Senator Orji Uzor Kalu Alleges Some Nigerian Pilots Smoke Indian Hemp Before Flights, Calls for Urgent Regulatory Action.

Former Abia State governor and Senate Chief Whip, Orji Uzor Kalu, has sparked concern over alleged drug use among Nigerian pilots, claiming that some smoke Indian hemp before flying passengers.

Speaking during Wednesday’s plenary session, Kalu urged aviation regulators to take immediate action to safeguard travelers, accusing agencies of negligence and poor oversight.
“The agencies overseeing these pilots are not doing enough. I’ve personally refused to board a flight because the pilot didn’t seem normal. Some of them smoke Indian hemp yes, it’s true,” he said.

He faulted aviation authorities such as the NCAA and NEMA for failing to conduct proper medical and drug assessments. “Pilots walk into the cockpit without anyone checking their blood pressure or drug level. There’s no on-the-spot testing. It’s dangerous,” he warned.

Kalu recounted once stopping a flight over concerns about a pilot’s condition and urged the Minister of Aviation to step up supervision. “Some take Indian hemp like cigarettes. If you go close, you can smell it,” he alleged.

His remarks come weeks after the Nigerian Safety Investigation Bureau (NSIB) reportedly said two Air Peace pilots tested positive for alcoqAzqdqazqhol and cannabis following a July 2025 runway incident at Port Harcourt International Airport.

Air Peace, however, dismissed the claim, saying no crew member tested positive and that the airline enforces a zero-tolerance policy on substance use. “Our crew were tested within an hour, and all results were negative,” the airline stated.

Super Eagles’ Flight to Uyo Delayed After Aircraft’s Windscreen Cracked Mid-Air.

The Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) has confirmed that the Super Eagles’ return to Uyo for Tuesday’s decisive 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifier against Benin Republic was delayed after their aircraft developed a cr+cked windscreen mid-air.

The ValueJet Airline plane, which had earlier flown part of the team to Polokwane for the match against Lesotho, made an emergency return to Luanda, Angola, shortly after takeoff during a refuelling stop.

According to the NFF Communications Department, the pilot acted swiftly to ensure the safety of all passengers, and the aircraft landed safely back in Luanda without casualties.

The incident occurred as the team was heading home following a 2–1 away win over Lesotho, a result that boosted Nigeria’s hopes of qualifying for the 2026 World Cup. The victory lifted the Eagles to third place in Group C with 14 points, behind Benin Republic (17) and South Africa (15).

The NFF stated that ValueJet, in coordination with the Federal Government, the Ministers of Aviation and Foreign Affairs, and the Chief of Staff to the President, is working urgently to secure permits for a replacement aircraft from Lagos to transport the delegation to Uyo.

Tuesday’s fixture is seen as a must-win for Nigeria. Only group winners qualify automatically for the World Cup, while the four best runners-up advance to the playoffs.

To keep their qualification hopes alive, the Super Eagles must defeat Benin Republic and hope South Africa drops points in their final game. Anything less would end Nigeria’s bid to return to the world stage after missing Qatar 2022.

The clash at the Godswill Akpabio International Stadium in Uyo is being viewed as a defining moment for the three-time African champions, who are determined to reclaim national pride and secure a place at FIFA 2026.

Media personality Raye Raises Alarm as 15 Passengers, Including a Youth Corper, Allegedly Remain Missing One Week After Being Kidnapped During Trip From Calabar to Uyo.

Accident: These Yahoo Yahoo boys do not care about another person on the road - Abdullahi Usman.

According to a report by the Punch on Wednesday, October 1, 2025, a devastating accident in Edo State has claimed three lives, highlighting ongoing road safety issues in southwestern Nigeria. The incident occurred Monday night near the Ogba River bridge in Oredo Local Government Area, where an SUV driver allegedly lost control and collided with a commercial motorcycle, killing the rider and both passengers instantly.

The tragedy sparked immediate protests from fellow commercial motorcycle operators, who expressed frustration over what they describe as reckless driving by certain motorists. One protester, Abdullahi Usman, voiced the community's anger, stating, "These Yahoo Yahoo boys do not care about another person on the road. The accident was very severe." The protesters specifically accused internet fraudsters of habitual dangerous driving.

In a separate incident on the same day, six people narrowly escaped serious injury in a collision along the Abeokuta-Sagamu Expressway in Ogun State. The accident involved two vehicles, with preliminary reports indicating that a Lexus driver oversped before crashing into a Toyota Avensis from behind. Fortunately, all six adult males involved emerged without fatal injuries.

Authorities in both states have launched investigations into the respective incidents. The Edo State Police Command confirmed the fatal accident and assured the public that those responsible would be held accountable. Meanwhile, traffic officials in Ogun State quickly cleared the wreckage from the highway to prevent traffic congestion.

These incidents underscore persistent concerns about speeding and reckless driving on Nigerian roads. The accidents occurred despite recent warnings from the Federal Road Safety Corps about the dangers of excessive speed, particularly along major highways like the Abeokuta-Sagamu Expressway where similar fatal crashes have been reported in recent months.

Benue: Armed herdsmen ambush bus with passengers in Markudi, Naka road.

Fear gripped commuters on Sunday as suspected armed herdsmen ambushed a commercial bus on the Makurdi–Naka highway and abducted all passengers on board.

Eyewitnesses said the vehicle, which left Makurdi for Naka, was intercepted before it reached its destination.

The attackers reportedly marched the passengers into nearby bushes at gunpoint.

When contacted, the Benue State Police Public Relations Officer, ASP Edet Udeme, said she had not yet received any report of the incident and would confirm the situation and provide updates.

Russian Traveller Turns into Keke Rider After Falling in Love with Nigeria.

Russian adventurer Ekaterina Kate Ivanova decided to travel round Africa, her goal was to travel from country to country, explore cultures, and document her journey. She had already crossed through parts of Asia and Eastern Europe, and Africa was next on her list. But fate had other plans the moment she landed in Nigeria.

She highlighted in an interview that she wanted to travel across Africa, but fell in love with Nigeria . Kate, believed to be in her late 20s, first arrived in Lagos out of curiosity, intending to stay for just a few days before heading to Benin Republic. But the warmth of Nigerian changed everything. According to her, the friendliness she received as a stranger in a foreign land was overwhelming .

Determined to immerse herself fully into the culture, Kate did something no one expected . She bought a keke (tricycle) and started riding it commercially .

Now, every morning, she joins other riders on the streets, hustling like a typical Nigerian . Her passengers are often stunned to see a foreigner behind the wheel. Some laugh, some take photos, and others even tip her out of admiration. She noted that Fuel scarcity, rough roads and teasing from fellow drivers are all part of her daily routine now as she enjoys the environment.

Arming My Men May Be Only Way to Enforce Traffic Laws — FRSC Corps Marshal.

Corps Marshal of the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC), Shehu Mohammed, says arming personnel may be the only effective way to enforce traffic regulations on Nigerian highways.

Speaking on ARISE News on Thursday, Mohammed highlighted the dangers officers face, especially when confronting overloaded heavy-duty vehicles.

He questioned how small patrol teams could stop trailers and tankers carrying both goods and passengers.
“How do you stop a trailer or a tanker on the road? It’s very difficult. A truck with up to 100 passengers and animals, and you only have four personnel on patrol, how do you stop that?” he asked.

Mohammed stressed that without what he called the “power of cohesion,” enforcing traffic laws would remain nearly impossible. “If you don’t have the power to enforce anything, there’s no way you can achieve that enforcement,” he said when asked if arming the FRSC was the solution.

On issues of br+bery and extortion among operatives, the FRSC boss admitted the problem exists but maintained that the Corps has been stricter than many agencies in disciplining erring officers.
“We have more records of termination and dismissal of our personnel because of br+bes and corruption,” he said, noting that the Corps operates under strict procedures to check misconduct.

He also addressed concerns about driver’s licence fees, clarifying that the rates remain unchanged: ₦15,000 for three years and ₦21,000 for five years.

Mohammed apologised to Nigerians over challenges in processing licences and assured that an upgraded system will be rolled out in October. “In the first and second week of October, they will see an enhanced driver’s licence and more efficient service delivery,” he promised.

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.

Man collapses in court and d!es moment before sentencing.

A man collapsed and died in court in Rusape, Zimbabwe, last week while awaiting sentencing on a negligent driving charge, leaving his case unresolved.

The deceased, identified as Blessing Kalatala, had earlier pleaded guilty to the offence. He fell ill last Friday during proceedings before Magistrate Babra Mateko, who was preparing to deliver his sentence. Court officials said Kalatala was immediately taken to Rusape Remand Prison for medical attention but passed away later that evening.

The case stemmed from a traffic accident that occurred on the Harare–Mutare Road in October 2024. Prosecutor Faith Mutukwa told the court that Kalatala, who was driving a Toyota Hiace minibus, made a right-hand turn into the path of an oncoming Nissan AD Van near the 192-kilometre peg in Nyazura.

The Nissan, driven by Linah Makufa, was carrying three passengers at the time. The impact of the collision caused significant damage to both vehicles and left several people injured. Mutukwa confirmed that all three passengers Estela Salina Sadombo and Lonah Madlayo among them sustained injuries and required medical treatment.

The Vehicle Inspection Department later assessed the vehicles, reporting damage to the left front passenger door of the Toyota Hiace and severe frontal damage to the Nissan van. These findings formed a key part of the evidence against Kalatala, who had admitted fault.

The sudden collapse in court shocked officials and observers. “It was a very distressing situation. One moment, the court was in session; the next, there was a medical emergency. Our immediate priority was to ensure he received care,” one court official said on condition of anonymity.

Authorities have now referred the matter for further investigation to determine the exact cause of death.

Container Truck Crushes Tricycle In Lagos Accident.

The Lagos State Traffic Management Authority (LASTMA) has confirmed a fatal accident involving a container-laden truck and a commercial tricycle along the Ijora Causeway, inward Ijora 7Up. According to a press statement released by Adebayo Taofiq, Director of Public Affairs and Enlightenment at LAST...

Lagos – Accident: The Lagos State Traffic Management Authority (LASTMA) has confirmed a fatal accident involving a container-laden truck and a commercial tricycle along the Ijora Causeway, inward Ijora 7Up.

According to a press statement released by Adebayo Taofiq, Director of Public Affairs and Enlightenment at LASTMA, the incident occurred earlier today when a 40-foot container truck, bearing registration number XP 368 AKD, lost control and overturned on a moving tricycle with passengers on board.

“The Lagos State Traffic Management Authority (LASTMA) confirms the occurrence of a tragic accident along Ijora Causeway, inward Ijora 7Up.

The incident involved a 40-foot container truck which fell on a commercial tricycle with unsuspecting passengers,” the statement read.

According to the statement, “Preliminary findings indicate that the articulated vehicle, while attempting a precarious maneuver beneath the Ijora Bridge, lost control and consequently capsized, fatally crushing on to a tricycle in its path. Regrettably, two passengers among them a serving Police Officer were killed instantly.”

“The remains of the deceased Police Officer were subsequently conveyed to a morgue at Yaba by security operatives, while grief-stricken relatives of the second victim, a female passenger, hastened to the scene to retrieve the remains of their loved one.”

“In a valiant rescue operation spearheaded by LASTMA operatives in concert with allied emergency responders, two additional victims, including the tricycle operator, were extricated alive, though they sustained severe bilateral leg fractures.”

NDLEA Nabs Two Businessmen Returning From Brazil With 116 Wraps of Illicit Drugs in Lagos.

Two Brazil returnees, Ofoma Sunday and Ukachukwu Frank Ikechukwu, have excreted a total of 116 wraps of heroin and cocaine after days in observatory custody following their arrest by operatives of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) at the Murtala Muhammed International Airport (MMIA), Ikeja, Lagos.

This was disclosed in a statement by NDLEA spokesperson Femi Babafemi on Sunday, September 21, 2025.

Ofoma, 46, was arrested on Tuesday 16th September on arrival from Sao Paulo, Brazil, via Ethiopian Airlines. A body scan confirmed he ingested illicit drugs. 

He had travelled on 3rd September to courier the consignment for a promised $2,500. A follow-up raid at Eliata Hotel, Amuwo Odofin, led to the arrest of 55-year-old Nweke Jude Chuckwudi, designated to recover the drugs. Ofoma eventually excreted 111 wraps of heroin weighing 1.452kg in eight batches.

Similarly, Ukachukwu was arrested during inward clearance of Ethiopian Airlines passengers from Brazil via Addis Ababa on Friday 19th September. 

A scan showed dr¥g insertion, and under observation, he excreted five large wraps of cocaine weighing 145 grams.

In his statement, Ukachukwu confessed: “I bought nine wraps of cocaine in Brazil and inserted them into my anus. The process took me nearly two hours. During transit in Addis Ababa, I felt severe anal pain and removed all the wraps. In a rush to catch my connecting flight, I could only reinsert seven and flushed two. On the flight to Lagos, I felt pressed and expelled two more in the lavatory, leaving five inside me.”

He further revealed he had been in the clothing business before moving to Brazil in 2017, later relocating to the U.S., where he was arrested for immigration offences and deported in 2022. In March 2025, he returned to Brazil after securing a residence permit.

Police Arrest Traveller With 2 Guns, Others In Edo.

Operatives of the Edo State Police Command have arrested a 42-year-old man, Ogbole Henry, for unlawful possession of firearms and ammunition during a routine patrol along the Benin-Lagos highway.
The suspect was nabbed at about 11:30 a.m. by Safer Highway Patrol Team officers led by ASP Enenche Christopher near the notorious “Evil Forest” axis.

He was said to be travelling in a commercial bus from Lagos to Benin when the patrol team intercepted the vehicle.

A search uncovered two locally made pistols, eighteen 9mm live rounds and 10 live cartridges in his possession. Other passengers onboard were profiled and released to continue their journey.
Further investigation traced a pump-action shotgun and a Lexus RX 330 to the suspect, strengthening links to a wider criminal network.
The police confirmed he has since been charged in court, while efforts are ongoing to track down his accomplices.

The commissioner of police, CP Monday Agbonika, warned that the command would sustain intensive highway patrols and intelligence-led operations to stamp out violent crime.

He also urged commercial drivers to be vigilant and scrutinise their passengers to avoid inadvertently aiding criminal activities.

“The command remains committed to protecting life and property and will not relent in ensuring that Edo State is safe for all,” Agbonika said.

Catholic Priest,Rev. Fr. Matthew Eya, Shot Dead by UGM in Enugu.

Tension has gripped Enugu State after the brutal murder of a Catholic priest, Rev. Fr. Matthew Eya, by unidentified gunmen.

The incident occurred Friday evening along the Eha-Alumona–Eha-Ndiagu Road in Nsukka Local Government Area. 
Until his death, Fr. Eya served as parish priest of St. Charles Catholic Church, Eha-Ndiagu.

Initial reports suggested the attack was a kidnapping  attempt, with claims that passengers were abducted after the gunmen opened fire on his vehicle. However, community sources insist the killing appeared to be a targeted assassination.

One witness told journalists that the priest was driving alone when armed men on motorcycles ambushed him near the ongoing Type C hospital project.

“They shot and deflated his tyres, forcing him to stop. Then they approached and fired multiple rounds at close range. This doesn’t look like a kidnapping,” the source said.

Fr. Eya, who hailed from Ugbaike in Enugu Ezike, Igbo-Eze North LGA, was described as a devoted cleric.

Confirming the tragedy, the Chancellor of the Catholic Diocese of Nsukka, Fr. Cajetan Iyidobi, expressed deep sorrow in a statement:
“Shocked to the marrow, it is with crushing pain and sorrow, yet with total submission to the will of the Almighty God and firm hope in the resurrection of the d+ad, that I inform you of the tragic death of yet another brother of ours, Rev. Fr. Matthew Eya.

He was shot dead yesterday, 19 September 2025, along the Eha-Alumona–Eha-Ndiagu Road. Let us remain ardent in prayer that God sees us through this period of devastating anguish. May his soul rest in peace. Amen.”

Abuja dispatch rider arrested with cocaine, loud.

NDLEA Seizes N3.99bn Drugs, Arrests 34 Suspects Across Eight States

The Chairman of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), Brig. Gen. Mohamed Buba Marwa (Rtd), has confirmed the arrest of 34 suspects across Lagos, Ogun, Kano, Abuja, Oyo, Edo, Yobe, and Anambra States during operations between September 7 and 11, 2025.

The agency retrieved a total of N3.99bn worth of drugs and intercepted large quantities including over 2.6 million tramadol pills, 6,029 bottles of skuchies, 4,232kg of cannabis, 196 litres of Akuskura, 17kg of skunk, 13.9kg of methamphetamine, and several other psychoactive substances.

The report, released on Sunday and signed by the NDLEA’s Director of Media and Advocacy, Mr. Femi Babafemi, confirmed that no fewer than 2.6 million pills were recovered during the operations.

According to the NDLEA, traffickers employed multiple smuggling models, including concealment in multi-vitamin cartons, vehicle spare parts, food items, picture frames, and courier packages, as well as trafficking via passengers at airports and motorcycles across borders.

On Thursday, September 11, NDLEA officers swooped on a clearing agent and two drivers attempting to move 2.5 million tramadol pills disguised as multi-vitamins from the import shed of the Murtala Muhammed International Airport (MMIA), Lagos.

The consignment, worth ₦3.99 billion, had arrived aboard an Ethiopian Airlines flight from Delhi, India, on Monday, September 8.

A follow-up operation on Friday, September 12, led to the arrest of the Indian businessman, Gupta Ravi Kumar, believed to be the consignee, alongside three Nigerian accomplices: Ogunlana Noah Olanrewaju, Olushola Idrees Kayode, and Bakare Korede Muheeb.

Two Air Peace Pilots Test Positive For Alcohol, Cannabis After Port Harcourt Landing Mishap

The Nigerian Safety Investigation Bureau (NSIB) has confirmed that two Air Peace pilots tested positive for alcohol and cannabis following a runway excursion at Port Harcourt International Airport on July 13, 2025.

A preliminary accident report, signed by NSIB’s Director of Public Affairs and Family Assistance, Mrs. Bimbo Olawumi Oladeji, revealed that the Boeing 737 aircraft, operating a scheduled domestic flight from Lagos to Port Harcourt with 103 passengers on board, veered off Runway 21 after landing from an unstabilised approach.

The aircraft touched down 2,264 metres beyond the runway threshold and came to a stop 209 metres into the clearway.

Although no injuries or structural damage were recorded, the NSIB has launched a full investigation into the incident due to its serious safety implications.

According to the report, toxicological tests revealed that both the Captain and First Officer had recently consumed alcohol. Post-incident screenings returned positive results for Ethyl Glucuronide, a metabolic marker indicating recent alcohol intake.

Source: NSIB Preliminary Report

#AirPeace #AviationSafety #NSIB

K+dnppers Demand N15m Ransom for Edo Bus Passengers

Abd¥ctors of passengers from an 18-seater New Edo Line bus and a Toyota Camry along the Owan–Auchi Road have reportedly demanded N15 million ransom for each victim still in captivity.

The att+ck occurred on September 5, 2025, when g¥nmen intercepted the vehicles and forced passengers into the bush. The Edo State Police Command later rescued 16 victims, but several others remain held.

Among those still in captivity is Gloria Ikhaghu, who was returning home after her father’s burial in Okpekpe, Etsako East LGA. A family member confirmed that k+dnappers had contacted them.

“We are begging Governor Monday Okpebholo and everyone to help secure Gloria’s release, as we don’t have such money,” the relative said. “We just buried her father; raising N15 million is impossible.”

Police spokesperson CSP Moses Yamu said he was unaware of any ransom demand but assured that security operatives were “still combing the bush” for the victims.

The Owan–Auchi axis has long been a hotspot for abductions and armed att+cks, with criminals exploiting the dense forest terrain. The latest incident has renewed calls for stronger highway security in Edo State.

In 2023 and 2024, frequent k+dappin along the Benin–Auchi and Benin–Ekpoma roads triggered protests from residents, who accused security agencies of failing to adequately protect travellers.

#Instablog9jaNews #TrendingStory #Awareness #wStayUpdated

15 Jehovah’s Witnesses Die in Imo Road Accident.

The worshippers, from the Agwa community in Oguta Local Government Area, were returning from their annual convention in Uli, Anambra State.

At least 15 members of the Jehovah’s Witness congregation have been crushed to d3ath by a trailer.

The sad incident happened at Awomama Bridge in Imo State.

The crash, which occurred around 6:45 p.m. on Monday, happened when a trailer driving against traffic collided with a bus conveying the victims.

The worshippers, from Agwa community in Oguta Local Government Area, were returning from their annual convention in Uli, Anambra State.

All the passengers in the bus reportedly died on the spot, and their bodies have been deposited in a morgue.

Chairman of Oguta Local Government Area, Ifeanyi Nnani, described the incident as a tragic loss for the community.

In a condolence message issued through his aide, Orum Desmond, on Tuesday, he commiserated with the bereaved families and prayed for God’s comfort over the community.

“Oguta Local Government Area has once again witnessed another dark moment, very tragic and sorrowful.

“These pathetic incidents have once more reminded the people of Oguta, and Agwa, of the intense sorrow that took away the lives of Agwa people suddenly in the past,” he said.

Sixteen rescued as gunmen abduct passengers along Benin expressroad.

16 passengers of a commercial bus abducted along the Benin to Iyere Agbanikaka Oluku Road, Edo State, on Friday September 5, have been rescued.

This was confirmed by the spokesperson of the Edo state police command, CSP Moses Joel Yamu.

A video of other commuters of the road moments after the abduction occured, made the rounds on social media this morning. According to reports, the abduction occurred at about 4.30pm.

Political Bond: El-Rufai and Senator Abbo Spotted Together on Flight, Stir Online Reactions

Social media don catch fire as former Kaduna State Governor, Mallam Nasir El-Rufai, and former senator, Ishaku Abbo, wey represent Adamawa North, bin dey sighted together inside plane.

Na Senator Abbo himself share the picture for him official X (Twitter) handle on September 4, 2025, as he proudly hail El-Rufai, call am him mentor.

“Together with my mentor, the former governor of Kaduna state, Mallam Nasir El-Rufai,” na wetin Abbo write put for the post.

The photo wey show both of them plus other passengers don go viral, dey spark plenty reactions online. Some Nigerians dey praise the bond between the two politicians, while others dey throw different shades.

Political Bond: El-Rufai and Senator Abbo Spotted Together on Flight, Sparks Reactions

Social media is buzzing after former Kaduna State Governor, Mallam Nasir El-Rufai, and ex-lawmaker Senator Abbo Ishaku were spotted together aboard a plane.

Senator Abbo, who represented Adamawa North Senatorial District at the National Assembly, shared the photo on his official X account on September 4, 2025, proudly referring to El-Rufai as his mentor.

“Together with my mentor, the former governor of Kaduna state, Mallam Nasir El-Rufai,” Abbo captioned the post.

The image, which also showed them with other passengers, quickly went viral, attracting a wave of mixed reactions from Nigerians online. While some praised the bond between the two politicians.