Operatives from the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) have apprehended four intending pilgrims for allegedly planning to smuggle cocaine ahead of their flight on Wednesday.

According to Femi Babafemi, the Director of Media and Advocacy at NDLEA, the arrests followed an intelligence-led operation.

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NDLEA officials raided Emerald Hotel in the Ladipo area of Oshodi, Lagos State, where the suspects were staying.

The arrested individuals include Usman Kamorudeen (31), Olasunkanmi Owolabi (46), Fatai Yekini (38), and Ayinla Kemi (34).

The suspects were found in two hotel rooms where they had prepared 200 pellets of cocaine weighing 2.20 kilograms for ingestion.

Each room contained 100 wraps of the substance, totaling 200 wraps of cocaine.

Two of the suspects were set to swallow 100 wraps each.

Brig Gen Mohamed Marwa (Retd), the Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of NDLEA, praised the Lagos State Command for its successful operation.

He emphasized the agency’s commitment to tracking and apprehending those attempting to use pilgrimage as a cover for drug trafficking, thus protecting the country’s image.

Marwa also noted that the NDLEA would collaborate with Saudi Arabian authorities to identify and prosecute the intended recipients of the illicit drugs in Saudi Arabia.

The House of Representatives has made a notable move towards the creation of Orlu State from the current Imo State, with a bill supporting the new state’s formation passing its first reading.

This legislative effort is spearheaded by Hon. Ikenga Imo Ugochinyere, representing Ideato North/South federal constituency, alongside 15 other legislators.

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Following the bill’s initial reading, Ugochinyere released a statement lauding the progress as a testament to the South-East’s commitment to a more promising future.

He underscored the historical disparities faced by the South-East, noting that it currently has fewer states compared to other geo-political zones in Nigeria.

Ugochinyere expressed optimism that the establishment of Orlu State, with Orlu city as its capital, would stimulate significant economic and socio-political advancements in the region.

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The proposed state aims to create new senatorial zones that incorporate areas from the present Imo, Abia, and Anambra States, with Ideato Federal Constituency envisioned as one of these new zones.

This restructuring is expected to enhance regional unity and drive collective progress.

The bill’s implications extend beyond administrative changes, promising a transformative impact on the region’s economic landscape.

Ugochinyere argued that by creating new local government areas and splitting federal constituencies, the region’s untapped potential could be fully harnessed, fostering growth, innovation, and opportunities for future generations.

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Politically, the creation of Orlu State would enhance the South-East’s representation, giving its people a stronger voice to advocate for their interests within a dedicated state government.

This move is seen as a crucial step towards addressing the long-standing issue of political marginalization in the region.

Ugochinyere credited his colleagues in the House for their unwavering support, which has been instrumental in advancing the bill.

He also acknowledged the numerous individuals and organizations backing the initiative, reflecting widespread solidarity with the people of Orlu.

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Despite this initial success, Ugochinyere emphasized that the journey is far from complete.

He called for sustained public support as the bill undergoes further legislative scrutiny. He encouraged supporters to remain steadfast, highlighting that the dream of Orlu State is within reach through collective effort.

Ugochinyere concluded by urging continued advocacy and engagement, stressing the significance of this milestone and the critical work ahead.

The upcoming weeks will be pivotal as the bill navigates the legislative process, with public and governmental support being essential to realize the vision of Orlu State.

The Enugu Zonal Command of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) announced the arrest of 100 suspected internet fraudsters on Wednesday. The arrests took place at various locations across Enugu State.

According to an EFCC statement, the operation was carried out based on “actionable intelligence about suspected activities of an organized syndicate of internet fraudsters operating along Ibagwa-Nike and other locations in the Enugu metropolis.”

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During the raids, the EFCC operatives seized several items, including three luxury cars, numerous mobile phones, and laptops.

The suspects are currently under investigation and will be arraigned in court upon the conclusion of the investigative process.

An Enugu Magistrate Court on Thursday remanded Igwe Herbert Ukuta, the traditional ruler of the Igga community in Uzo-Uwani Local Government Area, along with a former community councillor and three others, in prison for alleged murder and membership in a terrorist group.

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The defendants, who had been detained at the state criminal investigation department for over a month, were arraigned by the Enugu State Police Command on a 10-count charge before the Enugu North Magistrate Court 1.

The charges, listed under Charge No. MEN/320c/2024, include conspiracy, being members of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) and its security wing, Eastern Security Network (ESN), and the murder of five individuals, including two police officers. The police cited violations under the Terrorism (Prevention and Prohibition) Act 2022 and the Criminal Code.

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Key charges against them include:
– Conspiracy to commit felony by joining a terrorist group, punishable under Sections 26(1) and 25(3) of the Terrorism Act.
– Recruiting individuals into IPOB/ESN, a proscribed terrorist organization, punishable under Section 18 of the Terrorism Act.
– Participation in the activities of IPOB and ESN and failing to report these activities, punishable under Section 16(1)(a) and (b) of the Terrorism Act.
– Unlawful killing of Police Inspector Nwoga Cornellus, Police Constable Ikowa Anthony, and civilians Emegoni Aloysius, Adada Joshua, and Eze Fidelis, all punishable under Section 319(1) of the Criminal Code.

The defendants did not enter pleas, as the magistrate court lacks the jurisdiction to hear cases under the federal terrorism act. Consequently, all accused individuals were ordered to be remanded at the Enugu Maximum Correctional Centre.

A fire broke out on Tuesday night at the Timber Market on Kenyatta Street, Uwani, Enugu, damaging at least five shops.

The swift response from the State Fire Service prevented the blaze from spreading further within the plywood market.

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The fire service received an emergency call around 9:45 p.m. and quickly mobilized to the scene, containing the fire to just five shops.

“As you can see, only about five shops were affected by the fire in this big market. I cannot say much on this incident as I am not the Chief Fire Officer,” said a firefighter who wished to remain anonymous.

An eyewitness, Joe, recounted the rapid response of both local residents and the fire service.

“Some neighbors in the area rushed to the market, and within a few minutes, the fire service arrived and quenched the fire. I thank God and the fire service for the quick response, otherwise, it would have been disastrous,” he told the News Agency of Nigeria.

The prompt intervention averted a potentially catastrophic situation, preserving the majority of the market from the fire’s reach.