Nigeria News (Standard)
Lagos Court Convicts 11 Indian Sailors, Fines Vessel $6m for Cocaine Importation
NDLEA secures major drug trafficking conviction as Federal High Court orders restitution after Apapa Port seizure
NDLEA secures major drug trafficking conviction as Federal High Court orders restitution after Apapa Port seizure
Justice Chukwujekwu Aneke of the Federal High Court, Lagos, has convicted eleven Indian sailors and their vessel, MV Aruna Hulya, for smuggling 31.5 kilogrammes of cocaine into Nigeria through Apapa seaport on 2 January 2026. The court further ordered the defendants to pay a combined fine and restitution totalling $6 million following their arrest by the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA).
The NDLEA apprehended the crew and impounded the merchant vessel after officials discovered cocaine concealed within Hatch 3 at GDNL Terminal, Apapa Port. The ship’s master, Sharma Bhushan, alongside crew members Bharati Kumar, Nevage Suresh, Pandey Prashant, Nuttu Anand, Akash Babu, Nilesh Bhalerad, Melethil Rahman, Barla Krishna, Prabhasukhan Singu and Jai Parkash were arraigned on a two-count charge in suit number FHC/L/56C/2026.
According to court proceedings reviewed by our correspondent, Justice Aneke delivered his judgement after several months of trial that ended with a plea bargain agreement between the prosecution and defence. The judge found the sailors and MV Aruna Hulya guilty of importing narcotics into Nigeria contrary to the provisions of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency Act.
The NDLEA has described the conviction as a significant victory in its ongoing campaign against transnational drug syndicates operating in West Africa. Officials say this case highlights increasing attempts by foreign criminal networks to exploit Nigerian ports for illicit trafficking. “This judgement sends a clear signal that Nigeria will not tolerate drug smuggling by any group or nationality,” an NDLEA spokesperson said at the court premises.
Legal analysts note that the $6 million penalty imposed on both crew members and the merchant vessel marks one of the largest fines handed down in recent maritime drug trafficking cases in Nigeria. The agency is expected to intensify monitoring of seaport activities and collaborate with international partners to further stem illegal imports. As at press time, efforts to reach representatives of the convicted sailors for comment were unsuccessful.
Nigeria News (Standard)
Young Nigerians in Lagos Raise Alarm Over Trust and Women’s Inclusion Ahead of 2027 Elections
Activists urge political parties to prioritise gender balance and rebuild confidence among youths before next polls
Activists urge political parties to prioritise gender balance and rebuild confidence among youths before next polls
Young Nigerians in Lagos have expressed serious concerns about low trust in the electoral process and continued underrepresentation of women, calling on political stakeholders to address these gaps ahead of the 2027 general elections. The issue was raised during a public forum held on Sunday, where participants highlighted the urgent need for reforms that will encourage wider participation and restore faith in Nigeria’s democracy.
The event saw several youth leaders and advocates for gender inclusion voicing frustration over persistent barriers facing women who seek elective positions, as well as a growing sense of apathy among young voters. Speakers pointed to previous election cycles where female aspirants were sidelined during party primaries, and noted that many youths remain sceptical about the ability of politicians to deliver on their promises.
With Nigeria’s population increasingly skewed towards younger demographics, observers say these trends could undermine the legitimacy and vibrancy of future polls if not addressed. “If women are not given adequate opportunities and if young people continue to distrust the system, it will be difficult to achieve meaningful development,” one participant stated during the discussion.
Organisers urged political parties across all regions—including APC, PDP, LP, and others—to adopt internal policies that promote fair representation for women at both state and federal levels. They also called for increased transparency in candidate selection processes, as well as public education campaigns aimed at countering misinformation and voter apathy among young Nigerians.
As preparations begin for the 2027 elections, stakeholders emphasised that rebuilding trust will require concrete action from party leaders, electoral bodies, and civil society groups. They warned that failure to address these issues could result in lower voter turnout and continued exclusion of critical voices from Nigeria’s democratic process.
Nigeria News (Standard)
Zamfara Police Neutralise Explosive Planted by Suspected Bandits on Tsafe Road
Prompt action by Explosive Ordnance Disposal unit follows tip-off from local residents, averting possible mass casualties
Prompt action by Explosive Ordnance Disposal unit follows tip-off from local residents, averting possible mass casualties
Police operatives in Zamfara State have safely defused an improvised explosive device (IED) allegedly planted by suspected bandits along a major road in Tsafe Local Government Area. The incident, which occurred along the Kunchin Kalgo axis, was confirmed by the Zamfara State Police Command in a statement issued on Saturday.
According to police authorities, officers from the Explosive Ordnance Disposal (EOD) unit were swiftly deployed to the scene after credible intelligence was received from community members. The IED was discovered before it could detonate, and security personnel successfully neutralised the device without any reported casualties or disruption to traffic.
The command stated that preliminary investigations indicate the explosive was strategically placed to inflict harm on innocent commuters and other road users. “Preliminary findings indicate that the explosive device was strategically planted to cause mass casualties among innocent road users and commuters,” the command said in its statement.
Police attributed the timely discovery of the device to improved collaboration between security agencies and residents in Zamfara State. “Through the Command’s robust community engagement strategy, effective partnerships, and sustained networking with local community members, timely and credible information was received, enabling the operatives to respond swiftly and neutralise the threat before any harm could occur,” police authorities added.
This incident highlights ongoing security challenges in Zamfara, part of Nigeria’s North-West geopolitical zone, where banditry and attacks on travellers have persisted despite heightened security measures. The police command reiterated its call for continued vigilance and cooperation from residents to help prevent further attacks. Authorities have assured that investigations are ongoing to identify those behind the attempted attack.
Source: https://guardian.ng/news/nigeria/metro/police-defuse-bandits-explosive-on-zamfara-road/
Nigeria News (Standard)
Niger State Shuts 15 Health Centres, Arrests Suspected Fake Doctor in Suleja Crackdown
Private Health Facilities Agency seals Ellamara Hospital, says operation follows intelligence reports on unqualified practitioners
Private Health Facilities Agency seals Ellamara Hospital, says operation follows intelligence reports on unqualified practitioners
Authorities in Niger State have sealed off 15 private health centres and arrested a man accused of practising as a fake doctor during an enforcement operation in Suleja Local Government Area on Saturday. The action was led by the Niger State Private Health Facilities Agency as part of efforts to sanitise the health sector and protect residents from unsafe medical practices.
According to Dr Abdullahi Suleiman, Executive Chairman of the agency, the clampdown followed intelligence reports and routine compliance checks that revealed irregularities in several facilities. Suleiman said Ellamara Specialist Hospital was shut down after inspectors discovered that a suspect had been providing medical services without necessary qualifications or a valid practising licence.
Preliminary investigations indicated that the suspect, who allegedly dropped out of medical school, had worked as a medical doctor in Suleja for about six years. The agency noted that he was previously disengaged by a former employer over issues related to his credentials and had reportedly been arrested before in Cross River State for similar offences.
Suleiman stated that the ongoing enforcement exercise is aimed at upholding regulatory standards and ensuring only qualified professionals operate in Niger State’s health sector. “We will not tolerate quackery or illegal medical practice that puts lives at risk,” he said during an inspection tour. The agency did not immediately disclose the names of other affected centres but assured residents that further investigations would be carried out.
The Niger State Private Health Facilities Agency has urged members of the public to report suspicious activities at any health facility and warned operators to comply strictly with registration and licensing requirements. Further updates are expected as authorities continue their probe into private healthcare operations across Suleja LGA.
Rooney Calls Out Manchester United Over Scott McTominay Sale and Urges Shock Return
Young Nigerians in Lagos Raise Alarm Over Trust and Women’s Inclusion Ahead of 2027 Elections
FIFA Admit VAR Malfunction in Qatar vs Switzerland Clash, Casting Shadow Over Match Outcome
England Squad Forced to Flee as Tornado Storm Disrupts World Cup Base
Trabzonspor Pundit Says Turkey Need a Striker Like Onuachu to Solve Number 9 Crisis
Zamfara Police Neutralise Explosive Planted by Suspected Bandits on Tsafe Road
Niger State Shuts 15 Health Centres, Arrests Suspected Fake Doctor in Suleja Crackdown
FIFA Orders Egypt to Drop Iconic Jersey Ahead of World Cup Opener, Sparks Massive Reactions
Unknown Goalkeeper Steps Up as Australia Shine in World Cup Clash — Final Score Not Reported
Factcheckers Expose Old Imo State Killings Video Circulating as Recent Attack
Moniepoint Graduates Second DreamDevs Cohort in Lagos to Strengthen Nigeria’s Engineering Workforce
FG Launches $500m Abuja Formula 1 Bid, Targets Africa’s First Grand Prix Since 1993
Gọvanmenti Nigeria Kwupụtara 53 Orù Anyanwụ Maka Ike Ọhụrụ N’iru Afọ 2050
Fresh Romance Rumours Trail Lando Norris as Alix Earle Sparks Drama in Monaco
Why More Nigerians Are Searching for Casino Bonuses—and What You Should Know Before Claiming
Environment Minister Urges Increased Investment in Nigeria’s Green Economy Ahead of Global Climate Summit
Ụlọ Ọrụ Nigeria Kwupụtara Nsogbu Nchekwa na Ụtụ Isi N’agbanyeghị Ịrị Elu Obi Ike Ahịa
Somali Referee Omar Artan Blocked From US World Cup Over Visa Row, Misses Dream Debut
Federal Government Launches Mining Grants for Research and Exploration Across Nigeria
