The Force Criminal Intelligence Department (FCID), Alagbon Annex, Obalende, Lagos State said it has finally cracked a complex case that involved conspiracy, impersonation, hijacking, threats to life, theft, unlawful possession of narcotics, and actions endangering public health and safety.
The FCID spokesperson, an Assistant Superintendent of Police, Aminat Mayegun, explained that the investigation was initiated following a petition submitted to the Assistant Inspector General of Police (AIG) in charge of FCID, by Barrister Nonso Henry Nwaebili, representing Manfes Pharmaceutical Company Limited, Anambra.
She said: “The petition outlined an incident where a syndicate of suspected armed criminals, disguised in the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency, NDLEA, jackets and military camouflage, impersonated officers from the NDLEA and military personnel.
“They hijacked two trucks belonging to Manfes Pharmaceutical Company Ltd, which were transporting 5,000 rolls of Tramadol 100mg capsules, immediately after clearing the goods at Murtala Muhammed International Airport, Ikeja, Lagos. The hijackers diverted the consignment to an unknown location.”
Mayegun said that following receipt of the petition, detectives from the Anti-Fraud Section of FCID Annex Lagos launched an investigation.
A letter was sent to the Director of Ports Inspection at the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC), Yaba, Lagos, to confirm the importation authorization for Tramadol 100mg capsules by Manfes Pharmaceutical Company Ltd. NAFDAC confirmed on September 7, 2023, that the documents were in order.
Mayegun said: “Further investigation revealed that James Casimir Achiborn, a Spy Police Officer, was involved in escorting the hijacked trucks. Significant progress was made with the arrest of Mgbemena Innocent M whose information led to additional arrests connected to the narcotic substance.
“Subsequent investigations also uncovered the involvement of operatives from the CP Special Squad, Lagos State Command, who recovered part of the stolen Tramadol and apprehended individuals involved in its sale.
“Additional arrests were made on November 23, 2023, based on credible intelligence. Those apprehended include Mgbemena Innocent M, Anayo Benchuks Ambrose M, Uche Frank M, and Jemilu Chindo M, who were engaged in a suspicious drug transaction in Festac Town, Lagos. Further suspected stolen Tramadol was recovered.
“Efforts to identify the masked individuals who impersonated NDLEA and military personnel are ongoing. The suspected Tramadol has been handed over to NAFDAC, and further investigations are underway to ensure all perpetrators are brought to justice.”
