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NDLEA Arrests Drug Kingpin Reginald Chidiebere After 13 Years on the Run

Phinadon Mag

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NDLEA apprehends notorious drug lord Reginald Peter Chidiebere after 13 years in hiding, following cocaine and heroin seizures linked to him at Lagos airport; agency dismantles meth lab and intercepts multiple drug consignments nationwide.

The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) has arrested Reginald Peter Chidiebere, a notorious drug kingpin who had been on the run for 13 years.

According to a statement issued on Sunday by Femi Babafemi, Director of Media and Advocacy at NDLEA Headquarters, Abuja, the suspect was taken into custody after operatives linked him to large consignments of cocaine and heroin seized at the Murtala Muhammed International Airport (MMIA), Ikeja, Lagos.

13-Year Manhunt Ends

Babafemi revealed that Chidiebere was first arrested in 2013 for importing cocaine into Nigeria and was arraigned before Justice Ayokunle Faji of the Federal High Court, Lagos in case number FHC/L/187c/2923.

He was granted bail but jumped bail and went into hiding.

In February 2024, his name resurfaced as one of the masterminds behind a 49.70kg heroin shipment from South Africa, intercepted by NDLEA operatives at the Lagos airport.

A follow-up operation at his Golden Platinum Hotel & Suites, located at 16/18 Reginald Peter Chidiebere Street, Hope Estate, Ago Palace Way, Okota, Lagos, led to the recovery of 2.20kg of heroin from one of his guests, Igbuanugo Ebuka ThankGod.

Following the raid, Chidiebere went underground again, prompting the agency to secure interim forfeiture of his hotel and block all bank accounts linked to him.

Unable to sustain himself in hiding, he surrendered to the NDLEA on 13 February 2026 and is now in custody to face pending and fresh charges.

Nationwide Drug Operations

NDLEA operatives also recorded major drug seizures across several states:

  • Imo State: A methamphetamine laboratory was dismantled in Isiozi Obiato, Umuaka, Njaba LGA, with 18.4kg of meth and precursor chemicals recovered.
  • Seme Border, Lagos: A Togolese woman, Hadiza Musa, was arrested with 5,000 tramadol pills concealed in her luggage.
  • Ibeju-Lekki, Lagos: 1,040kg of skunk was recovered from an uncompleted building in Akodo village.
  • Kano State: Ashiru Bala, 45, was arrested with 1,499 bottles of codeine syrup in Tafa LGA.
  • Katsina State: Yahaya Usaini, 21, was caught transporting 87.4kg of skunk along Zaria–Dutsinma road.
  • Osun State: Adewale Fatunmise (40) and Adebisi Korede (25) were arrested with 18.085kg of skunk in Osogbo.
  • Taraba State: 637,600 opioid pills were seized along Bali–Suntai road, while 126.022kg of skunk was recovered in Lankaviri Yorro.
  • FCT, Abuja: 499.2kg of skunk was recovered in Dei-Dei, and Bulama Modu, 24, was arrested with 7,000 tramadol capsules in Borno State.

NDLEA Commends Officers

NDLEA Chairman/CEO, Brig. Gen. Mohamed Buba Marwa (Retd), commended the agency’s officers across all commands for their persistence, professionalism, and balanced approach to drug supply and demand reduction.

Reacting to Chidiebere’s arrest, Marwa reaffirmed the agency’s commitment to dismantling criminal drug networks and ensuring that all offenders face justice.

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Police arrest Bauchi man accused of poisoning motorcyclist and stealing his bike.

Ikechukwu Emmanuel

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Operatives of the Bauchi State Police Command have arrested a 27-year-old man, Isiyaka Badamasi, for allegedly poisoning a commercial motorcyclist in an attempt to steal his motorcycle.

According to a statement issued on Thursday by the command’s spokesperson, SP Nafiu Habib, Badamasi and his alleged accomplice, Ma’aruf Sani, reportedly offered a 21-year-old motorcyclist a sweet containing a harmful substance. The victim, who resides in the Yelwa Tudun area of Bauchi, allegedly became intoxicated after consuming it.

The suspects were said to have attempted to dispossess him of his Bajaj Boxer motorcycle. However, the victim raised an alarm after sensing danger, attracting members of the public who apprehended Badamasi. Sani, both of whose residents are reportedly from Na’ibawa in Kano State, escaped and is currently the subject of a police manhunt.

The victim was taken to Gamuwa Primary Health Care Centre, where he remains on admission and is responding to treatment.

The Commissioner of Police, Sani-Omolori Aliyu, has ordered the transfer of the case to the State Criminal Investigation Department for further investigation. The command also urged residents to remain vigilant and reaffirmed its commitment to protecting lives and property across the state.

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Entertainment

Lojay: My uncle told me I would never succeed in music.

Ikechukwu Emmanuel

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Nigerian singer Lojay has revealed that he faced significant opposition when he decided to pursue a career in music, including doubts from members of his family.

Speaking during a recent livestream with content creator Gilmore, the “Monalisa” hitmaker recalled that one of his wealthy and influential uncles, who is now involved in politics, told him he would never succeed in the music industry.

“I have an uncle who is now in politics. I won’t mention his name, but he is very rich and popular. When I wanted to start music, he told me I would never blow,” Lojay said.

Despite the discouragement, the singer remained committed to his ambition and used the criticism as motivation. He expressed satisfaction that his perseverance had eventually produced positive results.

Lojay also encouraged his fans to remain confident in their dreams and avoid allowing negative opinions to define their ambitions.

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News

Benue Police Deny Withdrawal of Mobile Personnel from Ayilamo.

Ikechukwu Emmanuel

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The Nigeria Police Command in Benue State has dismissed reports alleging that Mobile Police personnel were withdrawn from Ayilamo community in Logo Local Government Area.

In a statement issued by the Command’s spokesperson, DSP Orchia Aondogwu, the report was described as unfounded and baseless. He stated that Mobile Police personnel remained deployed in Ayilamo alongside the Divisional Police team and other tactical units.

Aondogwu also said additional military personnel had been deployed to reinforce security in the area, urging the public to disregard the report.

However, the traditional ruler of Ayilamo, Mue Ter, Chief Torkoer Samuel, contradicted the police account. He claimed that the Mobile Police personnel left the community on Wednesday with their equipment and Armoured Personnel Carriers.

The conflicting accounts have raised questions about the current security situation in Ayilamo and the extent of military presence in the community.

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