Customs Seizes ₦3bn Worth of Cannabis Sativa from Canada

The Tincan Island Command of the Nigerian Customs Service (NCS) has intercepted a container filled with Cannabis Sativa, imported from Canada.

According to Comptroller Gen of Customs, Wale Adeniyi, the illicit drug is estimated to be worth over ₦3 billion. Alongside the cannabis, customs officials also discovered several cartons of cough syrup in the same shipment.

This seizure comes shortly after the Customs Service reported another successful operation, intercepting smuggled Premium Motor Spirit (PMS) valued at ₦106 million over a span of seven days.

Comptroller Kehinde Ejibunu, National Coordinator of Operation Whirlwind, highlighted that their recent efforts led to the confiscation of 26,950 liters of petroleum products worth about ₦19 million. These products were being illicitly transported out of the country into neighboring Benin Republic.

Speaking at a press briefing in Abeokuta, Ejibunu emphasized that such smuggling activities contribute to artificial scarcity within Nigeria, subsequently inflating local fuel prices.

He detailed that the seized petroleum products included 978 kegs of 25 liters, totaling the aforementioned 26,950 liters, all apprehended within Zone A of the Nigeria Customs Service, encompassing Lagos and Ogun states.

“The Operation Whirlwind team, operational for just two weeks, intercepted these 26,950 liters of premium motor spirit, valued at ₦19 million,” Ejibunu stated.

He underscored the economic impact of smuggling on Nigeria, calling for coordinated efforts among relevant agencies to combat these illicit activities effectively.

Further operational details revealed specific interceptions, such as 121 kegs of PMS totaling 3,025 liters seized on May 31, 2024, along the Badagry/Seme road in Lagos State. Additionally, on June 7, 2024, 77 drums of PMS (616 kegs, equivalent to 15,400 liters) were captured at Seayab Petroleum along the Imeko/Obada road in Ogun State using a truck with registration number 95D4244D. Another 100 kegs (2,500 liters) were impounded on June 8 along Owode/Atan Road in Ogun State, and 141 kegs (6,025 liters) at Julankoly Oil and Gas along the Owode/Ilaro Road.

Ejibunu confirmed that the implicated petroleum stations have been sealed, and legal proceedings will follow against their owners. He also announced that the confiscated products, due to their inflammable nature, would be condemned and subsequently auctioned off.

The Customs official concluded by issuing a stern warning to individuals involved in economic sabotage, urging them to desist or face the full force of the law.

The Federal High Court in Abuja has postponed the arraignment of former Kogi State Governor, Yahaya Bello, in an alleged money laundering case brought against him by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC).

The adjournment, agreed upon by both parties’ lawyers, shifts the proceedings to June 27, 2024.

Originally scheduled for today, June 13, 2024, the arraignment was deferred after the EFCC’s legal team indicated inconvenience with the date, according to Adeola Adedipe, counsel to Bello.

He disclosed that an agreement was reached among all parties that June 27 would be more suitable for the arraignment.

Speaking in court, Adedipe expressed surprise over what he perceived as a communication breakdown within the EFCC’s prosecution team, led by Kemi Phinhero and represented in court by Rotimi Oyedepo.

Oyedepo, however, stated that he was unaware of any off-court meetings or the decision to adjourn Bello’s arraignment.

In response, Justice Emeka Nwite accepted the lawyers’ undertaking that Bello would appear in court on the new date, despite the unconventional manner in which the adjournment was agreed upon.

The judge emphasized the importance of adhering to judicial undertakings.

Yahaya Bello served as Kogi State Governor from January 27, 2016, until January 27, 2024, when he handed over to his successor, Usman Ododo, both of whom are members of the All Progressives Congress (APC).

The EFCC’s attempt to arrest Bello on April 17, 2024, at his Abuja residence was thwarted when Usman Ododo reportedly intervened and removed Bello from the scene.

Subsequently, the EFCC declared Bello wanted, warning against obstruction of its operations, a stance supported by the Attorney General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Lateef Fagbemi, who urged Bello to surrender himself.

Operatives of the Ibadan Zonal Directorate of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) have struck a major blow against cybercrime with the arrest of 127 suspected internet fraudsters in Ondo State.

In a statement released via its official X handle, the EFCC revealed that the arrests took place during the early hours of Saturday morning at a notorious “Yahoo Party” simultaneously held at Signature and Abah Clubs in Akure, the state capital.

The statement highlighted the strategic maneuvering of the alleged perpetrators, stating, “Credible intelligence showed that the alleged party was initially scheduled for Wednesday, June 5, 2024, but was later moved to Saturday to beat security and intelligence networks of the EFCC.”

According to the anti-graft agency, the suspects have provided valuable information to investigators, aiding in the crackdown on cybercrime.

The haul from the operation included a variety of assets seized from the suspects, comprising 10 exotic cars, phones, laptops, motorcycles, wristwatches, and numerous incriminating documents.

As investigations continue, the EFCC has declared its intent to swiftly bring the perpetrators to justice, affirming, “They will be charged to court as soon as investigations are concluded.”