The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency has secured an interim forfeiture order on 17 containers of illicit opioids worth over N33.6 billion intercepted at the Onne Port in Rivers State.
NDLEA spokesperson Femi Babafemi said in a statement on Tuesday that the containers were seized at the Port Harcourt Ports Complex, Onne, on different dates between April and September 2025. They contained 19.6 million pills of Tramadol, Tafrodol, Tapentadol and Carisoprodol, as well as 2,496,400 bottles of codeine syrup, with a combined street value estimated at N33,691,200,000.
The interim forfeiture order was granted by Justice Adamu Turaki Mohammed of the Federal High Court, Port Harcourt, following a motion ex parte filed by the NDLEA on February 10, 2026, in suit number FHC/PH/MISC/25/2026.
In his ruling, Justice Mohammed ordered that the 17 shipping containers, holding a total of 365,675 kilograms of various psychotropic substances and other listed items, be forfeited in the interim to the Federal Government of Nigeria. He also directed that custody and possession of the containers and their contents remain with the NDLEA until the final determination of the case.
Reacting to the court’s decision, NDLEA Chairman and Chief Executive Brigadier General Mohamed Buba Marwa (rtd) described the order as a death knell for the financial nerves of the drug cartels involved. He said the forfeiture completely strips the criminal syndicates of resources they intended to use to destroy lives, fund terrorism and support other forms of organised crime.
Marwa stressed that the ruling sends a clear signal that the Nigerian state will not allow the proceeds of drug trafficking to circulate in the economy or bankroll insecurity.
He commended the judiciary for its timely intervention and consistent support, saying the partnership between the courts and the agency is crucial to winning the war against substance abuse and illicit drug trafficking.
The NDLEA boss also praised officers at the Onne Port Command for their vigilance and professionalism, which led to the discovery and seizure of the concealed consignments. He equally acknowledged the cooperation of the Nigeria Customs Service, other port stakeholders and international partners whose intelligence and technical support were key to the successful interdiction.
Marwa reiterated that the agency remains committed to dismantling drug networks across Nigeria and will continue to pursue both seizures and asset forfeiture to weaken criminal cartels.
About the author
Influencer culture impacting music quality in Nigeria, says Zlatan Ibile
Afrobeats star Zlatan Ibile says the rise of influencer culture is reshaping Nigeria’s entertainment industry and affecting the overall quality of music being released. Speaking on the Afrobeats Podcast hosted by Shopsydoo, he noted that making music is no longer the preserve of professional artists, as skit makers, pranksters, TikTok creators and other social media influencers now record songs that quickly go viral. According to him, musicians once dominated celebrity culture, but influencers and content creators now share the spotlight and can turn almost any track into a hit through their online reach. “It used to be that artists were the celebrities, but now TikTokers, influencers, and content creators are celebrities. That is why you can see an influencer or skit maker drop a song and it blows up,” Zlatan said. He stressed that this shift helps explain why songs […]
My family once threatened to drag me online over money – Peller
Streamer and content creator Peller has revealed that his family once threatened to call him out on social media over money, despite the financial support he says he regularly gives them. Peller shared the experience during a livestream while reacting to the controversy surrounding fellow content creator GehGeh, whose younger sister recently accused him online of neglecting his siblings despite his wealth. He said his own family drama could be worse, claiming his father had previously warned he might take their issues to the internet. According to Peller, he has given his father significant assistance, including buying him a car, while also opening multiple shops for his mother. “You see the way all GehGeh family are dragging him online, my own goes worse. And it might be my daddy because they have threatened me with it before. And I have […]
Trump orders US Navy to destroy boats laying mines in Hormuz
President Donald Trump on Thursday ordered the United States Navy to destroy any boats found laying sea mines in the Strait of Hormuz, escalating pressure on Iran over control of the vital waterway. “I have ordered the United States Navy to shoot and kill any boat, small boats though they may be… that is putting mines in the waters of the Strait of Hormuz,” Trump wrote in a post cited by U.S. media. He added that there should be “no hesitation” in carrying out the directive. Trump also said U.S. mine‑sweeping operations were already under way. “Additionally, our mine ‘sweepers’ are clearing the Strait right now,” he stated, underscoring Washington’s determination to keep the strategic chokepoint open to international shipping. The Strait of Hormuz, which connects the Gulf to global markets, is one of the world’s most important energy corridors, […]
Spain’s Lamine Yamal sidelined with hamstring injury but expected to be fit for World Cup
Spain winger Lamine Yamal has suffered a hamstring injury but is still expected to be fit in time for this summer’s 2026 World Cup, Barcelona have confirmed. “Tests have confirmed that first team player Lamine Yamal has a hamstring injury in his left leg,” the club said in a statement on Thursday. Barca added that the teenager will undergo conservative treatment, will miss the rest of the season, but “is expected to be available for the World Cup,” which runs from 11 June to 19 July. Yamal picked up the injury in Barcelona’s 1–0 La Liga win over Celta Vigo on Wednesday. The 18 year old won and converted the decisive penalty but immediately pulled up in pain after scoring past goalkeeper Ionut Radu, calling for treatment and lying on the turf while team mates celebrated. He was replaced by […]
Osimhen: Ex sporting director backs De Laurentiis over rejected €200m PSG offer
Former Napoli sporting director Mauro Meluso says club president Aurelio De Laurentiis was right to reject a reported €200 million joint offer from Paris Saint Germain for Victor Osimhen and Khvicha Kvaratskhelia in 2023. Speaking on Radio Kiss Kiss Napoli, Meluso explained that De Laurentiis did not want to weaken the squad immediately after winning the Scudetto and felt that selling both star forwards at once would have sent the wrong message to the dressing room and fans. “Should Osimhen and Kvara have been sold together to PSG immediately after their third Scudetto? At that point, De Laurentiis didn’t want to weaken Napoli,” he said, insisting the decision was taken for the good of the club rather than purely financial reasons. Meluso admitted that, with hindsight, some might argue the sale should have gone through, but maintained that offloading both […]
No FIFA plans to replace Iran with Italy at World Cup
FIFA has no plans to replace Iran with Italy at this summer’s World Cup despite a proposal from U.S. President Donald Trump’s special envoy Paolo Zampolli. Speculation over Iran’s participation had grown because of the ongoing war involving the U.S., Israel and Iran, but world football’s governing body has reaffirmed that Iran will take part as scheduled. Zampolli, an Italian‑American and long‑time Trump ally, told the Financial Times he had suggested to both Trump and FIFA president Gianni Infantino that four‑time champions Italy be invited to take Iran’s place at the U.S.‑hosted tournament. “I confirm I have suggested to Trump and Infantino that Italy replace Iran at the World Cup,” Zampolli said, describing it as a “dream” to see the Azzurri at a World Cup staged in the United States. Italy failed to qualify for a third straight World Cup […]
Related
Nigerian officials involved in killing of Christians — US Senator Ted Cruz
United States senator Ted Cruz has alleged that some Nigerian government officials are complicit in attacks against Christians in the country. Cruz made the claim during a U.S. Senate Foreign Relations subcommittee hearing on Washington’s counterterrorism strategy in Africa, where he described Nigeria as the country with the highest number of Christians killed because of their faith. He said that since 2009, more than 50,000 Christians have been killed and over 20,000 churches, schools and other religious buildings destroyed. “Nigerian officials have been, unfortunately, complicit in facilitating these atrocities,” he told the hearing, linking part of the violence to the operation of Sharia law in some northern states and criticising what he called the slow response of Nigerian authorities to insecurity. Cruz recalled earlier meetings with Nigerian defence and security officials, saying they had promised to tackle the violence but […]
One killed, two injured as police foil kidnap attempt in Ibadan
One person has been killed and two others injured after police foiled a suspected kidnap attempt at the Old Kara area of Bodija in Ibadan North Local Government Area of Oyo State. The deceased was identified as Dasola, who reportedly died during the attack, which occurred just days after a similar incident at Onigambari village along the Ijebu Ode axis in Oluyole Local Government Area. Police Public Relations Officer Ayanlade Olayinka said the latest incident happened on April 21, 2026, at about 7:50 p.m. He explained that a distress call was received from a resident who reported that about four armed men had stormed a Point of Sale (POS) shop in the area and opened fire. “Upon receipt of the information, police operatives immediately mobilised to the scene,” he said, noting that the prompt intervention of officers, working alongside local […]
BREAKING: El Rufai arraigned in Abuja over alleged bugging of NSA Ribadu’s phone
Former Kaduna State governor Nasir El Rufai has been arraigned before a Federal High Court in Abuja over his alleged involvement in the unlawful bugging of the telephone line of National Security Adviser (NSA) Nuhu Ribadu. El Rufai pleaded not guilty to a five count amended charge when it was read to him on Thursday morning before Justice Joyce Abdulmalik. The case, marked FHC/ABJ/99/2026, borders on alleged illegal interception of communications and related offences. Proceedings on his bail application were temporarily stalled midway after the judge observed that a document relied on by the defence team, led by Senior Advocate of Nigeria Oluwole Iyamu, was not in the court’s file. Justice Abdulmalik, following an unopposed request by Iyamu, stood the matter down to enable the defence regularise the document and ensure it is properly placed before the court. Prosecuting counsel […]
Tinubu seeks Senate approval for fresh $516m loan for Sokoto–Badagry super highway
President Bola Tinubu has asked the Senate to approve a fresh 516,333,070 dollar loan from Deutsche Bank to help finance the proposed 1,000 kilometre Sokoto–Badagry super highway. Tinubu’s request was contained in a letter to Senate President Godswill Akpabio, which was read during plenary on Thursday in Abuja. The president urged lawmakers to give the request expeditious consideration and approval. According to the letter, the facility is tied to an already approved borrowing plan and is specifically meant to support work on the flagship road project linking Sokoto in the North West to Badagry in Lagos State. After reading the correspondence, Akpabio referred the loan request to the Senate Committee on Local and Foreign Debts for further legislative scrutiny. The committee was directed to report back to the full Senate within one week. The Sokoto–Badagry super highway has been promoted […]
Six more Reps members dump NNPP, PDP for ADC, APC
Six additional members of the House of Representatives on Wednesday defected from the New Nigeria Peoples Party (NNPP) and the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to the African Democratic Congress (ADC) and the All Progressives Congress (APC). Those leaving the NNPP for the ADC are Sani Adamu Wakil (Minjibir/Ungogo, Kano), Umar Mukthar Zakari (Tarauni, Kano), Yusuf Umar Datti (Kura/Madobi/Garun Mallam, Kano) and Abdulhakeem Kamilo Ado (Wudil/Garko, Kano). Emeka Chinedu Martin (Ahiazu/Ezinihitte/Mbaise, Imo) and Kabiru Ahmadu Maipalace (Gusau/Tsafe, Zamfara) defected from the PDP to the APC. The latest defections raise the ADC’s strength in the Green Chamber to about 24 lawmakers, while the APC now has about 282 members. The PDP is left with around 30 members; Labour Party has 10; APGA five; Accord four; and both APP and SDP have two members each, leaving the NNPP with only one lawmaker. With […]
Stop fueling religious division, Muslim League tells foreign critics of Tinubu govt
A Muslim advocacy group, the Muslim League Unity Group, has warned foreign based actors against what it calls attempts to inflame religious tensions in Nigeria through misinformation and politically motivated narratives. In a statement jointly signed by Professors Ahmed Umar Daudu and Yunusa Bala Maikafi, the group accused some international Christian organisations, particularly in the United States, of circulating “doctored reports” about alleged persecution of Christians under President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration. It warned that such claims risk deepening distrust and unnecessary division among Nigerians who have historically lived together peacefully despite their different faiths. The group criticised recent comments attributed to United States Senator Ted Cruz, who was reported to have alleged attacks on Christian schools and places of worship by Muslims in Nigeria. It said the remarks form part of a broader agenda to incite division and promote […]
Be the first to leave a comment