Nigeria’s Anti-Drug Agency Seizes $2.1 Million

“Preliminary investigation conducted by the Assets and Financial Investigation Directorate of the NDLEA revealed that Ibiteye’s action is in contravention of the money laundering prohibition Act 2011 as amended,” the NDLEA said.

Officials of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) have seized $2.1 million from suspected money launderers at the local wing of the Murtala Muhammed Airport in Lagos, Nigeria.

In a statement released today, the NDLEA disclosed that its anti-narcotic agents intercepted and seized $2,198,900 “on the grounds of suspected money laundering at the local wing of the Murtala Mohammed Airport (MMA2) Lagos.”

The agency also arrested 46-year-old Ibiteye John Bamidele in connection with the seized funds. The NDLEA statement, signed by its head of public affairs, Ofoyeju Mitchell, revealed that the suspect was arrested as he was about to fly to Abuja, Nigeria’s capital.

“Preliminary investigation conducted by the Assets and Financial Investigation Directorate of the NDLEA revealed that Ibiteye’s action is in contravention of the money laundering prohibition Act 2011 as amended,” the NDLEA said.

The agency also disclosed that the suspect “alleged that the money belongs to one Dr. Martins Olufemi Thomas, a medical practitioner in Lagos. Investigation conducted by the Agency did not link the money to proceeds of narcotics. However, a country having insurgency challenge cannot afford to ignore suspicious movement of large amount of money.”

The statement added that the NDLEA’s chairman, Ahmadu Giade, had ordered that the suspect and the seized funds be transferred to the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) for further action.

The NDLEA revealed that the suspect claimed to operate a bureau de change business. It quoted the suspect as saying, “I used to work for Ebi Bureau de Change at the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Abuja before I established my company with the name ND&C Global Investment Limited which is yet to be fully registered with the Corporate Affairs Commission (CAC). One of my clients, Dr. Martins Olufemi Thomas, gave me the said amount to take to Abuja. I was arrested by NDLEA officers while checking-in the money at MM2 on my way to Abuja

Educationist urges institutions to focus on talent development

An educationist and Director of Cayley College, Dr Mary Iyayi, has called on educational institutions to focus on talent development which is key to developing the innate potentials of the students. The need to improve the mind of the students also helps them engage in better self-expression which aids learning capabilities.
Dr Iyayi who spoke during the recent literary day celebration of the school stated that there should be urgent focus on preparing students to develop platforms for self-expression which helps them distinguish themselves among their peers. She added that a literary day which has several programmes affords the students the opportunity to showcase their innate potentials while also providing avenue for interaction and bonding.
According to her, there should be focus on activities that will enable students improve their minds and showcase their potentials for impact. This is one thing that will enable them identify their core areas of strength in life.
She asserted that the literary day provides ample opportunity for students from other schools to interact and exchange ideas which improve their minds and create fertile ground to promote learning. She added that the literary day is one of the avenues the school utilizes to prepare the total child for a challenging future.
In the drama which was a major feature of the literary day, its theme focuses on violence which does not aid societal development. It also underscores the need for peace and mutual understanding among people. A major highlight of the day was a debating competition amongst invited schools on the topic of corruption and terrorism where the students showcased their public speaking prowess.
The contest concluded after three rounds. Vivian Fowler Memorial College for Girls took first position, Unique Heights Schools came second while Dansol High School came third. There was also a talent display through the Saxophone and violin by the students of Cayley College which added glitz and glamour to the event.

Nigerian Court sends ex-Gov Sule Lamido to prison

Drama as Court sends ex-Gov Sule Lamido to prison
KANO -There was a mild drama Thursday in Kano between former Governor of Jigawa state, Alhaji Sule Lamido and the Deputy Chief Registrar of Federal High court, Barrister Solomon Akpedah when the former was excused to move to a waiting van for a journey to Kano central prison.
The Peoples Democratic Party stalwart was docked for 28 count charges alongside his two sons, Aminu and Mustapha, and one Wada Abubakar in connection with alleged corruption and money laundering of over N1.34 billion.
The former governor shortly after he lost his freedom, following the refusal of the court to grant his bail application exclaimed, ‘you mean I’m now a prisoner.’
But the Deputy Chief Registrar of the Court, Solomon Akpedah who was handy responded swiftly to cool a heavily traumatised Jigawa born politician, as he quickly said ‘no sir, you are not a prisoner’
Justice Evelyn Anyadike while ruling on the bail application said that all the four accused persons should be remanded in Kano prison pending the appointment of a vacation judge to decide the veracity and other wise of the application.
Justice Anyadike said, “the case is hereby adjourned for hearing to September 28th, while the four accused persons are to be remanded in prison custody in Kano”.
The trial Judge who explained that she was in Kano by Fiat, further ruled that “the case will be handed over to a vacation Judge to listen to the bail application while the Judiciary goes on vacation next Monday.