Connect with us

General

NDLEA Arrests Wanted Drug Dealer After Five Months Manhunt

Published

on

wanted drug dealer

By Adedapo Adesanya

Operatives of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) have arrested a wanted drug dealer behind the 2000.6kg Cannabis Sativa seized in a concrete mixer truck in Adamawa State on December 2, 2021, Mr Henry Chukwuneku Okamaru (a.k.a. Lawrence Ik Okamaru). He was arrested in Ondo State after five months of search.

Two suspects, Mr Matthew Donuwe and Mr Friday Nmborgwu were earlier arrested in connection to the consignment last December.

They had confessed that the concrete mixer truck with Lagos registration number SMK 890 XB was loaded with the illicit drug in Ogbese, Ondo state while they travelled for two months on the road before arriving in Adamawa where they were eventually arrested by NDLEA operatives.

Investigations reveal that Mr Okamaru is one of the leaders of a cannabis cultivation cartel that operates in the Ondo-Ekiti axis, while he shuttles between Osun, Ondo, Ekiti, Edo and Delta State from where he coordinates supplies of illicit consignments to Northern parts of the country and Lagos State.

The suspect has also been identified as a member of an international drug trafficking ring, while he shuttles between Nigeria and South Africa where he settles his family.

According to the NDLEA, he has strong control and stake in cannabis cultivation in Ondo, Edo, Ekiti, Osun and Oyo States with large storage facilities in Lagos and Abbi in Delta State from where his consignments are distributed year-round.

In a related development, a 36-year-old Nigerian based in Italy, Nwakanma Michael Uche has been arrested at the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport, NAIA Abuja for ingesting pellets of heroin.

Mr Nwakanma who hails from, Arodizuogu Village, Ideato Local Government Area of Imo State was nabbed while trying to board Air France Airline enroute Abuja-Paris-Milan, Italy on Sunday, May 15, 2022. He was thereafter kept under observation during which he excreted 95 pellets of the illicit drug.

He claimed he came to see his parents in Nigeria after 12 years in Italy and to complete his father’s traditional marriage rites. He added that he was to be paid N1.5 million after the successful delivery of the drugs in Milan.

Across five states of Edo, Kaduna, Kogi, Akwa Ibom and Oyo, NDLEA operatives intensified their offensive action against drug cartels.

In Edo, a pharmacy along Sapele Road, Benin, was raided on Friday 27th May following intelligence and prolonged surveillance.

The owner of the store, Mr Thaddeus Uliagbafusi, 58, was arrested while a total of 130,670 tablets of different controlled drugs, 1,396 ampoules of pentazocine injection and 743 bottles of codeine were recovered from a secret location where the drugs are repackaged.

This followed a similar raid of a drug joint operated by Mrs Christianah Gabriel, 53, at Uromi, Esan North-East LGA, Edo State, who was arrested with 25kg cannabis.

While 15, 000 ampoules of pentazocine injection were seized by operatives in Kaduna along Abuja-Kaduna express road, 12,500 tablets of Diazepam were intercepted along the Okene-Abuja highway on Thursday, May 26. The drug exhibits were found inside a truck conveying motor spare parts from Onitsha, Anambra to Kaduna.

In Akwa Ibom, a female suspected drug dealer, Mrs Irene Emmanuel Bassey was arrested on Saturday, May 28, during a search of her house at Ikpa town, Esit Eket LGA where 30.5kg cannabis was recovered, while one Muideen Rasaki was nabbed with 90.8kg cannabis at Elere, Boluwaji area of Ibadan South-East LGA.

Adedapo Adesanya is a journalist, polymath, and connoisseur of everything art. When he is not writing, he has his nose buried in one of the many books or articles he has bookmarked or simply listening to good music with a bottle of beer or wine. He supports the greatest club in the world, Manchester United F.C.

Advertisement
2 Comments

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

General

FMBN Chairman Gawuna Resigns Ahead of March 31 Deadline

Published

on

Nasiru Gawuna

By Adedapo Adesanya

The Chairman of the Governing Board of the Federal Mortgage Bank of Nigeria (FMBN), Mr Nasiru Gawuna, has formally resigned from his position, obeying a directive that requires office holders with political ambitions to step down before March 31, 2026.

Mr Gawuna, a former governorship candidate of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Kano State, submitted his resignation in a letter dated March 27, 2026. In the letter, he stated that his decision takes immediate effect and is in compliance with directives issued by President Bola Tinubu.

He is expected to formally announce his move to the African Democratic Congress (ADC) on Tuesday alongside Mr Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso, a prominent political figure and former Governor of Kano, who resigned from the New Nigeria People’s Party (NNPP).

The former governor of Kano and senator rose to prominence through his grassroots-oriented Kwankwasiyya Movement, which has played a decisive role in shaping electoral outcomes in Kano. His political journey has seen him move across major parties before leading the NNPP into the 2023 general elections, where he maintained significant influence in the North-West state.

“My resignation is in strict compliance with the President’s directive requiring all political appointees to step down in accordance with the provisions of the Electoral Act,” Mr Gawuna wrote.

In his resignation letter, Mr Gawuna expressed appreciation for the opportunity to serve under the current administration, describing his tenure as both an honour and a privilege.

“I am profoundly grateful to His Excellency, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, for the confidence reposed in me to serve. It has been a privilege to contribute to the growth and development of the Federal Mortgage Bank of Nigeria and our great country,” he stated.

He also struck a reflective tone regarding his future, adding, “I place my future in the hands of Allah (SWT) and seek His divine guidance in all my endeavours.”

Mr Gawuna assured stakeholders of a seamless transition process, noting that he would hand over responsibilities in line with established procedures.

“I remain committed to ensuring a smooth and orderly handover in accordance with all laid-down directives,” he said.

Continue Reading

General

Afreximbank to Hold 33rd Annual Meetings in Egypt June 21-24

Published

on

Afreximbank

By Adedapo Adesanya

The African Export-Import Bank (Afreximbank) has announced that its 33rd Annual Meetings will take place at El Alamein in Egypt, from June 21-24, 2026.

Against the backdrop of deepening geopolitical realignment and conflicts, Afreximbank will hold its 33rd Annual Meetings under the theme Intra-African Trade and Industrialisation: Pathway to Economic Sovereignty, underscoring the growing imperative for African countries to harness internal capacities, strengthen regional value chains, and accelerate industrial transformation as a foundation for sustainable and resilient growth.

The meetings will bring together Heads of State, government officials, policymakers, private sector leaders, financial institutions, academia and international partners from across Africa and beyond.

Through a series of strategic dialogues and engagements, Afreximbank aims to identify priority projects and actionable programmes that will advance the transformation of Africa’s trade structure, particularly in an era shaped by protectionism, shifting alliances, and economic self-interest.

The Cairo-based lender, in a statement, said the 2026 meetings would provide a unique platform for delegates to engage with high-level decision-makers, connect with partners across the value chain, gain insights into trade finance and logistics, and access capital and close investment deals. The meetings will also serve as a platform to structure partnerships and advance bankable projects across the continent.

According to Mr George Elombi, President and Chairman of the Board of Directors at Afreximbank, the meeting is coming at a time when disruptions are occurring, particularly in the Middle East, setting the need for African institutions to look at solutions that help them.

“With the current global turmoil, marked by policy uncertainty and intensifying geopolitical tensions, Africans must look inwards for solutions relevant to their challenges. We must wean ourselves off trade in commodities, expand investment in processing, build regional value chains, and consume our products to realise the growth and shared prosperity we want,” he said.

Adding his input, Mr Hassan Abdalla, Governor of the Central Bank of Egypt (CBE), affirmed: “As the host country of Afreximbank, Egypt is honoured to welcome distinguished delegates to attend the Bank’s 33rd Annual Meetings. At a time of increasing global uncertainty and shifting economic dynamics, Egypt’s strategic location and economic scale position it as a key driver of regional integration and advancing continental priorities.

“Hosting the AAM2026 in El Alamein reflects Egypt’s continued commitment to supporting African institutions, strengthening intra-African trade, and advancing the continent’s industrialisation and long-term economic transformation.”

Continue Reading

General

A Culinary Journey Through Korean Comfort Food: Tradition, Flavor, and the Art of Shared Dining

Published

on

Korean Comfort Food

Korean cuisine has become one of the most celebrated and influential food cultures worldwide, admired for its vibrant flavors, comforting dishes, and deep cultural roots. Whether enjoyed in a bustling restaurant, a cozy home kitchen, or through a convenient online order, Korean food continues to captivate diners with its harmonious blend of taste, texture, and tradition. As global interest grows—boosted by entertainment, social media, and the rise of Korean restaurants—more people are discovering just how rich and rewarding this cuisine truly is.

The Heart of Korean Food: Flavor, Fermentation, and Freshness

What sets Korean cuisine apart is its remarkable diversity and complexity. Central to many dishes are fermented ingredients such as kimchi, gochujang (Korean chili paste), and doenjang (fermented soybean paste). These ingredients add layers of savory, spicy, and tangy flavors that cannot be replicated by other culinary traditions.

Fermentation also plays an important role in Korean health culture. Foods like kimchi and fermented soybean paste contain natural probiotics that support digestion and immune health. This makes Korean food not just delicious but also incredibly nourishing.

A traditional Korean meal features banchan—small side dishes that include pickled vegetables, sautéed greens, seasoned tofu, and more. These side dishes provide balance and variety, making each meal feel abundant and thoughtfully prepared.

The Magic of Korean Barbecue and Communal Dining

One of the most iconic dining experiences is Korean barbecue, where guests grill their own marinated meats at the table. This interactive style of dining creates an atmosphere filled with sizzling sounds, savory aromas, and joyful conversation.

But Korean barbecue is only one part of the broader culture of shared eating. Korean meals are meant to be communal, bringing people together to enjoy a wide range of dishes simultaneously. Instead of ordering individual plates, tables are filled with shared items that everyone can taste.

This sense of togetherness reflects centuries of cultural tradition and is a major reason Korean restaurants are beloved worldwide. Whether you’re enjoying spicy kimchi stew, warm rice dishes, or flavorful grilled meats, the experience is designed to be enjoyed with others.

A New Era of Convenience: Enjoying Korean Cuisine From Home

While Korean food has deep cultural roots, modern dining trends have made it more accessible than ever. As online ordering becomes an essential part of everyday life, Korean restaurants have embraced technology to bring authentic flavors directly to customers’ homes.

With easy-to-use online platforms, diners can explore full menus, make custom requests, and enjoy fast delivery of freshly prepared dishes. This convenience has allowed Korean cuisine to reach even wider audiences, including those who may not have access to a dine-in location nearby.

Whether you’re craving a spicy noodle bowl, a warm stew, or a set of delicious banchan, Korean food is now only a click away. If you’d like to order authentic Korean dishes online, you can explore this convenient option:
👉 poker

Popular Korean Dishes That Capture the World’s Attention

  1. Bibimbap
    A colorful rice dish filled with sautéed vegetables, marinated meat, fried egg, and spicy gochujang, bibimbap is one of Korea’s most balanced and visually appealing meals.
  2. Bulgogi
    Thin slices of marinated beef grilled to perfection, bulgogi is tender, sweet, savory, and universally loved.
  3. Kimchi Jjigae
    This hearty stew made with kimchi, tofu, pork, and vegetables is a comfort food staple, especially during the colder months.
  4. Tteokbokki
    Spicy, chewy rice cakes simmered in a chili sauce. This street-food favorite is a hit among people of all ages.
  5. Korean Fried Chicken
    Crispy, crunchy, and glazed with sweet or spicy sauces, Korean fried chicken has gained international fame for its unforgettable flavor.

Each dish tells a story, representing generations of knowledge and culinary tradition passed down through families and communities.

Why Korean Food Is Loved Globally

Korean cuisine’s worldwide rise can be attributed to several factors:

  • Cultural influence: K-dramas, K-pop, and social media have highlighted Korean food in exciting and relatable ways.
  • Healthy eating trends: The emphasis on vegetables, fermented ingredients, and balanced meals appeals to wellness-focused diners.
  • Shareable dining experiences: The communal style of eating resonates with people seeking connection and memorable meals.
  • Flavor variety: Korean food offers something for everyone—spicy, sweet, savory, mild, crunchy, warm, and refreshing.

As more people fall in love with these flavors, Korean cuisine continues to expand into new cities, communities, and households.

Final Thoughts

Korean cuisine is more than just a collection of dishes—it is a cultural experience shaped by history, community, and a commitment to harmony in flavor. Whether enjoying a traditional meal in a restaurant, grilling barbecue with friends, or ordering Korean comfort food online, the experience is always warm, flavorful, and deeply satisfying.

With its perfect blend of nourishment, taste, and shared enjoyment, Korean cuisine will continue to inspire diners around the world for generations to come.

Continue Reading

Trending