In a shocking turn of events, the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) has apprehended Prophet Adefolusho Aanu Olasele, the founder and General Overseer of The Turn of Mercy Church, on charges of cross-border drug trafficking. The arrest took place on Sunday, August 3, 2025, at his church in Lekki, Lagos.

According to the NDLEA, Prophet Adefolusho, also known as Abbas Ajakaiye, had been evading capture for months, seeking refuge in Ghana. His arrest followed the seizure of two significant consignments of “Ghana Loud,” a high-potency cannabis strain, allegedly linked to him. These seizures included 200kg at Okun Ajah beach on June 4 and 700kg from his delivery van on July 6. The prophet reportedly confessed to importing drugs through waterways from Ghana, confirming his hiding in the West African country to avoid arrest.

In a separate operation on August 7, NDLEA operatives raided an apartment in Ikoyi, Lagos, arresting Benjamin Udo Ukoh and seizing 15.63kg of “Canadian Loud.”

The NDLEA’s intensified efforts have led to numerous drug seizures across Nigeria:

• Nasarawa State: 3,093kg of skunk recovered on August 9; three suspects arrested.
• Kano State: 639 blocks of skunk (359kg) seized on August 8; other arrests included suspects with Colorado and tramadol.
• Gombe State: Over 550,000 pills of opioids, mainly tramadol, discovered on August 8; two arrests with tramadol capsules.
• Edo State: 23,940 capsules of tramadol and other drugs intercepted on August 6; one driver arrested.

Brig. Gen. Mohamed Buba Marwa (Rtd), NDLEA Chairman/Chief Executive, commended the operatives and urged them to continue their balanced approach to drug control. Femi Babafemi, Director of Media and Advocacy at NDLEA Headquarters, confirmed the arrests and seizures. The agency is also actively conducting its War Against Drug Abuse (WADA) campaigns nationwide.

A strong statement, Peter Obi, the Labour Party’s presidential candidate in the 2023 general election, has condemned the arrest and detention of activist Omoyele Sowore by the Nigeria Police Force.

Obi expressed his concern on Thursday, stating he was “deeply disturbed to learn of the arrest of Mr. Omoyele Sowore @YeleSowore yesterday, shortly after he voluntarily honored an invitation by the Nigerian Police Force.”

Obi criticized the lack of transparency, saying, “At the time of writing, no clear or credible charges have been made public, which further casts a troubling shadow over the nature and motivation behind his detention.”

According to the former Anambra State governor, Sowore’s voluntary appearance before the authorities makes his arrest particularly troubling. “His arrest, particularly under circumstances where he presented himself in good faith to law enforcement, should be condemned by all who value justice and due process. From all indications, no urgency or criminal flight risk warranted such high-handed treatment.”

Obi underscored the importance of upholding legal and ethical standards, adding, “To detain a citizen who came of his own accord, without the public disclosure of clear, lawful charges, is not only a miscarriage of justice but an abuse of state power.”

He emphasized the implications for Nigerian democracy, citing Plato: “Justice in the life and conduct of the State is possible only as it first resides in the hearts and souls of the citizens. When those entrusted with power act unjustly, they poison not only the legal order but the moral conscience of the nation.”

Obi demanded, “I therefore call on the Nigerian Police to immediately release Omoyele Sowore or charge him formally under the law. Anything short of this would be a further erosion of public trust in the nation’s law enforcement institutions.”

He concluded with an appeal for equal justice: “It is our collective duty to insist that the rule of law must apply to all citizens, regardless of ideology, background, or political alignment.”

Yola, the capital of Adamawa State, is facing a major crisis following intense rainfall on Sunday. The downpour, described by eyewitnesses as one of the heaviest in recent times, has triggered severe flooding, leaving homes submerged and major roads inaccessible.

Worst-hit areas include Shagari Lowcost, Sabon Pegi, and Modire Yolde Pate, where residents are struggling with rising water levels that have damaged property and disrupted daily activities. Many have been forced to evacuate their homes, desperately calling for assistance from the State Emergency Management Agency and other relevant authorities.

“We need urgent help. The water has taken over our homes and we don’t know where to go,” lamented a resident of Shagari Lowcost.

While no official casualty figures have been released, the flooding has raised serious concerns about the city’s drainage infrastructure and the potential for further damage if the rains continue.

In response to the crisis, the Police Command has deployed trained marine police officers and engine boats to assist trapped residents. This deployment is a joint operation with personnel from the 23 Brigade of the Nigerian Army in Yola. Emergency response teams have been mobilised to provide urgent relief, evacuate stranded residents, and ensure public safety.

“We are working closely with the military and community leaders to reach those in distress and prevent further harm,” stated a spokesperson for the Police Command.

The situation remains critical, and residents are urged to take necessary precautions and heed the advice of emergency responders. PhinaDon Magazine will continue to monitor the situation and provide updates as they become available.