News November 02, 2026 NDLEA arrests two Europe-based Nigerians with 200 cocaine pellets at Abuja airport

The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) has arrested two Nigerians residing in Europe after they allegedly swallowed 200 wraps of cocaine weighing 3.46 kilogrammes in an attempt to smuggle the illicit substance from Abuja to Paris, France.

The suspects, identified as Aliocus Godian Odife and Sam Blackborn, were apprehended on Wednesday, October 28, 2026, during the outward clearance of an Air France flight, AF 832, at the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport, Abuja.

The agency said the arrests followed body scans conducted on the two passengers, which revealed foreign objects suspected to be illicit drugs in their stomachs.

In a statement issued on Sunday, NDLEA spokesman, Femi Babafemi, disclosed that the suspects had returned to Nigeria for holidays before allegedly attempting to transport the cocaine to Europe.

According to the statement, Odife, who reportedly lives in France and works in a factory, arrived in Nigeria on October 21 for a short visit.

He was intercepted while preparing to board his return flight after a body scan confirmed the presence of foreign objects in his stomach.

The statement partly read, “Two Europe-based Nigerian ‘businessmen’ who flew home on holiday and attempted to return to Paris, France with their bellies loaded with cocaine have been arrested by operatives of the NDLEA at the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport, Abuja.

“The duo, Aliocus Godian Odife and Sam Blackborn, were intercepted on Wednesday, 28th October 2026, during the outward clearance of Air France flight AF 832 from Abuja to Paris. Both men have excreted a total of 200 wraps of the Class A drug weighing 3.460 kilogrammes.

“Odife, who claims to live in France where he works in a factory, had arrived in Nigeria for a short holiday on 21st October.

“He was, however, arrested by NDLEA operatives on his return flight a few days later, when he was subjected to a body scan, which confirmed the presence of foreign objects in his stomach.

“Under interview, he admitted to having ingested 110 pellets of cocaine. He was placed under observation during which he excreted all 110 wraps, which tested positive for cocaine with a total weight of 1.901 kilogrammes.”

Babafemi said the second suspect, Blackborn, also tested positive for illicit substances during a body scan and subsequently admitted to ingesting 90 wraps of cocaine.

He disclosed that the suspect excreted all the wraps under medical observation, with the recovered drugs weighing 1.559 kilogrammes.

Beyond the airport arrests, the NDLEA spokesman disclosed that operatives of the agency recorded several drug seizures and arrests in different parts of the country.

In Lagos, operatives recovered 976 kilogrammes of cannabis from two commercial buses.

In Oyo State, two men, Oguntona Nasiru, 46, and Soji Balogun, 47, were arrested on Thursday, October 29, while allegedly loading 554 kilogrammes of cannabis into a truck along Idere Road in Igboora.

Similarly, a raid in the Tsamiya area of Gezawa, Kano State, led to the recovery of 247,500 tablets of diazepam weighing 57.7 kilogrammes and 100,000 tablets of Exol-5 weighing 38.7 kilogrammes.

The agency also arrested two suspects in Dorayi, Kano, with 19,250 tablets of tramadol.

In another operation, NDLEA operatives patrolling the Abuja-Kaduna Expressway arrested a woman, Aisha Isah, with 266 rounds of live AK-47 ammunition.

On the Zaria-Kano Expressway, operatives apprehended a 68-year-old man, Ifeanyi Egwolonwu, with 2,770 ampoules of pentazocine injection, 100 ampoules of diazepam injection, 11,000 tablets of diazepam and 4,500 tablets of Exol-5.

Reacting to the arrests, the NDLEA Chairman, Brig.-Gen. Mohamed Buba Marwa (retd.), warned Nigerians living abroad against exploiting their overseas residence to engage in drug trafficking.

Marwa said, “The interception of the two cocaine couriers at Abuja airport is a fresh warning to those who think they can use their residence abroad as cover to traffic drugs across Nigerian borders.”

He added that NDLEA operatives at all entry and exit points remained vigilant.

“There is no hiding place for anyone who chooses to risk their life and liberty by ingesting illicit drugs for a fee,” he said.

 

News November 02, 2026 2027: Nigeria was on brink of collapse when Tinubu took over, Mutfwang claims

Plateau State governor, Caleb Mutfwang, has said President Bola Tinubu inherited an economy that was tottering on the brink of collapse from the administration of former President Muhammadu Buhari in 2023.

He also declared there was no vacancy in the Presidential Villa (Aso Rock) and Plateau Government House in 2027, equally dismissing any talks of rainbow coalition.

Mutfwang, who stated this during the formal inauguration of  All Progressives Congress, APC, Campaign Council in Jos yesterday, also defended Tinubu administration’s economic reforms and urged Plateau residents to support the President in the 2027 election.

“Where did President Tinubu meet Nigeria in 2023? He met Nigeria tottering on the brink of collapse; Nigeria that could not service its external debts; Nigeria that would not even allow businesses outside the country to take their proceeds back home.  And that is why some international airlines stopped flying to Nigeria because they could not get the dollars to take back their money.

“Our external reserve was down to just a little over $3 billion, from the over $40 billion it had accumulated for decades.  Today, by the grace of God, we have a healthy external reserve of over $50 billion,” the governor said.

He alleged further that the previous administration resorted to printing money to manage the economy, claiming more than N30 trillion was printed.

Governor Mutfwang said:  “When the President took over in 2023, the government he succeeded had run out of ideas on how to manage the economy and they resorted to printing money in the Central Bank.

“They printed over N30 trillion which went down the drain.  Today, by the grace of God, Central Bank has stabilised and that deficit has been done away with.’’

On fuel subsidy, Mutfwang described the system under the previous administration as fraudulent, alleging that the country borrowed money to pay claims supported by what he called fictitious documents.

“I say it was a fraud because we were borrowing money to pay people who brought fictitious documents. They never brought any wealth. They brought fictitious documents, claimed monies and subsidies.

“You cannot continue to borrow money to give to thieves. You have to stop it at some point. And when it is stopped, there will be a payback; there will be a recovery time,” he said.

The governor said the availability of fuel had improved, despite the increase in its cost, recalling the long queues that previously characterised fuel stations across the country.

“Today, by the grace of God, we have solved one side of the equation. Today, fuel is available. It may not be cheap but it is available.

“Those of us who are of my age bracket or little below will remember the times we spent days in petrol stations queuing for fuel that we could hardly get. But we have been able to resolve that,” Mutfwang said.

He also claimed that the previous administration had sold crude oil in advance, saying the country was now servicing obligations arising from such arrangements.

“Part of the problem of the Buhari regime is that they got to a point that they didn’t know what to do, so they sold our future crude. The crude we are yet to dig from the ground has been sold in advance.  And today, we are paying that debt. And so we cannot expect things to simply change overnight,” he said.

The governor said his administration was taking steps to cushion the effects of the economic adjustment on Plateau residents, citing the introduction of metro buses and revival of the railway system within Jos metropolis.

“I’m glad that Plateau people have commended us for the metro buses we bought early in the regime. I’m glad we’re able to revive the railway system within the metropolis.  I’m glad that we’re able to reduce school fees for our students in tertiary institutions by 50 per cent. I’m glad that we’re able to raise their allowances by about 300 per cent,” he said.

He also commended the federal government’s student financing initiatives, saying Plateau indigenes studying in universities had benefited from the scheme.

“It is also a great joy in my heart that the President also came up with a new scholarship for students called NELFUND.  Today, hundreds of millions have been given to Plateau indigenes who are studying in different universities. Some are getting N20,000 monthly, N40,000 monthly. It has never happened before,” he said.

On the 2027 elections, Mutfwang called for power rotation between the North and South, saying  political arrangements should be respected.

“We must agree that power should rotate between the North and the South. And if the North spends eight years, which we have nothing to show for, it is only fair that we allow the South to do eight years because if we don’t respect that sharing arrangement, it will come back to haunt us someday,” he said.

Mutfwang also declared that there was no vacancy in Plateau State Government House, ahead of the 2027 governorship election.

“That is why in Plateau State, we have already agreed that it is two terms per senatorial zone. Except the northern zone does not want to produce a governor until 2035, then you can toy with my mandate,” he said.

Governor Mutfwang urged APC candidates and campaign council members to communicate the achievements of the administration to the electorate and avoid actions capable of deepening divisions.

“We must, therefore, go about this campaign with facts, with honesty, with seriousness. Part of the reason people are still apprehensive is because we have not communicated the real message, and we have a responsibility to ensure that that message is properly communicated.

“I’d like to urge all our candidates for the various positions, you must lead from the front. You must be bridge-builders.”

“I am confident that come January 16, 2027, by the grace of God, Plateau State will return President Bola Ahmed Tinubu with a resounding victory. And two weeks later, the people of Plateau will renew their mandate for us to continue on the good journey we have started,” he said.

On security, Mutfwang acknowledged the persistence of insecurity, adding that his administration was taking steps to strengthen security and facilitate the return of displaced persons to their communities.

“On security, I know our opponents will say there is hunger in the land. We don’t deny it. They will say that the insecurity situation has not abated. We don’t deny it.  But if they say we have not taken steps at all to address those issues, they know they are lying.

“Insecurity is not like tap water, where you simply turn on the tap and it flows down. It requires concerted, deliberate, intentional, sustained efforts before you get results.

“By the grace of God, we have understood what the issues are, and we have begun to make sure we propose solutions in the right places that matter,” he said.

The governor said his administration would continue to protect communities and disclosed plans to deploy additional security personnel.

“One thing I have committed myself to is that I will ensure the protection of every inch of land in Plateau State.

“Very soon, we are going to be taking practical steps to facilitate the return of internally displaced persons back to their communities.  And so, all we are asking is for Plateau people to trust us, be patient with us, and by the grace of God, you will not regret it.”

No rainbow coalition, Plateau going APC

The governor dismissed talks of any “rainbow coalition” ahead of the 2027 elections , declaring that there was no vacancy in Aso Rock and the Plateau Government House as he inaugurated the presidential and state campaign councils of the All Progressives Congress, APC.

Mutfwang said Plateau people had chosen the APC as their political vehicle for the 2027 elections, urging party faithful and campaign officials to mobilise across the state.

“Some people are talking about rainbow, we are talking about a unification movement. Plateau people have decided 2027 to go one direction.  And we have chosen that the wings on which we have chosen to fly in 2027 are the wings of the APC,” the governor declared

 

News November 02, 2026 Ajaero, Osifo clash over N70,000 allowance as NLC rift deepens

The feud between the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) and Trade Union Congress (TUC) over the N70,000 monthly transport allowance to public sector workers has deepened.

Recently, Joe Ajaero, NLC president; and Festus Osifo, TUC president; have been at loggerheads over the proposed palliative from the federal government.

During an interview on Channels Television on Monday, Ajaero and Osifo renewed hostilities.

Last Tuesday, the federal government announced the allowance in a memorandum of understanding (MoU) issued after a meeting between government representatives and NLC leaders in Abuja.

Twenty-four hours later, the TUC rejected the six-month transport allowance for public sector workers, calling for an increase in salaries instead.

In a riposte, Ajaero said the TUC should have negotiated its own terms with the federal government rather than reject the outcome of the NLC’s negotiations.

Osifo, however, said discussions on the allowance began before Ajaero’s meeting with the federal government, adding that the government had engaged the TUC over its position on workers’ welfare.

‘ABSENTEE PRESIDENT WHO LIVES IN US’

Speaking on Channels Television’s breakfast programme, Ajaero countered the TUC president.

The NLC president said the transport allowance was a product of NLC negotiation with the federal government after the union issued an ultimatum.

Ajaero said after the ultimatum, the federal government called for a meeting that led to a series of agreements, in which the transport allowance was included.

“When he (Festus) said I did not negotiate N70,000 transport allowance, I did not know what he meant,” Ajaero said.

“We (NLC) gave the government an ultimatum and the government asked for four days to meet with us. At the resumed sitting after four days, some agreements were reached.

“After every collective bargaining, the product is the agreement. It was in that agreement that the issue of N70,000 was reached.”

Speaking further, the NLC president said Osifo should be asked about the whereabouts of the 90 compressed natural gas (CNG) buses donated to the TUC by the federal government.

Ajaero described Osifo as an “absentee president”, while alleging that the TUC leader resides abroad and shuttles between Nigeria and the United States for meetings.

“He is an absentee president of the TUC. He does not live in Nigeria. He comes in from the US to attend meetings and rush back. He serves in the board of PENCOM,” Ajaero said.

“You cannot be living abroad and be holding a position in a central level organisation. I challenge him and the Nigeria Immigration Service to prove if he has been in this country for four to five months this year.”

After Ajaero completed his interview session during the programme, Osifo appeared for his right of reply.

‘A DISASTER TO THE LABOUR MOVEMENT’

Speaking during the interview, Osifo said he “really pities” the labour movement after listening to the NLC president, adding that the union once had great leaders.

“I can boldly say that Joe Ajaero is a disaster to the trade union movement in Nigeria,” Osifo said.

Osifo added that the NLC cannot negotiate on behalf of members of the TUC, since the trade union has a recognised body.

Commenting on the claim that he does not live in Nigeria, the TUC president said it is a shame that the NLC president made that comment.

Osifo said before handing over as president of the Petroleum and Natural Gas Senior Staff Association of Nigeria (PENGASSAN) in August, he was shuttling from one shop floor to another to negotiate salary increment for members.

The TUC president said he is currently in the United Kingdom for training on advanced leadership and management.

Osifo claimed that workers are being shortchanged because of Ajaero’s lack of negotiation skills.

“Ajaero has never led any union in Nigeria that is why he does not understand the principles of negotiation,” Osifo added.

“What I will recommend for him is training and retraining.”

News November 02, 2026 Sokoto government seals ADC campaign office

The Sokoto government has sealed one of the campaign offices of the African Democratic Congress (ADC) in the state, saying the building belongs to Savannah Bank.

Nasiru Dantsoho, the state’s commissioner for lands and housing, announced the sealing of the office on Monday when he led some government officials to the premises.

The commissioner said the action followed a recent clash involving supporters of different political parties.

“The purpose is simply to inform the general public that there is a government in town and that it has to be respected,” he said in a viral video seen by TheCable.

“Last week, there was some misunderstanding between some party supporters and others, and there was a report that some miscreants came here and disrupted the activities of another party.”

He said the clash prompted the government to review the certificate of occupancy and other relevant documents relating to the building, which showed that Savannah Bank owns the property.

“As of today, the records have not changed. On that basis, we have written to the NDIC, which is the custodian of this building, to establish who currently has custody of it,” he said.

“We are yet to receive a reply and are waiting for further direction from them.

“In the meantime, to preserve and protect lives, maintain order and safeguard property, this place is hereby sealed until further notice and pending a response from the NDIC.”

He urged anyone claiming ownership of the property to present the necessary documents for verification.

“For now, this property is under the control of the Sokoto state government, and that stands,” Dantsoho said.

He warned that anyone who attempts to gain access to the premises without authorisation would face appropriate action, including prosecution.

While the ADC was yet to issue an official reaction, reports indicate the development follows allegations of attacks involving its supporters and operatives of the state-owned security outfit.

News Politics November 02, 2026 ‘Political Umrah’ — Tinubu went to Makkah to pray for himself, not Nigeria, Atiku’s aide says

Phrank Shaibu, senior special assistant on public communication to Atiku Abubakar, presidential candidate of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), says President Bola Tinubu’s recent visit to Makkah, Saudi Arabia, to perform Umrah was for personal reasons and not on behalf of the nation.

Speaking during an interview on Channels Television’s Politics Today aired on Monday, Shaibu said Tinubu’s Umrah trip had been politicised.

Shaibu argued that although the spiritual exercise was presented as being for Nigeria, the president had actually gone to pray for himself.

“It is for himself. He has gone there to pray for himself. In trying to mask this trip, they claimed it was for the nation,” he said.

“And he has come out to say, oh, he has received the wisdom he needed to rule this country. And that he has gotten what they call spiritual endorsement for his second term.

“On their own account, on the president’s account, the last time he came for Umrah was three and a half years ago, before his election. So, for them, they have politicised it.

“I will call it political Umrah. Permit me to use that expression. If not, ordinarily, there is nothing for us to discuss when a Nigerian who worships and who believes in the Islamic faith visits the holy land.

“It is for a personal purpose. Prayer is important. The holy land is precious. It is important to all Muslims.”

Shaibu also questioned Tinubu’s “sincerity of faith”, alleging that the president would not have kept Nasir el-Rufai, former governor of Kaduna and a fellow Muslim, in detention over a “minor political disagreement” if he were sincere in his faith.

He said Tinubu had the power to facilitate el-Rufai’s release, citing the president’s intervention to allow the former governor to bury his mother.

“That was not the court. So, he knows what to do. The conditions they gave for his bail are obnoxious, completely obnoxious. That is a fellow Muslim,” he said.

“So, when we’re talking of sincerity of faith, we’re talking of people, Nigerians being unable to feed.”

Shaibu also claimed that Atiku sponsored Tinubu’s first trip to Makkah.

“The first trip Bola Tinubu made to the holy land was on the bills of Atiku Abubakar. He took him there. It’s on record,” he said.

“They should contest it. He took him there because of his love for people, because of his love for the Almighty as well. He loves to bring people to know God, to love God and to serve him well.”

He further claimed that the former vice-president spent 30 days in Makkah during Ramadan last year but did not publicise the visit because it was a personal spiritual exercise.

Tinubu departed Abuja on Thursday, October 29 for Makkah, Saudi Arabia.

Bayo Onanuga, presidential spokesperson, said in a statement that Tinubu would perform Umrah, an Islamic spiritual exercise involving a pilgrimage to the Holy City.

Onanuga said the visit would give the president an opportunity for “spiritual reflection, devotion, and prayers for Nigeria’s peace, unity, stability, and continued progress”.

Early on Friday, October 30, after performing Umrah in Makkah, Tinubu said the exercise was a deeply spiritual experience for him, describing it as an opportunity to pray for Nigeria and its citizens.

On Sunday, Tinubu hosted some governors and members of his delegation to a dinner in Makkah, during which he prayed that God would turn Nigeria’s diversity into prosperity.

News Politics November 02, 2026 Dino Melaye dares Tinubu to Quranic citation contest

 

Former Kogi West Senator and ADC Chieftain, Dino Melaye, has challenged President Bola Tinubu to a Quranic citation contest, following the President’s ongoing spiritual visit to Saudi Arabia for Umrah, the lesser Hajj.

Melaye issued the challenge in a post on his X handle on Monday, saying he was ready to compete with Tinubu in citing passages from the Quran when the President returns to Nigeria.

He wrote, “Now that Alhaji Bola Tinubu is in Umrah. Immediately he comes back, I challenge him to a Quranic citation competition with me. No one can mock God. SDM”

The challenge comes amid public attention surrounding Tinubu’s spiritual activities in Makkah, where he performed the Umrah pilgrimage and was granted access to pray inside the Holy Ka’abah.

Recalls that Tinubu arrived in Saudi Arabia on Thursday, October 29, ahead of the religious exercise, which he performed at the Grand Mosque, Masjid al-Haram, on Friday, October 30.

The President was granted the rare privilege of entering the sacred structure by Saudi Arabia’s King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques.

According to the Presidency, Sheikh Dahlulah Muthawal of Masjid al-Haram led Tinubu into the Ka’abah, where he offered prayers of gratitude and sought divine guidance for Nigeria.

In his reflection on the spiritual experience, Tinubu said he had prayed for wisdom and resilience to continue serving Nigerians.

He also cited Surah Aal-Imran, Verse 26 of the Quran, which speaks about Allah’s ultimate authority over power and sovereignty.

“There is no other God but Almighty Allah. He is the giver and the taker. He owns power and authority,” the President said.

Tinubu subsequently reaffirmed his commitment to national development, saying his determination to build a prosperous Nigeria had been strengthened by the spiritual experience.

The President travelled to Saudi Arabia with a delegation that included the Attorney-General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Lateef Fagbemi; Coordinating Minister of Health and Social Welfare, Professor Muhammad Ali Pate; and governors of Borno, Sokoto, Jigawa, Kaduna, Yobe and Kwara states, among other officials and business leaders.

News November 02, 2026 2027: Priest leads congregation in song endorsing Obi, Kwankwaso

A Catholic priest has been filmed singing in praise of Peter Obi, presidential candidate of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC); and his running mate, Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso, during a church service on Sunday.

In a viral video on X, the priest is seen leading worshippers in singing a song rendered in Igbo, with members of the congregation joining him.

The song describes the NDC as a better political platform.

“Party Peter Obi ka mma; Party Kwankwaso, ka mma! [Peter Obi’s party is better; Kwankwaso’s party is better!],” the priest sang.

Ahead of the 2027 elections, religious leaders are increasingly weighing in on political candidates, with some openly criticising certain contenders while others have declared their support for them.

In August, TheCable reported that Sani Jingir, an Islamic cleric, urged Muslims to vote for a Muslim-Muslim ticket in the 2027 presidential election.

Speaking at a mass wedding organised by the Kano state government for 1,500 couples, Jingir urged Muslims to vote in a manner that would reflect their numerical strength in the country.

President Bola Tinubu and Vice-President Kashim Shettima are Muslims.

There is an informal agreement in Nigeria to balance presidential tickets along religious lines, usually pairing a Muslim with a Christian.

Kwankwaso condemned the remarks in a post on X.

TheCable also reported that the Charismatic Bishops Conference of Nigeria (CBCN) endorsed President Bola Tinubu for a second term.

The bishops endorsed the president during the 2026 synod of the CBCN, which took place in Abuja, the nation’s capital.

The synod was attended by George Akume, secretary to the government of the federation (SGF), and Mohammed Idris, minister of information and national orientation.

Representatives of the CBCN from the six geopolitical zones asked Leonard Kawas, president-general of the group, to announce the conference’s decision.

Kawas said CBCN has members in 52 countries, with 950 “canonical” bishops in Nigeria alone.

He noted that CBCN was among the groups worried about the Muslim-Muslim presidential ticket in the 2023 election.

Kawas said Tinubu surprised the group with his appointments of Christians to key positions in his administration.

He added that the president had been able to “balance” Nigeria’s diversity.

“We are here today to reassure him of our solid support. We are standing with him in prayers and advocacy for the good programmes he has brought forth for the liberation of Nigeria,” he said.

“We stand with the president today, and as long as he is willing to be our president and even come in 2027, we will still be standing with him.”

TheCable