Turkey-bound bizman excretes 120 cocaine wraps at Kano airport
The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) has arrested an Angolan businessman, Mbala Dajou Abuba, at Kano’s Mallam Aminu Kano International Airport for attempting to smuggle 120 wraps of cocaine to Istanbul, Turkey. The agency also thwarted several other drug trafficking attempts across Nigeria, including the interception of cocaine shipments hidden in vehicle propellers in Lagos, a 5.40kg cocaine consignment bound for Owerri, and over 100 bags of skunk seized from drug warehouses in Edo State. Read more
Athena Commentary: While the NDLEA’s sweeping arrests and drug busts tell us that the agency’s growing efficiency in tackling illicit drug trade is gaining significant results, the persistence of traffickers adapting new smuggling techniques signals a deeper, systemic issue. The involvement of foreign nationals and the vast quantities seized suggest that Nigeria remains a critical hub in global drug trafficking networks.
Additionally, the role of international collaboration cannot be overstated. Countries like Turkey, Canada, and Angola—linked in this report—must work with Nigerian authorities to dismantle transnational drug cartels. While commendable, the NDLEA’s efforts must be complemented by stronger financial tracking, regional cooperation, and rehabilitation programs for offenders to disrupt the cycle at its roots.
Bauchi Man Arrested for Beating Wife to Death Over Ramadan Meal Dispute
The Bauchi State Police Command has arrested a 50-year-old businessman, Alhaji Nuru Isah, for allegedly beating his 24-year-old wife, Wasila Abdullahi, to death during an argument over food meant for breaking the Ramadan fast. The incident occurred near Government Girls College, Fadamam, Mada Area, Bauchi. Police spokesperson CSP Ahmed Wakil confirmed the arrest, stating that the dispute escalated into violence, leading to the tragic outcome. Read more
Athena Commentary: This harrowing case is yet another grim reminder of the unchecked domestic violence plaguing Nigerian households. A simple disagreement over food spiraled into a fatal act of brutality, once again pointing to the urgent need for stronger legal protections for victims of domestic abuse.
Beyond prosecution, authorities must implement preventive measures, including mandatory domestic violence education, improved access to safe shelters, and enforcement of stricter laws against spousal abuse. Communities, religious leaders, and policymakers must also work collectively to challenge the deep-seated cultural norms that enable such tragedies. Without these systemic changes, Wasila Abdullahi’s tragic fate will be one of many, lost in a cycle of violence that continues to claim lives.
Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan: I Have Concrete Evidence of Sexual Harassment Against Akpabio
Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan has doubled down on her sexual harassment allegations against Senate President Godswill Akpabio, stating that she possesses concrete evidence to support her claims. Responding to comments from Akpabio’s wife, Unoma, who defended her husband’s integrity, Akpoti-Uduaghan’s lawyer, Victor Giwa, urged her to stay out of the matter, insisting that the Senate President should personally address the allegations.
The controversy stems from Akpoti-Uduaghan’s claim that Akpabio blocked her motion on the Ajaokuta Steel Complex after she rejected his alleged advances. The fallout has led to legal battles, with the senator suing Akpabio and his aide for N100.3 billion over defamation. Read more
Athena Commentary: The unfolding drama between Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan and Senate President Godswill Akpabio is a litmus test for the Nigerian political class on issues of power, gender, and accountability. At the heart of this controversy is not just a personal dispute but a broader question of how sexual harassment allegations are handled in a system historically dominated by powerful men.
While the legal process should determine the validity of these claims, the immediate response—threats of lawsuits, counterclaims, and political maneuvering—follows a familiar script where allegations of misconduct are often buried under legal and institutional intimidation. That Akpoti-Uduaghan has taken the bold step of making these allegations public, despite the enormous political risks, signals a growing shift in how Nigerian women in power are challenging entrenched patriarchal norms.
If left unresolved, this controversy risks reinforcing the perception that sexual harassment is an untouchable issue in Nigerian politics—one that can be dismissed or overshadowed by power plays rather than treated with the seriousness it deserves.
Saraki Weighs In on Akpabio-Natasha Dispute, Calls for Transparent Investigation
Former Senate President, Dr Bukola Saraki, has urged both Senate President Godswill Akpabio and Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan to handle their ongoing dispute with caution, emphasising the need to protect the integrity of the Senate. Saraki, in a statement on his X account, expressed concern over the damage the controversy could do to the public perception of the institution. He called for an open and transparent investigation by the Senate Committee on Ethics, Privileges, and Public Petitions, stressing that both parties must cooperate to establish the truth. Read more
Athena Commentary: Saraki’s intervention in this unfolding political drama highlights a larger issue—how Nigeria’s political elite handle allegations of misconduct within their ranks. His call for a transparent investigation aligns with democratic principles, but history suggests that such probes often serve as mere procedural exercises rather than genuine accountability measures. For an institution that is already battling a credibility crisis, the Senate has a rare opportunity to show that it takes allegations of sexual harassment and abuse of office seriously. A fair and independent inquiry—free from political interference—would not only determine the truth in this case but also set a precedent for handling similar allegations in the future.
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