Crime
Kano has 2 million drug addicts –Marwa
The NDLEA Chairman, retired Brig.-Gen. Buba Marwa, said on Monday in Kano that the state has about two million drug addicts, representing 16 per cent prevalence.
Marwa made the disclosure when he paid a courtesy visit to Governor Abdullahi Ganduje.
“In Kano State, drug abuse prevalence is 16 per cent; that is, in every six persons, one is a drug addict and they are between the ages of 15 years and 64 years.
“Kano State has close to two million drug users abusing tramadol, codeine and other cough syrups, rather than cannabis.
“I will like to mention here that since I assumed leadership of NDLEA in January, we have seized over two million kilogrammes of assorted drugs, estimated at billions of Naira.
“Eight thousand people were arrested and 1,600 are now serving jail terms in correctional service facilities, and we are still working.
“Drug abuse has gone to the level of destroying our families unless is tackled with all seriousness it deserves,’’ he said.
Marwa said that the use drugs propelled criminal activities ranging from banditry, kidnapping and armed robbery, among others.
He said that NDLEA was comfortable that Kano State government was a worthy partner in tackling drug abuse.
Marwa urged the state government to make legislation that would prevent politicians from giving drugs to youths.
He also urged the government to make legislation on compulsory drug abuse test for intending couples, also as part of measures to fight against drug abuse.
In his address of welcome, Gov. Ganduje said that Kano State is the most populous state with highest number of youths and a commercial nerve centre of Nigeria and some West African countries.
“Being commercial centre, some use that opportunity to traffic drugs and you know we have the international airport, railway and roads that link to many states.
“So, Kano find itself in a vulnerable situation,’’ the governor said.
He added that it was a policy in the state that commissioners and permanent secretaries must undergo drug abuse test before getting appointed so as to reduce drug abuse rate in the state.
Ganduje said that government would relocate legitimate drug dealers to a market as part of efforts to check drug abuse and trafficking.
At the Emir of Kano’s palace, Marwa solicited for the support of the emirate in addressing the menace.
He urged the emirate to assist NDLEA in enlightening landlords that any house found to be used for drug abuse and trafficking would be confiscated by court.
Walin-Kano, Alhaji Mahe Bashir-Wali, who represented Emir Aminu Ado-Bayero, assured Marwa of the emirate’s support in the on-going fight against drug abuse.
“If we succeed, we would have enhanced security situation. We are ever ready to join hands with NDLEA to fight against the scourge,’’ Bashir-Wali said.
NAN
An Iyaganku Chief Magistrates’ Court sitting in Ibadan on Thursday ordered the remand of a 52-year-old man, Taiwo Olaniyan, in Agodi correctional facility for allegedly causing the death of his unborn child.
The Chief Magistrate, Mrs Olabisi Ogunkanmi, who did not take the defendant’s plea for lack of jurisdiction, ordered his remand in Agodi correctional facility, Ibadan.
Ogunkanmi held that the defendant would remain in custody pending receipt of advice from the Directorate of Public Prosecution (DPP).
She, thereafter, adjourned the matter till Dec. 12 for mention.
Earlier, the Prosecutor, Cpl. Akeem Akinloye, had arraigned the defendant, who resides at Apata area of Ibadan, on a three-count charge bordering on assault and causing death of an unborn child.
Akinloye told the court that the defendant had, on May 2018, assaulted his wife, Rukayat Babajide, by inflicting injury on her.
He said that the defendant caused the death of the foetus due to his assault on his wife during pregnancy.
The prosecutor said that the couple had been married for 14 years, with two children.
According to him, the offences contravene Section 316 and punishable under Sections 319, 328 and 355 of the Criminal Code Laws of Oyo State, 2000.
NAN reports that if found guilty of the charges, the defendant maybe sentenced to three years imprisonment under section 355, while section 328 stipulates life imprisonment and section 319 death sentence for any convicted offender.
A 38-year-old driver, Farouq Babanle, was arraigned on Thursday before a Kaduna Chief Magistrates’ Court for allegedly stealing charcoal worth N730, 000.
The defendant, whose address was not provided, is facing two-count charge of conspiracy and stealing.
The prosecutor, Insp. Chidi Leo told the court that the defendant committed the offence on Nov 12, at Kachia Local Government Area of Kaduna State.
According to Leo, the defendant was given charcoal worth N730, 000 to transport from Kachia to customers in Kawo Kaduna.
The prosecutor stated that the defendant stole the charcoal, sold it and diverted the proceeds to his personal use.
He added that after stealing the charcoal, the defendant ran to an unknown destination until he was seen and arrested on Nov. 20, at Rigasa Kaduna.
He said the offence contravened the Penal Code of Kaduna State, 2017.
The defendant pleaded not guilty to the charge.
The Magistrate, Ibrahim Emmanuel, granted the defendant bail in the sum of N200, 000 with two sureties in like sum.
Emmanuel said that the sureties must be gainfully employed and must furnish the court with proof of tax payment to the Kaduna State Government.
He adjourned the case until Dec. 19, for hearing.
The Nigerian Navy Forward Operating Base (FOB), Ibaka, Akwa Ibom, has arrested three suspected drug dealers and impounded illicit drugs worth N500m.
The Commanding Officer of the Base, Capt. Uche Aneke disclosed this on Thursday while handing over the contraband drugs and industrial chemicals to National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) and Nigeria Customs Service.
Aneke said the suspects were arrested in a boat on Monday at about 11:50 am during a routine patrol around the Bendero and Uta Uyata general area.
“The boat was laden with over 125 sacks of industrial chemicals (crystalline ammonia) and 62 cartons of different brands of contraband drugs.
“These included 820 tubes of Pethidine (containing opium) and 24,800 bottles of Codeine syrup, en route to Nigeria from the Republic of Cameroon with the intention of smuggling the controlled substances into Nigeria,” Aneke said.
He warned individuals or groups planning to engage in any form of criminality in Nigerian waters to desist or face the consequences.
Aneke said that under the current leadership of the Chief of the Naval Staff, Vice Admiral Emmanuel Ogalla, the FOB Ibaka remained resolute in ensuring that maritime crimes are effectively eradicated in the coastal areas of Akwa Ibom.
Receiving the suspects and contraband drugs, Mr Monday Jatau, the Deputy State Commander in charge of Operations and Training of the NDLEA in Akwa Ibom, said the agency would prosecute the suspects after further investigation.
Also receiving the industrial chemicals on behalf of NCS, Mr Abdulkadir Abubakar, a Deputy Superintendent, commended the Nigerian Navy for their sustained support in the fight against criminals.
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Court remands man for allegedly causing death of his unborn child
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