Ongoing Investigation into Major Criminal Case Involving Conspiracy, Impersonation, Hijacking, and Narcotics

Ongoing Investigation into Major Criminal Case Involving Conspiracy, Impersonation, Hijacking, and Narcotics

 Lagos, Nigeria – In a significant development, the Nigeria Police Force is actively investigating a complex criminal case involving conspiracy, impersonation, hijacking, threats to life, theft, unlawful possession of narcotics, and actions likely to cause a breach of public health and peace. The case, which was brought to the attention of the Assistant Inspector General of Police (AIG), Force Criminal Investigation Department (FCID), Alagbon Close, Ikoyi, Lagos, through a petition filed by Barrister Nonso Henry Nwaebili on behalf of Manfes Pharmaceutical Company Limited, has revealed an intricate network of criminal activities.

Background of the Case

The incident traces back to July 2023, when Manfes Pharmaceutical Company Ltd., based in Onitsha, Anambra State, imported 5,000 rolls of Tramadol 100mg capsules via the Murtala Mohammed International Airport, Ikeja, Lagos. After clearing the goods, the consignment was intercepted while en route to the company’s warehouse in Apapa, Lagos. The trucks transporting the drugs were hijacked by a gang disguised as operatives of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) and military personnel, who diverted the consignment to an undisclosed location.

Investigation and Arrests

Following the petition, the Anti-Fraud Section of the FCID launched a comprehensive investigation. Key individuals were summoned for questioning, including a representative of the complainant and a Spy Police Officer involved in escorting the hijacked trucks. The investigation gained momentum with the arrest of one suspect, Samson Ugbebor, whose confession led to additional arrests. The police uncovered that some operatives from the CP Special Squad, Lagos State Command, were implicated in the recovery of part of the stolen Tramadol.

Further breakthroughs occurred on November 23, 2023, when credible intelligence led to the arrest of suspects involved in a suspicious drug transaction in Festac Town, Lagos. This operation resulted in the recovery of more stolen Tramadol, shedding light on the extent of the criminal syndicate.

Key Findings:

1. Importation: Manfes Pharmaceutical Company Ltd. imported 412 cartons of Tramadol 100mg in July 2023.

2. Hijacking: The consignment was hijacked and diverted while being transported from the airport to the company’s warehouse.

3. Arrests and Recovery:Investigations led to multiple arrests and the recovery of a significant portion of the stolen Tramadol.

4. Involvement of Law Enforcement: The involvement of certain operatives from the CP Special Squad in the case is under further review.

5. Ongoing Efforts: The police are working tirelessly to identify and apprehend the masked individuals who impersonated NDLEA and military personnel.

Next Steps

The investigation remains ongoing, with a focus on ensuring that all perpetrators are brought to justice. The AIG FCID Annex, Alagbon, after a thorough review of the evidence, has recommended that the case file be duplicated and forwarded to the Legal Section of the FCID for further vetting and possible prosecution.

Call to Action

The police are calling on the public to remain vigilant and report any suspicious activities. The AIG urged citizens to assist law enforcement by providing useful and actionable information to aid in special operations aimed at disrupting criminal activities of this nature.

The Nigeria Police Force is resolute in its commitment to safeguarding public health and safety, ensuring that those responsible for these heinous acts are held accountable. The investigation continues as the Force works to bring all involved parties to justice.