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Drug abuse threatens Nigeria’s future, Marwa warns youths

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The Chairman of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency, retired Brigadier-General Buba Marwa, on Tuesday warned that drug abuse among young people remains one of the greatest threats to Nigeria’s future.

Marwa issued the warning in Abuja while delivering the keynote address at the Football Anti-Drug Abuse Programme titled “Kick Out Drug Abuse,” organised by Richy Gold International Ltd in partnership with the NDLEA.

He commended the organisers for creatively harnessing the power of football—the world’s most popular sport—to engage youths in positive and life-changing activities.

According to Marwa, substances such as tobacco, alcohol, cannabis sativa, tramadol, codeine mixtures, cocaine, and methamphetamine are sadly being abused in schools, communities, and even sporting circles.

“These substances rob young people of their health, potential, and future. The devastating consequences are broken homes, wasted talents, increased crime rates, violence, and shattered communities,” he said.
The NDLEA chairman emphasised that prevention remains the best defence.

Marwa stressed that the football-based sensitisation programme highlights the value of using sports to steer youths away from destructive habits.

“Football teaches discipline, teamwork, resilience, and determination. Every pass, every goal, and every victory comes from focus and commitment.

“Similarly, in life, our youths are constantly faced with choices: whether to stay on the path of discipline or to fall into the dangerous trap of drug
abuse.

“Just as one reckless foul can cost a team a match, one poor choice to experiment with drugs can destroy dreams, ruin careers, and even cut short lives,” Marwa said.

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He reminded the youths that professional footballers, whether in local leagues or on the international stage, maintain their excellence by living drug-free lives.

To win in football and in life, one must stay drug-free. Marwa warned that footballers who abuse drugs cannot sustain excellence on the pitch.

“Therefore, I urge every young person here to let football inspire you to channel your energy into creativity, hard work, and teamwork.

“Let the slogan ‘Kick Out Drug Abuse’ be more than words. Let it guide your lifestyle. Remember, saying no to drugs means saying yes to your dreams, your health, and your future,” he said.

Marwa reiterated the NDLEA’s full commitment to keeping drugs off Nigeria’s streets, out of schools, and far away from the nation’s youths.

He explained that the agency is strengthening prevention programmes and promoting counselling and rehabilitation for users who need help.

The agency is also deepening partnerships with ministries, agencies, schools, sports bodies, religious groups, and community leaders, among others.

Emphasis is placed on prevention targeting young people both in and out of school, with interventions designed to delay drug initiation while providing support for current users.

“However, the fight against drug abuse cannot be won by the NDLEA alone.

“We call on every young person to be a champion in your own corner—reject drugs and positively influence your peers,” he added.

Jude Onwusonye, Managing Director of Richy Gold International Ltd, said that beyond manufacturing, the organisation is proud to champion social impact through its flagship campaign, KODA.

Onwusonye described KODA as more than a project, calling it a clarion call, in partnership with relevant agencies, to safeguard the future of youth, combat drug abuse, and inspire a healthier, more productive society.

See also  PHOTOS: Jigawa Police Seize Over 3,000 Illegal Drugs In Statewide Raids

“At Richy Gold International Ltd, we don’t just make pharmaceutical products; we build healthier communities, restore hope, and fuel dreams.

“With innovation, integrity, and compassion at our core, we are redefining pharmaceutical excellence while leading the charge for a drug-free generation,” Onwusonye concluded.

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Crime

PHOTOS: Two Nigerians sentenced to 7 years imprisonment for armed robbery in Kuwait

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Two Nigerian nationals have been sentenced to seven years in prison for armed robbery in Kuwait.

The Kuwait General Department of Criminal Investigation in Ahmadi Governorate arrested the two individuals over alleged involvement in an armed robbery and theft of a currency exchange shop in Mahboula, in January 2025.

The Court of Appeal on Monday, July 20, 2026 upheld the imprisonment of the defendants for seven years and six months in connection with the robbery and theft.

The Second Circuit of the Court of Appeal, headed by Counselor Nasr Salem Al-Haid and comprising Counselors Mutaib Al-Aradhi and Saud Al-Sane, upheld the ruling against members of a Nigerian gang involved in the robbery and theft of the money exchange shop.

The Public Prosecution had charged the first four defendants with stealing money from the exchange shop, with the second defendant using a fake gun and enabling the third and fourth defendants to steal the money with the assistance of the first defendant.

The fifth defendant was charged with participating with the defendants, agreeing to commit the crime, helping them conceal the stolen goods, and supplying them with the money obtained from the robbery and theft.

The Criminal Court had sentenced the first and fifth defendants in person, while the remaining defendants were sentenced in absentia.

The court had initially sentenced the first four defendants to seven years’ imprisonment and the fifth defendant to six months’ imprisonment after amending the description and charges.

The Court of Appeal later upheld the ruling, according to a report published by Al Rai newspaper.

See also  PHOTOS: Jigawa Police Seize Over 3,000 Illegal Drugs In Statewide Raids

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PHOTOS: Cross River police arrest alleged fake doctor for operating illegal mobile clinic

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The Cross River State Police Command has arrested one Udeme Emmanuel Ekpeme, “m”aged 39, over allegations of impersonation, obtaining money by false pretence, and the unlawful use of medical equipment.

The suspect was arrested by Police officers attached to Uwanse Division ,Calabar South following a complaint lodged by Mrs. Edemawan Samuel, 45, who alleged that the suspect falsely presented himself as a medical doctor and fraudulently obtained the sum of Five Hundred Thousand Naira (N500,000) from her under the false promise of securing employment for her children at the University of Calabar Teaching Hospital (UCTH).

Preliminary investigations indicate that the suspect allegedly used the false representation to deceive the complainant into parting with the money. Relevant exhibits believed to be connected to the case were recovered during the investigation, and the suspect is currently in police custody.

Confirming his arrest to newsmen, the spokesperson of the command, ASP Eitokpah Akata, said state Commissioner of Police, has directed that a thorough investigation be carried out to establish the full circumstances surrounding the case and determine whether there are other victims. Akata added that upon the conclusion of investigations, the suspect will be charged to court if sufficient evidence is established.

He mentioned that the command is actively conducting a discreet investigation into the matter to uncover the full extent of the suspect’s activities and identify any other possible victims or accomplices. Members of the public are assured that further updates will be provided as investigations progress.

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See also  How we killed nurse, child in Abuja school after collecting ransom – Suspect
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PHOTOS: NSCDC uncovers alleged fake university, rescues 106 youths in Badagry

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The Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps, NSCDC, Badagry Area Command, has uncovered an alleged fake university operating from a three-bedroom apartment in Ilado, Olorunda Local Council Development Area, of Lagos State, and rescued 106 youths allegedly lured into the scheme. AkwaIbom News

The Corps also arrested the alleged proprietor of the institution, which reportedly recruited young people from different parts of Nigeria and neighbouring West African countries with promises of admission into a foreign university.

The operation, carried out in the early hours of Monday after days of intelligence gathering and covert surveillance, exposed what security officials described as an alleged fraudulent academic and recruitment scheme.

The youths, mostly aged between 19 and 24, were taken into protective custody by the NSCDC for profiling and further investigation.

Confirming their arrest to newsmen, the Badagry Area Commander of the NSCDC, Chief Superintendent Gbenga Ekunola, said the operation followed credible intelligence received by the command on activities at the apartment.

“We got reliable intelligence about the activities going on there. Our officers monitored the place for days before moving in. We have arrested the proprietor, who is assisting with our investigation, while the students have been taken into our protective custody.”

Preliminary investigations indicated that unsuspecting young people were allegedly persuaded to pay admission and processing fees after being promised admission into a foreign tertiary institution.

The victims reportedly paid between N200,000 and N1.5 million, while some foreign nationals and other participants allegedly paid between $400 and $500.

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However, the alleged admission scheme reportedly came with a recruitment condition, with participants encouraged to bring in more people in return for commissions.

The arrangement allegedly operated like a chain marketing or Ponzi scheme, with participants promised increasing financial rewards based on the number of new students they recruited.

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