles believed to be transporting fighters and supplies into the enclave. Continuous aerial surveillance reportedly confirmed the convergence of these assets at a single location before the strike was approved.
Precision Airstrike on Terrorist Enclave in Jilli
The Air Component said it conducted a series of precision-guided airstrikes on the identified target after confirming its coordinates through human intelligence and aerial surveillance.
READ ALSO:
- Police Arrest 23-Year-Old Man Over Alleged Killing of Six-Year-Old Girl in Ibadan
- NDLEA Smashes Drug Networks, Arrests Nonagenarian, Doctor in Nationwide Raids
- 17-Year-Old Student Allegedly Hacks Celebrity WhatsApp Accounts, Sells Explicit Content in School
According to the statement, the strikes achieved high accuracy, destroying the ISWAP logistics base in Borno State and neutralising several fighters inside the enclave. Vehicles and equipment reportedly used for logistics and operations were also destroyed, while surviving militants were seen fleeing the area.
The military added that the operation likely disrupted planned coordinated attacks on troops stationed within the Gubio axis, where insurgents were reportedly preparing for offensive operations.
Strategic Blow to Insurgent Supply Network
The Air Force noted that the Jilli axis has remained a hotspot for insurgent activity in recent months, with previous attacks in nearby communities underscoring its strategic importance to terrorist supply chains and mobility routes.
The military also referenced earlier security incidents in the region, including an IED attack in January that killed soldiers and coordinated assaults in surrounding communities, highlighting the ongoing security challenges in the area.
Troops Arrest Suspected Logistics Courier
In a related development, troops arrested a suspected insurgent logistics courier identified as “Turja Bulu” in Ngamdu on April 12, 2026.
The suspect reportedly confessed to involvement in previous attacks and admitted to transporting food supplies and logistics materials from Jilli to other insurgent cells operating across the region.
Military Reaffirms Motorcycle Ban in North-East
The Joint Task Force also reiterated the ban on motorcycles across the North-East operational theatre, warning that insurgents continue to rely heavily on motorcycles for movement and attacks.
Authorities stressed that violations of the restriction would be treated as a serious security concern and urged residents to comply fully with operational directives.
NAF Pledges Continued Counter-Terrorism Operations
The Nigerian Air Force reaffirmed its commitment to sustaining aggressive operations aimed at dismantling ISWAP and Boko Haram logistics networks across the North-East.
Officials said operations under Operation Hadin Kai would continue with renewed intensity until all terrorist enclaves are destroyed and lasting peace is restored to affected communities.
BREAKING: Military Intensifies Offensive, Destroys ISWAP Enclave in North-East
metro
Police Arrest 23-Year-Old Man Over Alleged Killing of Six-Year-Old Girl in Ibadan
Police Arrest 23-Year-Old Man Over Alleged Killing of Six-Year-Old Girl in Ibadan
The Oyo State Police Command has arrested a 23-year-old man over the alleged killing of a six-year-old girl in Ibadan, the state capital, in a case that has sparked shock and outrage in the affected community.
According to the Police Public Relations Officer, CSP Ayanlade Olayinka, the incident occurred on Saturday, April 11, 2026, at Adigun Village in the Olorunda Ogunsola area of Ona-Ara Local Government Area.
The command said the arrest followed intelligence reports that a young girl had been unlawfully killed, prompting immediate deployment of operatives to the scene to secure the area and apprehend the suspect.
The suspect, identified as Sodiq Kayode Akorede (23), was reportedly found in possession of the victim’s remains, including her severed head, which was recovered by police during the operation. The victim was identified as six-year-old Mutiyatu Sunday.
Police said the suspect was nearly lynched by an angry mob before officers intervened and rescued him from jungle justice, restoring order and taking him into custody.
READ ALSO:
- NDLEA Smashes Drug Networks, Arrests Nonagenarian, Doctor in Nationwide Raids
- 17-Year-Old Student Allegedly Hacks Celebrity WhatsApp Accounts, Sells Explicit Content in School
- VIDEO: Men in Uniform Storm Ughelli Church, Assault Pastor, Wife, Use Tear Gas
Police Say Suspect Confessed During Investigation
Preliminary investigation by the police indicates that the suspect allegedly confessed to the crime during interrogation. Authorities added that he sustained injuries during the mob attack and was taken to a medical facility for treatment before further processing.
The Oyo State Commissioner of Police, Ayodeji Olugbenga, ordered the immediate mobilisation of officers to the scene and directed that evidence be properly secured for investigation and prosecution.
He also condemned the attempt at mob action, warning residents against taking the law into their own hands, noting that such actions hinder proper criminal investigation and undermine the justice system.
The suspect is expected to be transferred to the State Criminal Investigation Department (SCID) in Ibadan for further discreet investigation and possible prosecution.
Police Urge Calm as Investigation Continues
The police command appealed to residents of the area to remain calm and cooperate with security agencies as investigations continue into the circumstances surrounding the alleged killing.
Authorities also urged members of the public to report suspicious activities promptly, stressing that community cooperation remains key in preventing violent crimes and ensuring public safety.
The incident has left residents of the Adigun community in shock, with calls for swift justice and increased security presence in the area.
Police Arrest 23-Year-Old Man Over Alleged Killing of Six-Year-Old Girl in Ibadan
-
metro1 day agoJUST IN: FG Publishes List of 48 Individuals, Groups Linked to Terrorism Financing in Nigeria
-
metro1 day ago42-Year-Old Married Woman Declared Missing Found in Hotel with Man
-
Politics1 day agoDid Faleke Just Reveal Lagos’ Next Governor? Party Moves Begin
-
Education2 days agoGermany Opens Fully Funded Scholarships for Nigerians, Africans
-
Politics1 day ago2027: Oyo APC Governorship Aspirant Saheed Oladele Resigns From Party
-
metro1 day agoADC Threatens Civil Disobedience To Force INEC Chairman To Resign
-
Business2 days agoNigeria May Face ₦2,000 Petrol Price Without Intervention, TUC Warns FG
-
Business2 days agoNaira Strengthens to ₦1,359.31/$ as CBN Data Shows Further Gain in Official Market


