Nigeria News (Standard)
Federal High Court in Lagos Jails Clearing Agent Three Years, Orders Forfeiture of Three Vehicles
Justice Musa Kakaki convicts Olisaemeka Okoli for importing over 610kg of Cannabis indica through Tin Can Island Port
Justice Musa Kakaki convicts Olisaemeka Okoli for importing over 610kg of Cannabis indica through Tin Can Island Port
Justice Musa Kakaki of the Federal High Court, Lagos, on Thursday sentenced a clearing agent, Olisaemeka Okoli, to three years imprisonment for the unlawful importation of 610.5 kilogrammes of Cannabis indica into Nigeria. The court also ordered the forfeiture of three Toyota Sienna vehicles used in concealing the prohibited narcotic to the Federal Government.
Okoli was brought before the court on a one-count charge after being accused of importing the illicit substance on April 30, 2026. Prosecutors told the court that he facilitated the shipment through Hanover Warehouse at Tin Can Island Port in Lagos, using three Toyota Sienna vehicles with vehicle identification numbers 5TDZA29C465388871, 5TDZA23C545189933, and 5TDZA23C255251399 inside a container marked HLBU3119600.
The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) charged Okoli under Section 11(a) of the NDLEA Act, Cap N30 Laws of the Federation of Nigeria, 2004, which prohibits importation of banned narcotics. During proceedings, prosecutors presented evidence showing that Okoli acted without lawful authority to bring in the cannabis.
Delivering judgement, Justice Kakaki found Okoli guilty as charged and noted that such offences remain a major threat to public safety and national security. The judge said: “The court has considered all submissions and evidence before it. The defendant is hereby sentenced to three years imprisonment and ordered to forfeit the three vehicles used in concealing the narcotics.”
The NDLEA welcomed the conviction and said it demonstrates government’s resolve to clamp down on illegal drug trafficking networks operating through Nigerian ports. Spokesperson for NDLEA said: “This judgement should serve as a deterrent to others considering similar acts. We remain committed to securing our borders against illicit drug trade.” No immediate statement was available from Okoli’s legal representatives as at press time.
Legal analysts say convictions such as this highlight rising concerns about use of maritime routes for drug smuggling into Nigeria. Stakeholders have called on port authorities and customs officials to intensify screening measures at all entry points. The forfeited vehicles are expected to be auctioned or repurposed by government agencies according to relevant laws.
Nigeria News (Standard)
FG Launches Probe into Warri-Itakpe Train Crash in Delta State
Railway officials begin investigation as authorities seek to determine cause of Thursday’s incident on strategic North-Central corridor
Railway officials begin investigation as authorities seek to determine cause of Thursday’s incident on strategic North-Central corridor
The federal government has commenced a formal investigation into the recent train crash that occurred on the Warri-Itakpe rail corridor in Delta State on Thursday. Railway officials confirmed that a team of technical experts has been deployed to the site to ascertain the immediate and remote causes of the derailment, which affected a key transportation route linking the South-South to North-Central Nigeria.
According to preliminary reports from railway authorities, the crash happened around midday along a section of track near Warri, disrupting normal services and raising concerns over passenger safety and infrastructure maintenance. Officials stated that all relevant agencies have been mobilised to assess the extent of damage and provide necessary support to affected commuters. No official casualty figures were released as at press time.
The Warri-Itakpe standard gauge rail line is a major federal project designed to boost economic activities by facilitating faster movement of goods and people between major southern ports and industrial hubs in Kogi State. The latest incident is expected to intensify scrutiny over ongoing rail investments, especially amid recent calls for improved safety protocols following previous disruptions on other lines.
An official from the Nigeria Railway Corporation (NRC), who spoke on condition of anonymity, said: “We are working round the clock with engineers and safety officers to determine exactly what led to this derailment. The findings will inform future preventive measures across all routes.” Efforts to reach representatives of passenger unions were unsuccessful as at Thursday evening.
Authorities have assured members of the public that normal rail operations will resume once investigations are concluded and repairs certified as safe. Stakeholders are urging government to prioritise regular track inspections and staff training in order to prevent recurrence, given the strategic importance of rail connectivity for regional integration and economic growth.
Nigeria News (Standard)
Folmus to Host Four-Team Wheelchair Basketball Invitational in Lagos, Promotes Disability Sports
Tournament expected to boost wheelchair basketball visibility; organisers target improved inclusion for athletes with disabilities
Tournament expected to boost wheelchair basketball visibility; organisers target improved inclusion for athletes with disabilities
Folmus, a local sports development organisation, has announced plans to host a four-team wheelchair basketball invitational tournament in Lagos. The event is scheduled to take place within the city, with the aim of promoting disability sports and providing more competitive opportunities for wheelchair basketball athletes in Nigeria.
According to the organisers, preparations are underway to ensure a successful tournament that will bring together teams from across the country. The invitational will feature four selected teams who will compete for honours, with matches expected to hold at a designated sports centre in Lagos. Details regarding participating teams and exact fixtures are yet to be released by Folmus as at Thursday.
Stakeholders say this initiative is coming at a crucial time for disability sports in Nigeria, where athletes living with disabilities often face limited access to quality competitions and training facilities. The tournament is designed not only to showcase sporting talent but also to raise awareness about the challenges and achievements of wheelchair basketball players in the country.
Organisers expressed hope that the event would attract attention from both government officials and private sector sponsors. “We believe that this competition will help draw more support for disability sports and highlight the potential of our athletes,” a Folmus representative said in a statement on Thursday. The group also called on Lagos State authorities and corporate organisations to collaborate in promoting inclusive sporting events.
The tournament is expected to become an annual fixture, with organisers planning to expand participation in future editions. Stakeholders anticipate that increased visibility could lead to more investment in wheelchair basketball infrastructure and inspire greater participation among persons living with disabilities across Nigeria.
Nigeria News (Standard)
Senate Orders Arrest of Ex-NNPC Boss Mele Kyari Over ₦210trn Audit Query
Lawmakers reject plea for delay as Kyari fails to appear over allegations of unaccounted funds between 2017 and 2023
Lawmakers reject plea for delay as Kyari fails to appear over allegations of unaccounted funds between 2017 and 2023
The Senate Committee on Public Accounts, sitting in Abuja, has ordered the arrest of former Group Chief Executive Officer of Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL), Mele Kyari, after he failed to honour multiple invitations regarding alleged unaccounted funds totalling ₦210 trillion from 2017 to 2023. The decision was reached on Wednesday after Kyari’s repeated absence from committee hearings investigating queries raised by the Office of the Auditor-General of the Federation on NNPCL’s financial records.
Proceedings at the National Assembly saw senators debating how to proceed, with Saliu Mustapha (Kwara Central) and Tony Nwoye (Anambra North) urging colleagues to grant Kyari another opportunity, citing reports that he was receiving medical treatment in Germany. However, other committee members insisted that the investigation could not be stalled further, noting that no formal medical documentation had been provided to justify his absence.
The probe follows concerns over discrepancies flagged by federal auditors, which have drawn public attention given Nigeria’s reliance on oil sector revenue amid economic challenges. Former Chief Financial Officer of NNPCL, Umar Ajiya Isa, appeared before the committee and dismissed claims that funds were missing, describing the ₦210 trillion figure as misleading relative to actual company earnings for the period under review.
Deputy Chairman Peter Nwaebonyi (Ebonyi North) said it was “the ninth time this committee is meeting” on queries against NNPCL. He warned that further delay would undermine the credibility of Senate oversight functions. Senator Abdul Ningi (Bauchi Central) argued that only documented excuses should be accepted, while Senator Victor Umeh (Anambra Central) formally moved for Kyari’s arrest. Senator Adams Oshiomhole (Edo North) backed enforcement action, stating that “the law must be effective when it catches the lion, not only when it catches the rabbit.”
Following a voice vote, Committee Chairman Ibrahim Dankwambo (Gombe North) ruled that a warrant be issued for Kyari’s arrest and production before the panel. The Senate is expected to continue its probe into NNPCL’s finances as lawmakers seek answers on audit concerns highlighted by federal authorities.
Source: https://punchng.com/senate-orders-arrest-of-ex-nnpc-boss-kyari-over-n210tn-query/
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