Reps To Organise Summit On Drug Abuse, Alcohol Misuse.

Reps To Organise Summit On Drug Abuse, Alcohol Misuse

The House of Representatives Ad-Hoc Committee investigating the rising cases of drug trafficking, alcohol, and substance abuse in Nigeria has announced plans to convene a multi-stakeholder conference in Lagos and Abuja to deliberate and gather public input on strategies to tackle the growing menace.

He said the initiative was in response to mounting public concern over what he described as a “national emergency” that cuts across public health, youth safety, corporate accountability, and the integrity of Nigeria’s trade and regulatory systems.

“Our mandate is clear. We are to investigate the conduct of companies operating within the drug, alcohol, and tobacco industries and ensure absolute compliance with Nigerian laws, regulations, and ethical obligations to the Nigerian people,” Adelegbe stated.

According to him, the committee’s work will focus on key areas of national concern, including the increasing abuse of codeine-laced cough syrups, tramadol, and other controlled substances, as well as the unchecked production and sale of cheap spirit cocktails and illicit alcoholic beverages.

The committee will also investigate the targeted marketing of alcohol and nicotine products to underage Nigerians, the circulation of fake and substandard drugs, corporate complicity, weak regulatory enforcement, and unethical market practices that endanger public health.

Adelegbe emphasised that the committee’s work will prioritise human life and national interest above corporate profit, stressing that “The era of corporate recklessness, weak compliance, and regulatory compromise is over.”

He listed the key laws and regulations guiding the investigation to include, “NAFDAC Act Cap N1 LFN 2004 – Product registration, safety, and standards; National Tobacco Control Act 2015 – Tobacco regulation and advertising; ARCON Act 2022 – Advertising standards and consumer protection; and FCCPC Act 2018 – Fair competition and consumer rights.”

President Tinubu Reappoints Buba Marwa as NDLEA Chairman.

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has renewed the appointment of Brigadier-General Mohammed Buba Marwa (rtd) as Chairman of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency for another five-year term.

The announcement was made on Friday by Bayo Onanuga, the President’s Special Adviser on Information and Strategy.

Marwa, first appointed by the late President Muhammadu Buhari in January 2021, previously served as Chairman of the Presidential Advisory Committee for the Elimination of Drug Abuse between 2018 and 2020. His renewed tenure means he will lead the NDLEA until 2031.

An Adamawa-born retired military officer, Marwa is a former military governor of Lagos and Borno States and an alumnus of both the Nigerian Military School and the Nigerian Defence Academy.

Commissioned as a second lieutenant in 1973, he held several key roles, including brigade major of the 23 Armoured Brigade, Aide-de-Camp to then Chief of Army Staff, Lieutenant-General Theophilus Danjuma, and academic registrar of the NDA. He also served as Deputy Defence Adviser at the Nigerian Embassy in Washington, DC, and later as Defence Adviser to Nigeria’s Permanent Mission to the United Nations.

Marwa holds two postgraduate degrees: a Master of Public and International Affairs from the University of Pittsburgh and a Master of Public Administration from Harvard University.

His time at the NDLEA has been marked by major successes, including the arrest of more than 73,000 drug traffickers and the seizure of over 15 million kilogrammes of illicit substances.

The agency has also intensified nationwide campaigns against drug abuse under his leadership.

President Tinubu praised Marwa’s achievements, describing his reappointment as a vote of confidence and urging him to continue pursuing drug cartels and traffickers seeking to endanger Nigerians, especially the youth.

From Beats to Bust: Afrobeats Artiste Arrested as NDLEA Dismantles Lagos Drug Lab.

According to a report by Punch on Monday, November 3, 2025, the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) has dealt a major blow to Lagos’s underground narcotics network after uncovering a secret laboratory where synthetic cannabis—popularly called Colorado or Colos—was being produced. The agency also arrested a 20-year-old Afrobeats musician, identified as Godspower George Osahenrumwen, known by his stage name Steady Boy, in connection with a related drug shipment.

The discovery came after weeks of surveillance and intelligence operations, NDLEA spokesperson Femi Babafemi revealed in a Sunday statement. Officers stormed a residential building at Ajao Estate, Isolo, Lagos, where a 30-year-old suspect, Stephen Kelechi Imoh, had converted an apartment into a synthetic drug laboratory.

Inside the building, NDLEA operatives recovered 16.2 kilograms of freshly processed Colorado, 1.7 kilograms of ADB-CHMNACA (a synthetic cannabinoid), 4.5 kilograms of potassium carbonate, and 91 litres of dibromobutane—chemical ingredients used to manufacture the psychoactive substance.

In a related operation, the agency intercepted a shipment of Loud, another potent strain of cannabis, smuggled from New York through a DHL flight and hidden in three cartons of bathtubs. When Steady Boy arrived at a Lekki address to receive the package, NDLEA operatives swooped in and arrested him. The artiste’s manager, Zion Osazee Omigie, also known as “Zee Money,” is currently on the run.

NDLEA officials said the operations marked a significant milestone in the ongoing “War Against Drug Abuse” campaign, targeting not just traffickers but also local manufacturers who are now using residential areas as covert drug laboratories.

Experts warn that the shift from importation to domestic production signals a dangerous evolution of Nigeria’s narcotics trade. With such labs now embedded in urban neighborhoods, authorities fear a deeper social and security threat.

NDLEA Chairman, Brig. Gen. Mohamed Buba Marwa (rtd), reiterated that the agency will sustain its crackdown and expand its community outreach programs to combat rising drug abuse among Nigerian youths.

The suspects remain in custody as investigations continue into the full extent of the syndicate’s network.

"She is not affiliated in any drug abuse or misuse" — Regina Daniel's brother speaks out in response to Senator Ned Nwoko's allegations.

NANS Calls for Mandatory Drug Testing in Nigerian Tertiary Institutions.

The National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS) has called on the Federal Government to introduce compulsory drug testing for all students in tertiary institutions as part of efforts to tackle rising substance abuse among youths.

In a statement signed by Comrade Olushola Oladoja, NANS President, the association proposed a drug-Free Campus Initiative (DFCI) to promote discipline, improve academic performance, and protect Nigeria’s future workforce.

Oladoja described drug abuse among students as a “public health crisis” threatening learning, moral integrity, and national productivity.

“Drug abuse among students is no longer an isolated concern; it has evolved into a public health crisis affecting learning, safety, and national productivity,” NANS stated.

The association identified marijuana, tramadol, codeine, and methamphetamine (mkpurummiri) as the most abused substances, linking them to cultism, assault, and campus unrest.

“Most cases of cultism, aault, and campus unrest are traceable to substance influence. Drug abuse fuels aggression and moral decay among students,”
the group added.

NANS recommended mandatory drug testing at both admission and graduation points, supervised by the NDLEA and school health units, to ensure students “enter and leave the system clean.” It also proposed establishing drug-Free Clubs on all campuses and integrating drug education into orientation and General Studies courses.

Students identified with substance use, the group said, should receive rehabilitation and counselling rather than stigma.

Oladoja warned that unchecked drug abuse endangers Nigeria’s development and leadership future.
“The dream of a prosperous Nigeria begins with a generation of mentally sound, morally upright, and drug-free students,”

he stated, urging collective action among the Ministry of Education, NDLEA, and student unions to secure the nation’s campuses.

She wasn’t like this – Senator Nwoko finally opens up, accuses Regina Daniels of drug abuse.

Senator Ned Nwoko has accused his actress wife, Regina Daniels, of engaging in drug and alcohol abuse, alleging that her actions have led to violence and destruction in their home.

The lawmaker made the claims in a Facebook post on Sunday titled “REGINA’S UNPROVOKED CARNAGE AND RAMPAGE IN MY HOUSE AND IN MY ABSENCE.”

According to Nwoko, Regina’s alleged struggle with substance abuse is the root of their marital problems.

He stated that she must continue her rehabilitation program either in Asokoro or abroad, particularly in Jordan, where he believes she would not have access to drugs.

The senator expressed fear for her safety if she failed to continue treatment, saying her current environment allows “unrestricted access to drugs.”

Nwoko further alleged that Regina had recently assaulted three members of his staff and destroyed property, including vehicles and windows, without provocation.

He claimed that while he took their son, Moon, to the hospital, chaos erupted at home, allegedly instigated by one of Regina’s supposed drug suppliers. He also accused her of threatening to kill a resident nurse for revealing her drug use.

The post read: “REGINA’S UNPROVOKED CARNAGE AND RAMPAGE IN MY HOUSE AND IN MY ABSENCE,” Nwoko said: “Regina was not always like this. Her current battle with drugs and alcohol abuse is the root of our problem. She must continue her rehabilitation program, or I fear for her life and safety. Now she has moved to a place where she will have unrestricted access to drugs. I have other wives, and none will ever accuse me of violence. Regina is the violent one here, slapping and hitting 3 staff in the past 48 hours and destroying property, including cars and windows, for no just cause. The truth is, I have set a clear condition for her to accept rehab in Asokoro or outside Nigeria especially Jordan where she will not have access to drugs. A clear headed regina would have taken moon to the hospital but instead she even threatened to kill our resident nurse(for exposing her drugs abuse). While I took Moon to the hospital, a scene of chaos unfolded at home, orchestrated by Sammy, Regina’s main drug supplier. Another known supplier of drugs to Regina is the tiny evil devil called Ann.”

Lagos Govt Appoints Mandy Kiss as Ambassador.

Social media personality Ayomiposi Oluwadahunsi, popularly known as Mandy Kiss, has been named a brand ambassador for the Lagos State Kick Against Drug and Substance Abuse (LASKADA).

The announcement was made on Tuesday by Lagos Commissioner for Youth and Social Development, Mr Mobolaji Ogunlende, during an event organised by the anti-drug initiative.

In a video obtained by POLITICS NIGERIA, Ogunlende stated, “We’re here with Mandy Kiss, and she has agreed to become one of our LASKADA brand ambassadors.

“Drugs are a pandemic hitting our streets, society, and communities. The government cannot fight it alone. We must collaborate with those who can reach as many people as possible, and we know Mandy Kiss has a large following, 402,000.

“With the powers conferred on me, I make her one of our brand ambassadors. So, say no to drugs. Say what? Say no to drugs.

“Everybody has a past, nobody’s perfect, but as a brand ambassador for Lagos State Kicks Against Drug Abuse, we hope Mandy Kiss will help us reach every corner of Lagos to fight this pandemic,” he said.

The appointment comes weeks after Mandy Kiss made a social media post in which she claimed she intended to engage in a marathon sexual act with 100 men in a single day, a claim she later dismissed as a joke.

The Guinness World Records (GWR) also clarified that it does not recognise sexual activity as a record category.

NDLEA Proposes Mandatory Drug Test for Driver’s Licence Applicants.

The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) has proposed mandatory drug integrity tests for individuals applying for driver’s licences as part of efforts to reduce dr¥g-related road accidents across Nigeria.

NDLEA Chairman, retired Brig.-Gen. Buba Marwa, made this known in a goodwill message at the National Summit of the Special Marshals of the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) on Wednesday in Abuja. He was represented by the Deputy Commandant General of Narcotics, Mr. Umoru Ambrose.

Marwa described the NDLEA and FRSC as “partners in progress,” stressing that while the FRSC ensures road safety, the NDLEA tackles the root causes of crashes, including drug abuse. He noted that years of research have shown that substance abuse contributes significantly to road accidents.

He revealed that both agencies are finalising a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU), with one of its key provisions being the introduction of drug tests for drivers. According to him, the NDLEA has already fulfilled its part of the agreement and is awaiting the FRSC’s input before full implementation.

Marwa explained that the initiative would require drivers to undergo drug tests before applying for licences, while trained FRSC officials would also be able to conduct on-the-spot drug tests on highways. He added that the measure would serve as a deterrent to commercial drivers who abuse drugs or alcohol.

The NDLEA boss further disclosed that the planned collaboration would allow FRSC and NDLEA operatives to jointly assess both drivers and passengers during road operations.

“With this measure, FRSC and NDLEA officers will be able to conduct spot drug tests on highways. Once the process is concluded, the agency will move to full implementation,” Marwa assured.

War on Drug Abuse: NDLEA Chairman Buba Marwa Urges Families to Embrace Home Drug Test Kits.

The Chairman of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), Brig. Gen. Mohammed Buba Marwa (Rtd), has called on families to adopt the use of drug test kits at home as a preventive measure against substance abuse among youths.

Speaking at the Defence and Police Officers’ Wives Association (DEPOWA) Inter-Secondary Schools Sports Competition in Abuja, Marwa emphasized that early detection plays a vital role in curbing addiction.

“Drug abuse steals the bright future of our youths. It is not only a personal tragedy but also a national loss,” he warned. “We must remain close to our children, pay attention, and never overlook the warning signs.”

He praised DEPOWA for using sports as a tool to spread awareness under the theme “Live Free, Stay Clean.” Marwa further encouraged schools to establish drug-free clubs, assuring that the NDLEA will continue to support awareness and prevention initiatives across the country.

EFCC Blames Yahoo Boys for Visa Woes.

The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has warned that the surge in internet fraud is leading to stricter visa restrictions for innocent Nigerians seeking to travel abroad.

Chairman Olanipekun Olukoyede emphasized that crimes like cyber fraud and money laundering damage Nigeria’s global reputation and hinder economic development.

Key Points
EFCC Chairman Olanipekun Olukoyede linked internet fraud to stricter visa restrictions.
He warned that "yahoo-yahoo" erodes Nigeria's international image.

The crime drains billions of naira from the national economy.
Olukoyede urged youths to channel their creativity into productive ventures.

He stated that "digital footprints never disappear" for those involved in fraud.

The commission is intensifying its crackdown on cybercrime.
Other agencies also raised concerns about drug abuse and pipeline vandalism.

Beyond arrests and convictions, the EFCC’s alert underscores how cybercrime inflicts collective punishment on innocent citizens and stains national integrity.

Governor Alex Otti Calls for Tougher Laws Against Drug Dealers in Nigeria

Abia State Governor, Dr. Alex Otti, has urged the federal government and lawmakers to introduce stringent legislations to combat the rising menace of drug abuse and illicit trafficking in Nigeria.

Governor Otti emphasized that the proliferation of hard drugs poses a major threat to national security, public health, and the future of Nigerian youths. He argued that unless tougher laws are enacted and fully enforced, drug abuse will continue to undermine the country’s social and economic stability.

He stressed that legislation alone would not be enough, urging stronger collaboration between security agencies, community leaders, and civil society groups in creating awareness and rehabilitation opportunities for victims of drug abuse.

According to him, “Illicit drugs destroy lives, fuel crime, and cripple the future of our young people. We must act decisively with both legislation and enforcement to win this fight.”

Otti also reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to supporting national efforts by strengthening rehabilitation programs and promoting youth empowerment initiatives as preventive measures.


#AlexOtti #DrugAbuse #Nigeria #AbiaState #DrugLawReform #StopDrugAbuse #YouthEmpowerment

UNIVERSITY OF LAGOS (UNILAG) RELEASES POST UTME ADMISSION FORM FOR 2025/2026 ACADEMIC SESSION

The University of Lagos online registration for the Post-UTME Screening Exercise for Admission into ALL UNDERGRADUATE COURSES/PROGRAMMES for the 2025/2026 Academic Session, will commence from Monday, July 28 to Wednesday, August 20, 2025.

ELIGIBLE CANDIDATES
Candidates who made University of Lagos their first choice in the 2025/2026 UTME and scored 200 and above are eligible to apply for Post-UTME Online Screening. In addition, candidates must possess five (5) credit passes at one sitting in relevant O/level subjects including English Language and Mathematics.
Only candidates who must have uploaded their O/Level results on or before September 12, 2025 will be considered for admission.
Candidates, who will not be sixteen (16) years of age by September 30, 2025 are not eligible and need not apply.
Candidates who do not participate in the Post-UTME Online Aptitude test will not be considered for admission.
Candidates must use their personal and active emails to register for the Post-UTME Screening as this will be the channel for communication.
Former students of the University whose admissions were withdrawn on the basis of poor academic performance or absence status could re-apply on condition that the new admission shall be for a new programme/course different from the former programme/course.
Any student expelled from the University cannot be offered fresh admission.
APPLICATION FEE – N2, 000 ADMINISTRATIVE FEE – N3, 500

MOCK AND POST-UTME TEST (ONLINE)
Mock Examinations will hold from Monday, August 25 to Wednesday, August 27, 2025. Post-UTME On-line Aptitude test will hold from Monday, September 1 to Friday, September 5, 2025.

The University has zero tolerance for drug abuse. The University shall withdraw the admission of admitted students who test positive for drug use whenever the University conducts the test, either before or after registration

60 arrested in connection with drug abuse in Yobe – Official.

No fewer than 60 suspects have been arrested in a joint operation clampdown on drug dealers and abusers in Damaturu, Yobe.

The State Government Focal Person on Drug Abuse Control, Mr Saidu Jakusko, made this known on Thursday while briefing newsmen in Damaturu.

Jakusko said the joint operation, which involved members of the vigilance group and personnel of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), led to the arrest of 30 men and 30 women.

He explained that the clampdown became necessary following the alarming rate of drug abuse, especially among the youth population in the state.

“The first phase of the operation targeted some flashpoints within the state capital and will continue until the menace is brought under control,” he said.

Jakusko noted that most of the suspects were under the influence of hard substances at the point of arrest, and among them were three notorious drug dealers who had been on the watchlist of security operatives.

He said the arrested individuals were being screened, and those identified as non-indigenes would be returned to their respective states.

“For those who are indigenes, some will be rehabilitated, counselled, empowered, and arraigned in court, depending on the degree of their involvement,” he said.

He added that special consideration would be given to the female suspects.

Jakusko expressed appreciation to Gov. Mai Mala Buni for entrusting him with the responsibility and thanked the security agencies for their cooperation and support during the operation.

Diddy Enters Therapy for Drug Use, Domestic Violence Ahead of Sentencing

Music mogul Sean “Diddy” Combs has entered therapy for substance abuse and domestic violence as he awaits sentencing following multiple federal investigations.

According to TMZ, Combs checked into a private facility in Arizona, where he is receiving treatment as part of the Dr. Harry K. Wexler drug abuse program. Sources say the move is voluntary and aimed at personal accountability rather than image repair.

“It’s not about salvaging a brand,” a source told Rolling Stone. “He’s trying to confront issues he’s suppressed for years.”

Earlier this month, a jury found Combs guilty on two of five federal charges:

Not guilty of racketeering conspiracy

Not guilty of sex trafficking related to Cassie Ventura

Guilty of transporting Ventura for prostitution

Not guilty of sex trafficking related to a woman identified as "Jane"

Guilty of transporting "Jane" for prostitution

Each conviction carries a maximum sentence of 10 years in prison. Combs is expected to remain in therapy through the summer, with sentencing set for October 3.

Four out of 10 undergraduates are into drugs NDLEA.

The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency, Oyo State Command, says about four to five out of 10 undergraduates are into drugs.

The state NDLEA Commander, Olayinke Joe-Fadile, disclosed this in Ibadan on Wednesday during the command’s rally in commemoration of the 2025 International Day Against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking.

The day, also known as World Drug Day, is marked every June 26 to strengthen action and cooperation in achieving a world free of drug abuse.

The theme of the 2025 celebration is “The Evidence is Clear: Invest in Prevention, Break the Circle”.

According to Joe-Fadile, the menace of drug abuse is getting more worrisome as statistics have shown that younger people are getting exposed to drug use and offences.

“We are intensifying efforts on our campaigns across primary and secondary schools, including tertiary institutions in the state, because the demography of people using drugs is getting lower by the day.

“We now can see children from age nine upward taking drugs.

NDLEA Strikes Again: 36 Arrested in Kano Sallah Drug Operation
In a significant operation during the Sallah festivities, the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) Kano State Command has arrested 36 individuals involved in the trafficking and distribution of illicit substances. The operation, which spanned several days, led to the seizure of various narcotics, including cannabis sativa, methamphetamine, and tramadol.

According to the NDLEA, the arrested suspects were apprehended in different parts of the state, including notorious drug hotspots such as Fagge, Danagundi, and Filin Idi. The agency's spokesperson, Femi Babafemi, stated that the operation was part of the agency's ongoing efforts to curb drug abuse and trafficking during the festive period.

The NDLEA emphasized the importance of community involvement in the fight against drug abuse, urging residents to report suspicious activities to the authorities. The agency also reiterated its commitment to ensuring a drug-free environment for all Nigerians.

This operation underscores the NDLEA's dedication to combating drug-related offenses and promoting public safety, especially during times of celebration when the risk of drug abuse may increase.

#NDLEA #KanoSallahOperation #DrugFreeNigeria

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NDLEA Arrests Saudi-Bound Pilgrims, Seizes ₦9.3bn Worth of Drugs in Rivers

The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) has arrested two intending hajj pilgrims and dismantled a major drug trafficking syndicate smuggling cocaine to Saudi Arabia. The agency also intercepted drugs valued at over ₦9.3 billion during a sweeping operation in Rivers State.

In a statement released on Sunday, NDLEA spokesman Femi Babafemi revealed that two pilgrims—Ibrahim Umar Mustapha and Muhammad Siraj Shifado—were arrested at the Mallam Aminu Kano International Airport in Kano while attempting to board an Ethiopian Airlines flight to Jeddah on May 26. Both suspects were found to have ingested 45 wraps of cocaine each, totaling 90 pellets weighing 1.04 kilograms.

“The interdiction at the NDLEA final screening point followed credible intelligence,” Babafemi said. “After body scans confirmed drug ingestion, both individuals were placed under excretion observation.”

Syndicate Dismantled
A follow-up investigation led to the arrest of three alleged kingpins—Abubakar Muhammad, Abdulhakeem Muhammed Tijjani, and Muhammad Aji Shugaba—on May 27 and 28 in Kano. The group is suspected of sponsoring hajj pilgrims as drug couriers to Saudi Arabia.

“This network has been identified as a major player in trafficking drugs during pilgrimage seasons,” Babafemi added.

Businessman Arrested En Route to Iran
In a separate incident, NDLEA operatives at the Kano airport arrested Chinedu Leonard Okigbo, a 60-year-old businessman, while trying to board a Qatar Airways flight to Iran. A body scan revealed he had ingested 65 wraps of cocaine, weighing 1.41 kilograms.

Massive Seizures in Rivers
Between May 28 and 30, seven watch-listed containers were jointly inspected by NDLEA officers, Customs officials, and other security agencies at the Port Harcourt Ports Complex, Onne. The operation yielded:

825,200 bottles of codeine-based syrup and trodol, worth ₦5.77 billion

5,100,000 pills of opioids, including tapentadol 225mg, valued at ₦3.57 billion

The combined street value of the seized drugs was put at ₦9.346 billion.

Other Major Operations
In Kano, two men—Abubakar Hussein (42) and Sahabi Adamu (53)—were caught along the Kano-Maiduguri road on May 30 with $900,000 in suspected counterfeit cash.

In Adamawa, operatives recovered 390 blocks of skunk (cannabis) weighing 275.3kg from an abandoned Toyota Sienna vehicle on May 27.

In Kwara State, on May 31, notorious drug dealer Alhaja Mutiat Abdul-Fatai was arrested at Oja Oba, Ilorin. Various opioids including tramadol, flunitrazepam, and codeine syrup were recovered.

Public Sensitization and Commendation
NDLEA’s War Against Drug Abuse (WADA) advocacy continued with sensitization sessions in schools across Katsina, Enugu, Anambra, Kano, and Cross River.

The NDLEA Chairman, Brig. Gen. Mohamed Buba Marwa (Rtd.), praised the efforts of the agency's commands in Kano, Rivers, Kwara, and Adamawa, and urged continued commitment to drug supply and demand reduction.

“These successes reflect the agency’s unwavering resolve in combating the drug menace across Nigeria,” Marwa said.

Femi Babafemi
Director, Media & Advocacy
NDLEA Headquarters, Abuja
Sunday, June 1, 2025