Headlines
Drug Trafficker Nabbed with N564m Heroin at Abuja airport
The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency has intercepted a suspected drug trafficker, Goodluck Igbineweka Odeh, at the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport, Abuja, with two kilograms of heroin.
The substance, according to the agency, has a street value of N564m and was concealed in the lining of the false bottom of the suspect’s suitcase.
A statement by the Director, Media and Advocacy, NDLEA, Femi Babafemi, on Sunday, said the 40-year-old suspect from the Ikpoba Okha Local Government Area of Edo State, was arrested at the departure lounge of the airport during an outward clearance of Ethiopian Airline’s aircraft 911 from Abuja to Italy through Addis Ababa.
Babafemi said, “Under interrogation, Odeh claimed that he had been living in Italy since 2015 when he got into the country through Libya. He said he worked as a labourer in a farm in Italy with a pay of about €50 a day, adding that he also worked as a flyer distributor when the farming season is over and gets as much as €50 a day.
“Odeh claimed that he came to Nigeria over two weeks ago to see his family and also used same opportunity to buy foodstuffs to sell on his return to Italy.”
He added that after spending some days in Edo and Delta states, where he bought some foodstuffs, he travelled to Lagos to buy more foodstuffs and bush meat, which according to him was cheaper.
Curiously, he claimed that he did not know how the drug found its way into the bag as he bought the suitcase from a second-hand materials open market in Lagos not knowing that it contained the drug. When further asked of the market’s address, he added, “I don’t know the address.”
Odeh said he was accompanied to the market where he bought the suitcase by a man he claimed he first met the day he arrived Lagos from Benin, adding that he came into Abuja from Lagos for onward trip to Italy.
The Commander, Abuja Airport Command, NDLEA, Kabir Tsakuwa, said charges had already been filed against the suspect, while further investigation would continue to explore other leads on the case.
The Chairman/Chief Executive Officer, NDLEA, Brig. Gen. Buba Marwa (retd.), commended the commander, officers and men of the Abuja airport for their vigilance.
“Whenever criminal elements go to export or import illicit drugs through our borders, they will surely have the new NDLEA to contend with,” Marwa stated.
The Punch
Former Vice President, Atiku Abubakar has expressed deep shock and sadness over the killing of Brigadier General Musa Uba by terrorists.
This was released through his official X page on Monday.
Criticizing the military hierarchy for failing to provide a clear explanation of the incident, he noted that initial official statements had reportedly denied the circumstances surrounding the general’s death.
He further described the tragedy as “unequivocally a failure of political leadership.”
Atiku accused President Bola Tinubu of prioritizing political battles over his responsibilities as Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces.
He called Gen. Musa’s death, along with those of the troops under his command, “one death too many” and warned of the dangers of a resurgent terrorist threat.
He as well urged citizens and military personnel to remain resilient, saying, “Even this season shall pass away.”
In addition, he also directed a pointed message to the President, stating that the security of Nigerians is the government’s foremost responsibility.
“You must live up to it or be humble enough to admit incompetence and either ask for help or resign,” he added.
He suggested that, if he were President, he would order the military to occupy Borno State or any other areas under siege by bandits or armed groups until they are cleared, emphasizing the need to protect those risking their lives for national security.
He extended his condolences to the Nigerian Armed Forces, the family of the deceased, and all Nigerians, expressing hope that the nation would soon overcome this dark period.
The Super Eagles’ 2026 World Cup dream suffered a major blow on Sunday as DR Congo advanced to the intercontinental playoff following a dramatic penalty shootout at the Prince Moulay Abdellah Stadium in Rabat.
Nigeria’s hopes of qualifying ended in heartbreaking fashion, marking the second consecutive year the Super Eagles will miss out on the world stage.
The match ended 1–1 after 120 minutes of regulation and extra time, sending the high-stakes encounter to penalties.
Nigeria initially went ahead through Frank Onyeka in the third minute, but DR Congo equalised in the 32nd minute through M. Elia.
The tension continued into the penalty shootout.
Nigeria’s Calvin Bassey and Moses Simon missed early chances, while Nwabali denied DR Congo’s first penalty.
Akor Adams kept the Super Eagles alive, but DR Congo struck back through Sadique and later scored the decisive fourth penalty, leaving Nigeria trailing 4–3 in the shootout.
The victory sets up DR Congo for a chance to secure one of the final World Cup tickets to the expanded 48-team tournament in the United States, Canada, and Mexico.
Nigeria’s defeat marked the second consecutive year the Super Eagles will miss out on the world stage.
Both teams had earned their places in the final after dramatic semi-finals.
Nigeria had booked their place in the final with a dramatic 4–1 extra-time win over Gabon in Thursday’s semi-final at the Moulay El Hassan Stadium.
DR Congo also advanced with a 1–0 victory over Cameroon at the Al Barid Stadium the same evening.
The Leopards now await their intercontinental playoff opponent, keeping alive their hopes of reaching the 2026 World Cup, while the Super Eagles’ campaign comes to an agonising end in Rabat.
The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has expelled Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Nyesom Wike, its suspended National Secretary, Samuel Anyanwu, and former Governor of Ekiti State, Ayo Fayose.
Their expulsion was announced on Saturday at the party’s National Convention in Ibadan, Oyo State.
