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Families, communities, leaders must fight drug abuse – NDLEA boss

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The Chairman/Chief Executive of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency, Brig. Gen. Buba Marwa (retd.), has called for collective action by families, religious institutions, and community leaders to tackle substance abuse, cultism, and banditry among Nigerian youths.

Marwa made the call on Saturday in Ijebu Ode, Ogun State, while delivering the keynote address at a seminar organised by the Ijebu Ode Council of Olorituns with the theme, “Dangers of Drug Abuse, Cultism and Banditry Among Youths.”

He described the three issues as interlinked problems feeding each other in a cycle of violence and criminality, noting that cultism had spread from tertiary institutions to secondary schools and neighbourhoods.

A statement by the agency’s spokesman, Femi Babafemi quoted Marwa as saying ,”While these issues may appear distinct, they are intricately connected, feeding one another in a cycle of destruction that must be broken if our society is to thrive. Cultism, once largely confined to tertiary institutions, has insidiously spread into secondary schools and neighbourhoods.

“What began as secret gatherings has transformed into violent confraternities, often manipulated by political or criminal interests. These groups lure young people, often under the guise of brotherhood, protection or empowerment, into a world of fear, violence and premature death. Tragically, the hands of many of our youth have been stained with the blood of their peers, all for false promises of belonging and power,” he said.

He warned that Nigeria, which already has one of the highest drug use prevalence rates globally, could be affected by a projected 40 per cent increase in drug use across Africa.

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Marwa urged stakeholders to strengthen family values, ensure schools remain safe spaces, and invest in youth development through education, skills acquisition, entrepreneurship, and sports.

He also called for enhanced grassroots security and community partnership with law enforcement agencies.

“The first step is collective responsibility. Parents, religious institutions, traditional rulers, educational authorities and community leaders must rise with one voice against these vices. The family unit must be strengthened as the first point of moral instruction, while schools should be safe spaces that promote discipline, mentorship and awareness.

“We must also invest in youth development by creating opportunities for education, entrepreneurship, skills acquisition and sports. Idle hands, as we know, are the devil’s workshop. When our young people find purpose and meaning, they are less likely to seek false validation from cults or drugs”, Marwa stated.

Highlighting the NDLEA’s efforts, he said that in the past 54 months, the agency had arrested 67,345 drug offenders, including 95 barons, with 12,415 convicted. He added that 11.2 million kilograms of illicit drugs had been seized, 1,572 hectares of cannabis farms destroyed, and over 27,000 drug users rehabilitated.

Marwa commended the Council of Olorituns for organising the seminar and urged other communities to emulate the initiative. During his visit, he also paid a condolence call to the family of the late Awujale of Ijebuland, Oba Sikiru Adetona.

The council’s chairman, Chief Adebisi Adeola Alausa, and the chairman of the occasion, Senator Lekan Mustapha, commended Marwa for his commitment to youth safety and societal values.

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Public officers are stealing Nigeria’s money every minute – EFCC boss

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September 26, 2026

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The Chairman of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), Ola Olukoyede, says public officers steal funds every minute.

Olukoyede spoke in Abuja on Thursday at the 80th birthday celebration of former Attorney-General of the Federation, Kanu Agabi.

He stated that the anti-graft agency receives over 20,000 corruption petitions every year, describing the scale of the theft detailed in many cases as shocking.

“I receive over 20,000 petitions in a year in respect to public corruption, all terrible. What is going on? Like every minute, public officers take money, and if you go through some of our case files you will weep.

“The way people take national resources and Nigerians are victims of these fraudulent activities. And we must come together for once in our lifetime and say no to the activities of some of our leaders,” Olukoyede said.

The EFCC boss noted that some public officers assume office with less than ₦100,000 in their accounts, but within three years, the agency traces millions of dollars to them.

He added that some individuals acquire hundreds of houses while in office, warning that corruption is crippling the nation.

Olukoyede stressed that public officers must be held accountable for their time in office, emphasizing that transparency must remain the guiding standard in public service.

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VIDEO: Police identify officer in viral video saying Obi can never be President

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September 26, 2026

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The Lagos State Police Command has arrested an officer who appeared in a viral video making inappropriate remarks about Peter Obi and Igbo people while travelling on public transport.

The officer who has been identified as INSP. Osumah Frank, was filmed saying Obi or any Igbo person can never become President of Nigeria.

In a statement released today September 25, the command’s spokesperson, SP Abimbola said the command has commenced appropriate disciplinary action against the officer in line with established regulations of the Nigeria Police Force.

Abimbola stated that the statements made by the officer were made in his personal capacity and do not represent the position, views or official disposition of the Lagos State Police Command or the Nigeria Police Force.

She added that the State Commissioner of Police, CP Tijani Fatai, has reiterated the position of the command that all its personnel are expected to maintain professionalism, civility, discipline and respect for members of the public at all times. She further reaffirmed that wearing the Police uniform comes with a responsibility to uphold the dignity and integrity of the Force, and that the Command will not condone any conduct capable of bringing the Force into disrepute or undermining public confidence in the Police.

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Court rejects suit seeking fresh police investigation into late singer Mohbad’s death

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September 26, 2026

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The Federal High Court in Abuja has dismissed a suit seeking to compel the Nigeria Police Force to conduct a fresh investigation into the death of Nigerian singer Ilerioluwa Aloba, popularly known as Mohbad.

Justice James Omotosho dismissed the case filed by the Registered Trustees of Break the Silence Foundation in a judgment delivered on Thursday, ruling that the foundation lacked the legal capacity to institute the suit.

The judge also described the application as speculative and lacking sufficient merit, noting that the foundation failed to produce the original police investigation report to support its claim that the earlier investigation was inadequate.

Justice Omotosho further cautioned lawyers handling ongoing cases against discussing matters before the court during media interviews or on social media, describing such conduct as professional misconduct.

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