Nigeria News (Standard)
NDLEA Arrests Two Elderly Men in Umuahia for Allegedly Supplying Illicit Drugs to Students
Agency recovers over 4kg of opioids; students placed on counselling as case transferred from police
Agency recovers over 4kg of opioids; students placed on counselling as case transferred from police
Operatives of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) have arrested two elderly men, Godfrey Orji (84) and Godwin Obulunbiya Obiora (75), in Umuahia, Abia State, for allegedly supplying illicit drugs to secondary school students. The arrests were made on 18 and 19 June following intelligence reports and intervention by local security guards.
According to NDLEA sources, Obiora was apprehended on Friday, 19 June 2026, at his patent medicine store located at 4 Club Road, Umuahia. The agency said it acted on credible intelligence indicating that he was selling controlled substances to students and local residents. During a search of the premises, officers recovered approximately 4.64 kilogrammes of opioids, including tramadol and diazepam.
In a separate incident on Thursday, 18 June, security guards at Saint Silas Secondary School in Old Umuahia detained Orji after he was allegedly caught supplying drugs to two teenage students. The suspects were handed over to the police before being transferred to NDLEA custody. One of the teenagers, a 15-year-old SS2 student, reportedly told investigators that Orji supplied him with drugs which he consumed and also sold to classmates.
The NDLEA has stated that both suspects will be arraigned in court upon conclusion of investigations. Agency officials emphasised the growing concern about drug abuse among young people in Nigeria, especially within school environments. They reiterated their commitment to tackling the distribution networks targeting minors.
Efforts are ongoing to provide counselling and rehabilitation support for the affected students. The NDLEA urged parents, school authorities and community leaders in Abia State and across Nigeria to remain vigilant against illegal drug activities targeting youths.
Nigeria News (Standard)
Lagos Stocks: Fidson, Africa Prudential, Access Holdings Lead Weekly Top Picks
Market analysts highlight improved performance of key companies as investors seek safe bets amid economic uncertainty
Market analysts highlight improved performance of key companies as investors seek safe bets amid economic uncertainty
Fidson Healthcare, Africa Prudential, and Access Holdings have emerged as the leading stock picks on the Nigerian Exchange for this week, with market analysts pointing to their recent strong performance and resilience in a volatile economic environment. The selection was announced on Monday in Lagos, reflecting renewed investor interest in companies demonstrating stability and growth potential.
The stocks were chosen based on a review of their recent trading activity, profitability, and positive outlook within the pharmaceutical, financial services, and banking sectors. Analysts noted that Fidson Healthcare has continued to benefit from increased demand for essential medicines, while Africa Prudential’s digital transformation initiatives have attracted institutional investors. Access Holdings, one of Nigeria’s largest banking groups, also maintained robust returns despite broader sector headwinds.
This development comes as investors across Nigeria remain cautious due to persistent inflationary pressures and fluctuations in naira value. The Nigerian Exchange has witnessed heightened activity in defensive stocks as market participants look for companies capable of weathering macroeconomic shocks. Experts say the latest picks signal a preference for firms with consistent dividend records and sound management practices.
Although official statements from the selected companies were not immediately available as at press time, financial analysts stress that these picks could help guide both retail and institutional investors navigating current market uncertainties. They advise potential investors to conduct due diligence before making portfolio decisions.
Market watchers will be closely monitoring how these stocks perform through the week, especially in light of upcoming quarterly results and policy announcements from regulatory authorities. The focus remains on sectors that can deliver steady earnings growth despite economic challenges facing Nigeria.
Nigeria News (Standard)
U.S.-Based Athletes Arrive Lagos for Commonwealth Games Trials at YABATECH
AFN postpones 100m final as thunderstorms delay flights, over 10 foreign stars now present in Lagos
AFN postpones 100m final as thunderstorms delay flights, over 10 foreign stars now present in Lagos
Over 10 United States-based athletes arrived in Lagos on Friday for the Athletics Federation of Nigeria (AFN) National Trials ahead of the 2026 Commonwealth Games, following flight delays caused by a thunderstorm. The event, initially scheduled to begin on Saturday at Yaba College of Technology (YABATECH), was shifted by one day to accommodate the late arrivals.
The athletes began arriving at YABATECH yesterday afternoon, with more expected as at press time. The delay in their arrival prompted organisers to postpone the highly anticipated men’s 100 metres final, which will now hold today instead of the original schedule. Among the foreign-based stars already present are Favour Ashe, Nyenuchi Okemgbo (400m hurdles), Chukwuebuka Enekwechi (shot put), Oyesade Olatoye (hammer throw and shot put), Dolapo Divine Oladipo (shot put and discus), and Obiageri Amaechi (discus).
The AFN National Trials serve as the major selection event for Nigerian athletes hoping to represent the country at the Commonwealth Games later this year. The influx of U.S.-based competitors is seen as a boost to Nigeria’s medal prospects, with many of these athletes having recorded impressive performances in recent international competitions.
An official from the Athletics Federation of Nigeria confirmed that the schedule was adjusted to ensure fair competition among all participants. “We had to move some events forward so that all qualified athletes can take part,” the official said. No official reaction has been received yet from local-based athletes or their coaches regarding the schedule change.
With more foreign-based competitors expected to arrive before the end of trials, stakeholders believe that this year’s selection process will be highly competitive. The final list of Team Nigeria representatives for the Commonwealth Games is expected to be released after completion of all events at YABATECH.
Source: https://guardian.ng/sport/u-s-based-athletes-flood-yabatech-for-commonwealth-games-national-trials/
Nigeria News (Standard)
Abua, Bassey Clinch CBN Senior Tennis Titles at Abuja’s MKO Abiola Stadium
Both players secure their first senior singles crowns as CBN marks 47th championship edition in the FCT
Both players secure their first senior singles crowns as CBN marks 47th championship edition in the FCT
Canice Abua and Etoro Bassey emerged as champions in the men’s and women’s singles categories respectively at the 47th Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) Senior Tennis Championship, which concluded at the Package B of MKO Abiola Stadium in Abuja on Saturday. The tournament saw top local tennis talents battle for national honours over several days in the Federal Capital Territory.
Abua, who entered as the men’s top seed, delivered a commanding performance against defending champion and third seed Michael Akpan Emmanuel. The final ended in straight sets with Abua winning 6-1, 6-2, marking his first-ever triumph at this prestigious event after several previous attempts. In the women’s final, 18-year-old Etoro Bassey overcame a shaky start to defeat Ogunjobi Success 3-6, 6-0, 6-3 and lift her maiden senior singles trophy.
The CBN Senior Tennis Championship remains a crucial fixture on Nigeria’s sports calendar, offering homegrown athletes a platform to showcase their skills and advance their careers. Abua’s victory is seen as a breakthrough for the experienced player who is currently part of Nigeria’s Davis Cup squad for 2026. For Bassey, her win signals the rise of new talent in women’s tennis as she steps up from junior ranks to senior competition.
Speaking after his victory, Abua dedicated his title to God. “I thank God for His mercy and making me proud to be who I am,” he said at the post-match presentation. Bassey also expressed gratitude for her support team and looked forward to more opportunities at the senior level.
With this year’s edition concluded, organisers and tennis stakeholders have reaffirmed their commitment to supporting young talents and sustaining the annual championship. Attention will now shift to preparations for Nigeria’s Davis Cup campaign and other national competitions where both champions are expected to feature.
Source: https://guardian.ng/sport/abua-etoro-crowned-cbn-senior-tennis-champions/
