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NDLEA auctions Lagos hotel, three other drug-linked properties for N6.1bn

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The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency, NDLEA, has generated a total of N6,148,964,000 from the public auction of a Lagos hotel and three other properties confiscated from convicted drug traffickers and permanently forfeited to the Federal Government through legal proceedings.

A statement signed by the Director of Media and Advocacy, NDLEA Headquarters, Abuja, Femi Babafemi, on Monday said the proceeds emerged from a competitive bidding exercise involving eight forfeited assets linked to drug barons across different parts of the country.

Four properties attracted successful bids above their reserve prices, while bids for the remaining four assets fell short of the benchmark and were therefore unsuccessful.

Speaking during the opening of bids at the NDLEA headquarters in Abuja on Monday, June 15, 2026, the Head of the Asset Recovery and Management Unit at the Federal Ministry of Justice, Tamarantare Francis Ali-Bozi, announced the successful bidders.

He disclosed that Tope Ojo and Tunde Olonishakin Estate Firm secured a six-storey hotel located in Victoria Island, Lagos, with a winning bid of N5.9 billion.

Other successful bidders included FSS Limited, which acquired a property in Lekki Phase 1, Lagos, for N219.5 million; A-BNB Global Innovations Limited, which won a block of flats in Ejigbo, Lagos, with a bid of N104 million; and Fazeen Global Link Limited, which emerged as the highest bidder for a property in Akure, Ondo State, at N29.36 million.

Represented by the Agency Secretary, Shadrach Haruna, NDLEA Chairman and Chief Executive Officer, Brig. Gen. Mohamed Buba Marwa (retd.), said the auction was aimed at promoting transparency and strengthening public trust in government institutions.

According to him, “public auctions such as this serve a broader national purpose. Beyond generating revenue for the Government, they reinforce public confidence in the rule of law, demonstrate accountability in the management of recovered assets, and send a clear message that criminal proceeds will not be allowed to remain in the hands of those who seek to profit from the misery and destruction caused by illicit drugs.”

Marwa further assured that “the Agency remains steadfast in its determination to strengthen Nigeria’s asset recovery framework and to ensure that recovered assets are managed and disposed of in a manner that is transparent, lawful and beneficial to the public interest”, adding that “We shall continue to pursue drug traffickers, dismantle criminal networks, recover the proceeds of crime and uphold the rule of law without fear or favour.”

On measures taken to ensure a credible process, the NDLEA boss stated that “to further enhance transparency and public confidence in the process, representatives of sister law enforcement and regulatory agencies, civil society organisations, the media, prospective bidders and members of the public have been invited to witness the bid-opening exercise.

The bids received for each lot will be evaluated against the approved reserve price, and the highest responsive bidder who satisfies all requisite conditions shall be declared the successful bidder. The entire process will be conducted openly, fairly and transparently in the presence of all attendees.”

He noted that “The process culminating in today’s auction has been conducted in strict compliance with the provisions of the Proceeds of Crime (Recovery and Management) Act, 2022, the Public Procurement Act, 2007, and all other applicable laws, regulations and guidelines.

Consistent with the Agency’s commitment to transparency, accountability and due process, all assets earmarked for auction were professionally valued by the Federal Ministry of Housing and Urban Development, the designated official valuer of the Federal Government.”

Marwa also revealed that “Furthermore, the Agency undertook extensive due diligence and security screening of all auctioneers pre-qualified by the Bureau of Public Procurement (BPP).

We are satisfied that none of the auctioneers engaged in this process has any known involvement in drug-related offences or any other criminal activity capable of compromising the objectives of the Proceeds of Crime (Recovery and Management) Act or the integrity of this exercise.”



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Four dead, two injured as suspected cultists open fire on residents in Ilorin 

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Four persons have been killed and two others injured following a shooting incident linked to suspected cult activities in the Post Office area of Ilorin, Kwara State.

The development was disclosed in a statement issued on June 15, 2026, by the spokesperson of the Kwara State Police Command, SP Adetoun Ejire-Adeyemi.

According to the statement, the incident occurred at about 9:00 pm on Sunday when a group of armed men reportedly stormed a bamboo bar located along the railway line and opened fire on people gathered at the scene before fleeing.

Police operatives responded to a distress call and evacuated the victims to the Police Clinic for treatment.

The command disclosed that four of the victims were confirmed dead by medical personnel, while two others sustained gunshot injuries and are currently receiving treatment.

Preliminary investigations, according to the police, indicate that the attack may be cult-related.

The statement further revealed that two suspected members of a cult group allegedly connected to the incident have been arrested.

“Preliminary findings indicate that the incident is cult-related. Comprehensive investigations led to the arrest of two suspected members of a notorious and deadly cult group linked to the attack,” the statement said.

The police added that the suspects are in custody and are assisting investigators with information aimed at identifying and arresting other individuals connected to the attack.

The Commissioner of Police in Kwara State, Ojo Adekimi, condemned the incident, describing it as a threat to public peace and safety.

According to the command, tactical, intelligence and covert operations have been activated to track down other suspects linked to the shooting.

The police also extended condolences to the families of those who lost their lives and urged residents to provide useful information that could assist ongoing investigations.

The command reassured members of the public that measures were being taken to prevent similar incidents in the state.



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Police arrest four over alleged murder, child abuse cases in Anambra

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The Anambra State Police Command has arrested four suspects in connection with separate cases involving the alleged murder of a young woman and the abuse of a 10-year-old boy.

In a statement issued on Monday, the Police Public Relations Officer, SP Tochukwu Ikenga, said three suspects identified as Chukwudi Chukwuyere, Chisom Chukwuyere and Arum Goodluck are in police custody over the alleged abuse of the child at Odume Layout, Isiowulu.

According to the statement, the principal suspect, Chisom Chukwuyere, confessed during interrogation to using burning plastics to inflict injuries on the victim.

“The victim is still receiving medical treatment, while investigators are gathering evidence to ensure diligent prosecution of the suspects,” Ikenga said.

Eyewitnesses alleged that the boy was living with a guardian who subjected him to repeated abuse, as seen in a viral video and photographs circulating on social media.

In a separate case, police have also taken into custody a 33-year-old suspect, Ifechukwu Okechukwu, over the alleged murder and secret burial of his 23-year-old girlfriend in Nkpor, Anambra State.

Police said investigations into both incidents are ongoing.

The command commended residents for their vigilance and timely provision of information, noting that public cooperation continues to play a vital role in exposing criminal activities and assisting security agencies in apprehending suspects.

“We appreciate the support of residents whose prompt information has helped security agencies uncover crimes and bring offenders to justice,” the statement added.



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Troops arrest suspected kidnapper, cattle rustler in Borno

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Troops of Operation Hadin Kai have arrested a suspected kidnapper and cattle rustler during an operation in Borno State.

The development was disclosed in a post shared on X by security analyst Zagazola Makama on Monday.

According to the post, the suspect, identified as Usman Muhammed, 37, was arrested at about 1:30 pm on June 10 at Buratai Market in Biu Local Government Area of the state. He is said to be from Dapchi in Yobe State.

The report said troops of the 135 Special Forces Battalion carried out the arrest with support from local hunters and members of the Civilian Joint Task Force (CJTF), following credible intelligence linking the suspect to kidnapping and cattle rustling activities.

“Items recovered from him include two chickens, a Tecno mobile phone, a lighter, a knife, a national identity card, charms and N70,000 in cash,” Makama added.

The suspect has since been handed over to a military investigation unit for further questioning and necessary action.

The post added that the operation is part of ongoing efforts by troops to dismantle criminal networks and improve security across the North-East.

It also noted that while the general security situation in the area remains calm, it is still unpredictable, with troops maintaining high alert.



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