Lagos, Nigeria — The Nigeria Police Force has made a significant breakthrough in an ongoing investigation into a complex case involving conspiracy, impersonation, hijacking, and drug trafficking.
According to ASP Mayegun Aminat, the Police Public Relations Officer of the AIG Force CID Annex in Alagbon, Ikoyi, Lagos, several arrests have been made, and crucial evidence has been recovered.
The investigation, conducted by the Force Criminal Investigation Department (FCID) Annex Lagos, was initiated following a petition submitted by Barrister Nonso Henry Nwaebili on behalf of Manfes Pharmaceutical Company Limited, based in Anambra.
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The petition detailed a shocking incident in which a syndicate of armed criminals, posing as officers from the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) and military personnel, hijacked two trucks transporting 5,000 rolls of Tramadol 100mg capsules.
The trucks were intercepted shortly after clearing the goods at Murtala Muhammed International Airport, Ikeja, Lagos, and were diverted to an unknown location.
“This case involves a range of serious crimes, including conspiracy, impersonation, and the unlawful possession of narcotics, which pose a direct threat to public health and safety,” stated ASP Aminat. “Our detectives from the Anti-Fraud Section of the FCID Annex Lagos immediately launched an investigation upon receiving the petition.”
The investigation began with a request to the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) to verify the importation documents for the Tramadol capsules. NAFDAC confirmed on September 7, 2023, that all documents were in order, ruling out any irregularities on the part of Manfes Pharmaceutical Company Ltd.
A significant breakthrough came when investigators identified James Casmir Achiborn, a Spy Police Officer, as being involved in the escort of the hijacked trucks. The arrest of Mgbemena Innocent M led to further developments, including the apprehension of additional suspects connected to the narcotic substances. Further investigations by operatives from the CP Special Squad, Lagos State Command, resulted in the recovery of some of the stolen Tramadol and the arrest of individuals involved in its sale.
On November 23, 2023, additional arrests were made based on credible intelligence. Those apprehended include M, Anayo Benchuks Ambrose M, Uche Frank M, and Jemilu Chindo M, who were involved in a suspicious drug transaction in Festac Town, Lagos. More suspected stolen Tramadol was recovered during this operation.
Efforts are still underway to identify and apprehend the masked individuals who impersonated NDLEA officers and military personnel. The recovered Tramadol has been handed over to NAFDAC for further analysis, and the investigation is ongoing to ensure that all perpetrators are brought to justice.
“The AIG Force CID Annex, Lagos, under the leadership of AIG Ogundele Ayodeji, psc+, is fully committed to bringing those responsible to justice,” ASP Aminat emphasized. “We urge well-meaning citizens to assist the police by providing actionable information that can help disrupt such criminal activities and protect public safety.”
This breakthrough underscores the dedication of the Nigerian Police Force in tackling organized crime and safeguarding the health and well-being of the public. Further updates on the case will be provided as the investigation progresses.
(Vanguard)