The irresistible attraction for drug pushing is set to wane as the Senate on Thursday, prescribed the death sentence as the penalty for trafficking in hard drugs and other substances in Nigeria.

This followed the passage of the  National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) Amendment Bill 2024.

It also prescribed not more than 15 years imprisonment without the option of fine, for conviction on consumption of hard drugs and substances.

This followed the adoption of the Senate Committees on Judiciary, Human Rights and Legal Matters and Drugs and Narcotics report on the NDLEA Amendment Act at plenary.

The report was presented by the Chairman of the committee, Sen. Mohammed Monguno (APC -Borno).

Monguno in his presentation said the amendment sought to strengthen the operations of the  NDLEA, empower its operations to establish laboratories for forensic review and update the list of dangerous drugs.

He said the amendment was also designed to review penalties and enhance the powers of the NDLEA to prosecute drug-related offences and issue subsidiary legislation.

He said the Senate had on Feb.28, deliberated on the bill, which was transmitted from the House of Representatives for the Senate’s concurrence.

He said it was important to make a general comment on the bill,  especially on the classification of the offences and penalty categorisations of drug-related offences.

He said the categorisations were peculiar and different from other laws because of the sentencing guideline used in determining drug-related offences.

“These guidelines in drug laws are designed to promote fairness, consistency and proportionality in the criminal justice system while considering the broader goals of rehabilitation and public safety.

“It is also important to note that several variables are used to determine the penalties imposed on a suspect.

“This includes type and quantity of controlled substance, defendant’s criminal history, intent behind drug-related activities, aggravating or mitigating circumstance such as organised crime, violence, use of offensive weapon.

“Others like  endangerment of minors can aggravate penalties,  conversely mitigating factors like cooperation with law enforcement or lack of prior criminal record may lessen the severity of punishment.”

Earlier, before the passage of the bill during clause-by-clause consideration, Sen.Ali Ndume (APC Borno), had moved a motion for amendment to clause 11 of the bill, which initially prescribed life imprisonment for drugs and substances trafficking in Nigeria.

Ndume had called for stiffer sanctions and moved a motion for a prescribing death sentence.

The motion was seconded by Sen.Onyekachi Nwaebonyi (APC-Ebonyi), who said that drugs and substance trafficking were doing great harm to the nation and hence,  stiffer penalties should be given to offenders.

When the voice vote for adoption of the motion on the death penalty was put to the vote, the “Yes” had their way as the Deputy President of the Senate, Barau Jubrin (APC- Kano), who was presiding ruled in favour of the “Yes.”

However, the decision did not go well for Sen.Adams Oshiomhole (APC – Edo), who objected to the ruling, saying that he was responsible to his constituents for every law passed in the Senate.

He said issues of life and death should not be passed based on a “Yes or No” response, advocating for a voting by every senator.

Responding, Barau said the best approach for the Edo lawmaker was to have called for a division immediately after the clause on the death sentence was adopted.

Barau said the decision to rule in favour of the “yes” was not the presiding officer’s making but on the members’ voice vote.

Kidnappers hotbed, Kaduna state may finally be set for relative peace as the Police Command in Kaduna said Its operatives have arrested 280 suspected criminals and rescued 158 kidnapped victims from January to date.

The Force Public Relations Officer, ACP  Olumuyiwa Adejobi, disclosed this at a press briefing at the command on Thursday in Kaduna.

Adejobi said, ”I am pleased to highlight the significant achievements in our crime-fighting endeavours, with a particular focus on the Abuja-Kaduna expressway corridor, and communities in Kaduna State, spanning from January to date.

“Notably, I would like to draw attention to a strategic initiative implemented along the Abuja-Kaduna expressway, which has significantly contributed to our successes.”

According to him, under the directive of the Inspector-General of Police, a helicopter has been deployed to serve as an escort for trains using the route.

It provides aerial support for ground troops from the Armed Forces, Police, and other security agencies.

“It has been deployed along the corridor as a proactive measure to prevent attacks and act as a first responder in the event of any untoward incidents,” Adejobi said.

 He said this proactive measure has proven instrumental in enhancing security along the corridor, ultimately safeguarding the lives and property of commuters and residents of the adjourning communities along the route.

The Police spokesperson said, ”During this period, our proactive measures and relentless pursuit of criminal elements have resulted in remarkable outcomes.

”This included the arrest of 81 armed robbery suspects, 40 kidnap suspects, 73 murder/homicide suspects, 36 rape suspects, 22 suspects involved in cult-related crimes, and 28 suspects engaged in other criminal activities.

 “We have successfully recovered 16 firearms of various types, along with 226 ammunition of diverse calibres.

”Additionally, our operations have led to the retrieval of 28 stolen vehicles, over 200 harmful weapons, and 600 bags of fertilizers.

“A total of N3.3 million, previously paid as ransom to kidnappers, has been successfully recovered, while our swift and coordinated efforts have resulted in the safe rescue of 158 kidnapped victims, all of whom have been reunited with their families unharmed.”

The Force PPRO  said the Nigeria Police Force, under the leadership of I-G Kayode  Egbetokun, remains steadfast in its resolve to uphold the rule of law, ensure the safety and security of all citizens, and combat criminal activities across the country.

He said these recent achievements along the Abuja-Kaduna expressway underscored the zeal of the Force in fulfilling its mandate of protecting lives and property.

“This special intervention and operation would be replicated in other major expressways and cities across the country by establishing the Special Intervention Squad (SIS) by the I-G.

Adejobi  said, “We will continue to collaborate with relevant stakeholders, employ innovative strategies, and harness the full force of the law to root out criminal elements and create a conducive environment for peaceful coexistence and socio-economic development.

“As we forge ahead, the Nigeria Police Force extends its gratitude to members of the public for their continued support and cooperation.

“Together, we will build safer communities, foster trust between the police and citizens, and strive towards a Nigeria where all individuals can live without fear of crime or violence.“

The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) has arrested a male passenger carrying 4,000 tramadol pills at the Muhammad Murtala International Airport (MMIA) Ikeja, Lagos

This is contained in a statement by the NDLEA Director, Media and Advocacy, Mr Femi Babafemi on Sunday in Abuja.

Babafemi said that NDLEA officers at the gate ‘C ‘departure hall of the Lagos airport on Friday foiled the suspect’s attempt to export the pills to Malpensa, Italy on an Ethiopian Airline flight.

He said that the psychoactive substance was found concealed in women’s wear and granulated melon packed in the suspect’s backpack and another bag containing food items.

“In his statement, the suspect who is a frequent flyer confessed he was hired for 700 Euros on successful delivery of the consignment in Italy, “ he said.

Meanwhile, In Bayelsa, NDLEA operatives on  April 24 arrested a 28-year-old woman in Amarata area of Yenagoa.

Babafemi said that she was arrested for producing and distributing cakes laced with illicit drugs especially cannabis sativa.

According to him, at the time of her arrest, a substantial number of the drugged cakes weighing 1.5kg were recovered from her.

Also, A 20-year-old hair stylist, and a dispatch rider, were arrested on March 10 by NDLEA operatives in Yenagoa for a similar offence.

In the same vein and were arrested with 24,180 ampoules of pentazocine injection weighing 135.5 kilograms at Sabon Tasha, Kaduna.

Babafemi said that a teenager was also nabbed with 20.700kg of cannabis when his house in Shuware area of Mubi, Adamawa state was raided on April 26.

In another development, No less than 310.7kg of cannabis was recovered on April 25 when NDLEA operatives raided parts of Mushin in Lagos state.