₦airaland Forum

A trailer load of tramadol and cannabis sativa has been impounded by the Nigeria Customs Service along the Lagos-Benin expressway. According to reports, the trailer was confiscated by men of the Customs Federal Operations Unit, Zone C.

Zonal Controller of FOU Zone C, Abdulkadir Azarema, disclosed this to reporters on Thursday at the Command Headquarters in Owerri, the Imo State capital.

He vowed that customs would sustain intensified and intelligent operations against smugglers and tax evaders, to tackle illegal banned goods importation, revenue leakages, and economic sabotage.

Mr Azarema revealed that the agency also impounded exotic vehicles, a trailer load of rice, used auto parts, and household items with total duty pad value of over N900 million.

He advised those engaging in the illegal activities to quit such business, saying it is not in the economic interest of the country.

Source; https://www.nationalhelm.co/2018/06/trailer-load-of-tramadol-and-other-drugs-seized-by-customs-officials-photos.html

cc; lalasticlala

A Nigerian man has been jailed for sexually assaulting a woman who rented a room from him online. The 34-year-old convict identified as Francis Ezenwankwo of Heston Street, SE14 was sentenced to six years’ imprisonment and a five year Sexual Harm Prevention Order (SHPO) on Friday, 22 June at Snaresbrook Crown Court.

He was found guilty of assault by penetration at the same court on Thursday, 22 June.

According to the Metropolitan police, the court heard that on 5 August 2017 a woman visiting from another country rented a room at Ezenwankwo’s house via an online site, spareroom.co.uk. During the night the woman awoke to find Ezenwankwo in her bed.

Despite her protests, Ezenwankwo remained in her bed and sexually assaulted her.

The incident was reported to police and Ezenwankwo was arrested on 22 August 2017 - he was charged the same day.

The Sexual Harm Prevention Order prevents Ezenwankwo from offering any room for rent, reward or as a gift for five years.

Trainee Detective Constable Harriet Lyons, from the Child Abuse and Sexual Offences Command said:

“The victim has shown real strength in coming forward and reporting to police. I encourage anyone else who may have been a victim to come forward and contact the police.

“Ezenwankwo's sentence and Sexual Harm Prevention Order demonstrates how seriously the police and the courts taken this type of offending. I hope that it will act as a deterrent to others.”

Source; https://www.nationalhelm.co/2018/06/nigerian-man-jailed-for-sexually-assaulting-his-female-roommate-in-uk-photo.html

There was pandemonium earlier today after a chieftain of the All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA) was attacked and injured following a crisis rocking the party at Dunukofia Local Government Area in Anambra State. The deputy chairman of the Party, Mr. Emma Otika, had his head broken during the violent attacks..

According to reports, the violence was recorded at Awka when APGA Dunukofia Working Executive compromising of Local Government Executives and and all Fourteen Ward Executives went on protest march at APGA State Secretariat and Anambra State House of Assembly Complex Awka.

The protesters were attacked.

Source; https://www.nationalhelm.co/2018/06/emma-otika-apga-chieftain-attacked-during-protest-in-anambra.html

A Nigerian journalist based in the United States has berated president Muhammadu Buhari following his 'attitude' to the killings of over 100 people recently in Plateau state.

The reporter identified as Joi John revealed she saw the humane side of president Barack Obama after she was a victim of the Hurricane Sandy (referred to as Superstorm Sandy) said to be the deadliest and most destructive hurricane of the 2012 Atlantic hurricane season.

She shared her thoughts via her Facebook page.

Read below;

Our African leaders give the impression they want to emulate governance in the western world but when we need them to take a stand, they fumble. These random killings in Nigeria have gone on for too long and I find it disturbing that the Buhari administration seems to be handling the matter with kid gloves. The approach and response of a leader in time of a disaster or security crisis says a lot.

Let me take you down memory lane to August 2005 when Hurricane Katrina struck the United States. Former President George W. Bush was heavily criticized for his delayed visit to the Gulf Coast. He was on vacation at the time and the media roasted him for isolating himself. When he eventually visited, he muted all his critics with the empathy he showed the victims.

In 2012 when Superstorm Sandy hit New Jersey, I was a victim of that disaster. It was the deadliest and most destructive hurricane of the Atlantic hurricane season. That tragedy was a defining moment for the Obama administration. We saw the humane side of Barack! He was swift to board the Marine One. Television cameras captured him flying over the Jersey shore with Gov.Chris Christie to obtain a first hand insight to the devastation. It didn’t end there. When Obama met with the victims on ground, there were no hidden emotions.

These two instances may not be the exact scenario we have in Nigeria but a tragedy is a TRAGEDY! President Muhammadu Buhari’s disposition to these herdsmen killings has been nothing to write home about. It is highly insensitive to show up in a place of mourning with fanfare. I would want to see President Muhammadu Buhari roll up his sleeves and go out there to interact with these victims. Let the people see the humane side of your leadership. Reassure them of the government’s commitment to combat this issue and mean what you say!!

Helpless citizens are being massacred frequently yet no crocodile dance, no lion dance ...nothing. What we keep getting is Press releases upandan. How long are we going to continue like this? This matter must be tackled ruthlessly before things get out of hand across the country. ▪️ Joi John

Source; https://www.nationalhelm.co/2018/06/plateau-killings-us-based-reporter-compares-obama-to-president-buhari-photos.html

A young man was attacked by some cultists at his hostel in the University of Benin (UNIBEN) in Edo state last week Saturday. According to journalist Sapele Oghenek who shared the update, the 300 level student from Delta state - was said to be a member of Eiye confraternity and was attacked by rival gang members who shot him in the head.

It was gathered that the young man escaped the attack with the injury after being shot and ran to the hospital.

While some are saying the young man passed away at the hospital where he was treated, others are saying he's alive but has been hidden in an undisclosed location in order to prevent the cultists from attacking again.

Source; https://www.nationalhelm.co/2018/06/uniben-student-shot-in-the-head-by-rival-cult-group-in-edo-state-photo.html

Football star, Lionel Messi surprised a reporter after revealing he still wears a lucky amulet gifted to him by the journalist’s wife following Argentina's first world cup game which they drew 1-1 with Iceland.

Argentina won Nigeria 1-2 in a dramatic World Cup match at Saint Petersburg stadium, Russia to qualify into the round of 16..

With the pressure of the country on Messi’s shoulders, he opened his account before Marcos Rojo netted a dramatic late winner at the 86th minute.

After the contest a reporter asked him [in Spanish]: "After the 1st game I gave you a good-luck amulet that my wife gave me. I don't know if you still have it or threw it away or something..."

Much to the amazement of the journalist, Messi then says “look at this” before pulling down his sock to reveal the amulet around his ankle.

The pair then continued chatting and Messi headed off to the changing room to continue the celebrations.

Turning to the camera, the journalist pointed to the skies and said: “Mum, Messi wore it”.

Meanwhile, Rojo also paid tribute to Messi after the game by revealing his team-mate gave them an inspiration half-time team-talk that saw them over the line.

Rojo revealed: “He told everyone that it was either life or death, that we had a duty to score, to shoot when we had the chance.

“It could’ve gone badly. We could’ve conceded but Leo was stubborn. “He told me to run forward. Even (Javier) Mascherano. “He told everyone to attack no matter what. He truly read the game and the risks. He’s a leader. The best.”

Source; https://www.nationalhelm.co/2018/06/world-cup-lionel-messi-wore-a-lucky-amulet-before-playing-against-nigeria-photos.html

In a bid of curtailing criminal activities of youths, operatives of the Bayelsa State Vigilante Service have apprehended a notorious criminal element, one Mr. Moses Christopher Alu, 28 from Imo state with a locally made pistol along the Kpansia market axis of the state.

According to the reports, the suspect was said to have been terrorizing the residents of the area before his time capture by the security operatives.

Various stolen items were found in his possession after his arrest. The suspect was later handed over to the police for further investigation.

Source; https://www.nationalhelm.co/2018/06/notorious-armed-robber-nabbed-by-security-men-in-bayelsa-gun-recovered-photos.html

A teacher along with some women went diabolical after a group of boys broke into a school in Delta state just to defecate. It was gathered that the boys defecated severally in a pupil's desk and even locked the desk after that. The students were welcomed with ordour of faeces when the school resumed thereby prompting the head teacher to swing into action.

The teacher took the dump outside and used oil to rub on it as she swore that whomever is responsible for that, will face the consequences of having his bum burnt and constant running stomach.

Other women in the area joined as they lit the faeces up with matches in the middle of the road in order to show their annoyance with such action.

Source; https://www.nationalhelm.co/2018/06/teacher-goes-diabolical-after-boys-broke-into-her-school-and-defecated-photos.html

Lionel Messi's wife, Antonella Roccuzzo, who reportedly arrived Russia today to support her star husband - has reacted to Argentina's victory over Nigeria. The 30-year-old took to her Instagram page few minutes ago to share a picture of her husband celebrating after opening the first goal of the match as she hailed him in Spanish.

She wrote; VAAAAAMOOOOOOOOOOOSSSSS MI AMOOOOOORRRRR!!!!!

It’s been a miserable tournament thus far for the Barcelona superstar, as his missed penalty in the opening game against Iceland was followed by his side’s capitulation against Croatia in a 3-0 defeat.

Antonella Roccuzzo, hasn’t been in Russia until today as she explained why she hadn’t flown out sooner to support her husband at the world cup tournament.

She said; “I did not go because I have very young children and because it was scheduled like this,”. “Moreover, I want to enjoy some time with my family who I am not going to see until December.”

With Nigeria bound for a last-16 spot, Argentina defender Marcos Rojo popped up with a spectacular late goal to help La Albiceleste to a 2-1 victory, thus, seeing them progress at the expense of the Super Eagles...

Source; https://www.nationalhelm.co/2018/06/world-cup-lionel-messis-wife-reacts-after-argentinas-victory-over-nigeria.html

A former drug addict has got herself trending online after sharing pictures her herself to mark almost seven years of being clean. The woman identified as Cheryl Lenyard revealed that in a few months time, it will be seven years that she hasn't touched drugs.

She wrote; From crack to Christ he saved my life l will have 7yrs clean Aug 11th l feel so brand new l haven't touched a rock since God showed me how to stop #HeSavedMeNobodyButGod GloryToHisName

Source; https://www.nationalhelm.co/2018/06/woman-who-was-addicted-to-drugs-shares-new-photos-checkout-her-transformation.html

A young man who takes delight in stealing domestic animals in and around Ekwulobia, the Aguata Local government headquarters in Anambra state, has been caught by the eagle eyed Umuchiana Village Vigilante group. The young man in his mid twenties, a non indigene of the town confessed stealing a pregnant goat in Okpo village some days ago and was allegedly heading to the home of his accomplice buyer when he was nabbed.

The suspect was paraded at the Umuchiana village hall this morning amid jeers from bystanders.

Reports said that after removing the animal from the tether at the home of its owner, he tied it in a motorcycle and headed from Ezinifite road down to Umuchiana before the security men from Umuchiana village caught him in a sentry post along COC Ezenwa road.

The suspect was later handed over to the anti crime department of the Aguata divisional Police headquarters Ekwulobia.

Source; https://www.nationalhelm.co/2018/06/notorious-thief-paraded-after-stealing-pregnant-goat-in-anambra-village-photos.html

A young kidnapper was apprehended by security operatives along with his gang members after abducting some residents along Port-Harcourt/Owerri road in Ikwerre area of Rivers state. The young kidnapper was said to be among the leaders of the gang who attacked and abducted the victims some days ago.

A coordinated operation by security agents consisting of police and army - stormed the kidnapper's den in a bush where they rescued the abducted victims as seen in the picture. Some of the kidnappers fled on sighting the security team led by the Executive Chairman of Ikwerre, Hon. Engr. Samuel O. Nwanosike.

The young suspect who is yet to be identified has been taken into police custody along with his some of his gang members who were arrested - for further interrogation.

Source; https://www.nationalhelm.co/2018/06/kidnap-victims-rescued-as-security-operatives-storm-hideout-in-rivers.html

Nigerian comedian, Obinna Simon, popularly known as MC Tagwaye, who is known for mimicking President Muhammadu Buhari, arrived in style for the continuation of the All Progressives Congress (APC) national convention at the Eagles Square in Abuja earlier today. The comedian who has been labeled president Buhari's doppelganger due to similar looks - arrived the venue with his twin brother as they were guarded by "operatives of the Department of State Security (DSS)".

Yesterday, Comedian MC Tagwaye entertained the participants at the convention with his usual ploy of mimicking President Buhari.

The comedian said though he is an Igbo man from Anambra State, he learnt how to mimic the president because he was born and raised in Katsina and he has always admired Mr. Buhari.

MC Tagwaye shot to stardom after he styled his craft in such a way that he dresses, speaks and acts like the President coupled with the fact that he has a striking resemblance with him (Buhari).

MC Tagwaye's ability to mimic president Buhari has endeared him to several dignitaries, governors, ministers, directors of government and other top shots in the country.

Source; https://www.nationalhelm.co/2018/06/comedian-mc-tagwaye-with-dss-operatives-at-apc-convention-in-abuja.html

Yesterday, the senate president; Bukola Saraki, senate minority leader; Mr Godswill Akpabio, president of the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF), Amaju Pinnick were present at the Volgograd stadium in Russia to witness Nigeria beat Iceland 2-0 in their second match of the ongoing World Cup.

Ahmed Musa scored both goals for the Super Eagles, as they claimed their first win at the tournament in Russia.

The senators met with Man of the Match, Ahmed Musa after the crunch game to congratulate him and also encourage him.

NFF President Pinnick addressing the players and delegates after the match said the presence of Senate President Bukola Saraki led to Super Eagles’ win.

According to him “The Magical presence of Senate President, Bukola Saraki brought luck to the Super Eagles and Nigeria.“We thank you for coming to watch the eagles alongside other delegates sent by President Buhari.”

Nigeria will now face Argentina on Tuesday, hoping to book a place in the knockout rounds.

Source; https://www.nationalhelm.co/2018/06/bukola-saraki-and-godswill-akpabio-meet-ahmed-musa-after-match.html

Ahmed Musa, after his brace against Iceland, has joined the elite class of players, winning the Budweiser Man of the Match, in the ongoing FIFA World Cup in Russia.

The 25 year-old Musa with 71 caps for Nigeria, has 13 international goals overall, four of them in the World Cup.

The Nigerian No7 becomes the second African player to score two World Cup braces, after Roger Milla in 1990.

Other winners of the Budweiser Man of the Match are Philippe Coutinho(Brazil), Luka Modric(Croatia), Kylian Mbappe(France`), Christian Eriksen(Denmark), Luis Suarez(Uruguay), Cristiano Ronaldo(Portugal), Diego Costa(Spain), Mbaye Niang(Senegal), Denis Cherychev(Russia), Harry Kane(England), Romelu Lukaku(Belgium), Hirving Lozano(Mexico), Aleksandar KOLAROV(Serbia), Yussuf Yurary POULSEN(Denmark), Hannes HALLDORSSON(Iceland), Anrtoine Griezmann(France), Amine Harit(Morocco) and MOHAMED ELSHENAWY(Egypt).

Source; https://www.nationalhelm.co/2018/06/ahmed-musa-flaunts-his-man-of-the-match-award-after-world-cup-heroics-photos.html

Nigeria’s Super Eagles have arrived in the southern Russia town of Volgograd ahead of Friday’s win-or-bust FIFA World Cup Group D encounter against Icleand.

The Brazil 2014 Round of 16 berthers flew from their Essentuki base on Thursday morning and were settled in their Hampton-by-Hilton Volgograd Hotel abode a little after 1pm.

Focus has been on the encounter with the Euro 2016 quarter finalists since the loss to Croatia in Kaliningrad on Saturday, as victory against the feisty Scandinavians will renew hope for a place in the knockout rounds while defeat would mean early and unflattering elimination from the quadrennial showpiece.

Coach Gernot Rohr told the media in Essentuki on Wednesday that he had been drawn to a plethora of suggestions in the media space on best formations, patterns and appropriate player-position-cum-strength postulations following the reverse against Croatia, but that he knows what is best for the team and will deploy same on Friday.

“We have watched the game against Croatia again to see our mistakes so that we can correct them. It will be a tough game. We have to be at our best and be more professional with our defending especially from set-pieces.

“We have to be fully focused and not lose concentration all through the game. I believe with hard work we can get a good result. In truth, there is no need to add to the pressure we have now. More pressure on the team will not necessarily translate to better results.”

Captain Mikel Obi, widely analyzed not to have functioned effectively in the advanced midfield role against the Croats, said he would be ready to feature in any position for the team as determined by the coach.

“I am ready to play in any position the coach wants me to play. I am comfortable with either role: offensive or defensive. The most important thing is the team.”

Source; https://www.nationalhelm.co/2018/06/world-cup-super-eagles-land-in-volgograd-ahead-of-iceland-match.html