
The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency NDLEA has intercepted a consignment of the stimulant drug Captagon in Kwara State, marking the second seizure of the drug in Africa after a previous one at Lagos' Apapa Port five years ago. Captagon, an amphetamine-type stimulant, is known for producing euphoria, suppressing fatigue, and reducing fear, and its production and sale are linked to militias and criminal groups. NDLEA spokesperson Femi Babafemi stated that 10,000 Captagon pills, valued at $25 per pill, were recovered on April 21, 2026, from 33-year-old Nasiru Mu’azu, along with nine packets of Tapentadol 250mg. In a separate operation on April 24, 2026, at the same location, officers seized 155,900 capsules of Tramadol, 6,000 ampoules of Tramadol injection, 3,000 tablets of Co-Codamol, and 9,000 tablets of Bromazepam, leading to the arrest of 24-year-old Aminu Isah. In Oyo State on April 21, 2026, Eze Prince Emeka, 33, was arrested after excreting 45 pellets of cocaine weighing 1.043 kilograms. He intended to travel through trans-Saharan routes to Algeria and potentially Europe. Other seizures include 1,196,000 pills of pharmaceutical opioids in Edo State, 810 kilograms of Arizona cannabis in Lagos, 154.5 kilograms of skunk in Bauchi State, and 466.8 kilograms of skunk in Ekiti State. In Cross River State, approximately 20,000 kilograms of cannabis were destroyed on eight hectares of farmland. Additionally, 394 pieces of improvised explosive device components were seized in
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This summary was AI-generated from a story originally published by Punch Nigeria.
Must ReadMonths after demolitions in Makoko and other Lagos waterfront communities, residents continue to struggle to rebuild their lives. Families are living in overcrowded boats, makeshift shelters, and temporary spaces, facing uncertainty, loss, and daily challenges to find safety, food, and housing. A documentary explores Lagos' housing crisis and the human cost of urban development, highlighting the realities for residents long after the demolitions. The film also revisits discussions about relocation plans for affected communities as survivors navigate life without their former homes and stability.

The Nigerian Senate has initiated legislative steps to expand the federal judiciary by advancing two bills aimed at increasing the number of judges in the Federal High Court and justices in the Court of Appeal. This move addresses growing case backlogs and delays in justice administration. The bills, which passed a second reading, have been referred to the Senate Committee on Judiciary, Human Rights and Legal Matters for further review, with a report expected within four weeks. Senate Leader, Senator Opeyemi Bamidele, highlighted the necessity of increasing Federal High Court judges due to the court's expanding responsibilities in areas like taxation, banking, anti-corruption, and election matters. He noted that the current number of judges is insufficient for the exponential increase in cases, leading to prolonged litigation and court congestion. The second bill proposes to increase Court of Appeal justices from 70 to 110 and integrate virtual court proceedings. Lawmakers believe these measures, including technology adoption, will reduce appeal delays, improve access to justice, and align with global best practices. Senate President, Senator Godswill Akpabio, referred both bills for detailed consideration. If enacted, these reforms would significantly expand Nigeria’s federal judiciary, aiming to enhance efficiency, reduce case congestion, and bolster public confidence in the justice system.
Must ReadDr. Bolaji Olagunju argues that the underperformance of most public sector boards in Nigeria is not accidental but a result of their design. He asserts that every institution is designed to achieve its current results, whether success or failure. To improve performance, he proposes applying "the seven transformational disciplines of running government like a business" to boards: Purpose, Strategy, Structure, Roles, People, Culture, and Systems. Olagunju explains that a performing board clearly defines its purpose beyond legalistic functions, sets strategic direction rather than merely endorsing management's plans, and is structured effectively with appropriate committees and meeting cadences. Furthermore, clear role definitions are crucial to avoid "role pollution." He emphasizes that the most critical discipline is "People," advocating for board members who possess competence, independence, and commitment, rather than being selected based on political or personal considerations. A culture of candour, where directors can openly disagree and challenge management, is also vital. Finally, he stresses the importance of robust systems for board operations, from annual calendars to performance evaluations, rather than relying on informal interactions. Olagunju cites NAFDAC under Dora Akunyili as an example of successful design implementation. He concludes that fixing the design of these boards is essential for national progress, and that while all seven disciplines are important, g