Operatives of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) have discovered a secret laboratory where illicit drugs such as “Colos,” a synthetic variant of cannabis, are manufactured in a residential building located at Ajao Estate, Isolo, Lagos.

This operation resulted in the arrest of a 30-year-old suspect, Stephen Kelechi Imoh, and the seizure of significant amounts of freshly produced Colos, along with precursor chemicals utilized in the drug’s creation

According to the agency, the breakthrough followed months of intelligence gathering on the existence of illegal Colos laboratories in Lagos after officers intercepted locally produced consignments in March and May 2025 — an indication that the psychoactive substance, previously imported, was being manufactured within the country.

The decisive raid, conducted on Thursday, October 30, 2025, exposed a fully equipped production site. Items recovered included 16.2 kilograms of freshly cooked Colos, 1.7 kilograms of ADB-CHMNACA Cannabinol, 4.5 kilograms of potassium carbonate, and 91 litres of dibromobutane.

In a related operation in Lagos, NDLEA operatives on Saturday, November 1, 2025, raided the hideout of a suspected drug dealer, Afeez Salisu (alias Malu), in Mushin. Sixteen compressed blocks of Ghana Loud, along with designer sachets and bottles of Colorado weighing 16.4 kilograms, were seized.

Similarly, a 20-year-old music artist, Godspower George Osahenrumwen, popularly known as Steady Boy, was arrested on Thursday, October 30, while attempting to receive a large consignment of Loud cannabis concealed in three cartons of bathtubs shipped from New York, United States.

The shipment, which arrived at the Murtala Mohammed International Airport (MMIA), Ikeja, on October 28, contained 140 bags of Loud weighing 77.2 kilograms.

The artist was apprehended at Bougain Villa, Primewater Gardens 2, Lekki, Lagos, while taking delivery on behalf of a syndicate led by his manager, Zion Osazee Omigie (a.k.a Zee Money), who remains at large.

Commending officers for their resilience and professionalism, NDLEA Chairman/Chief Executive, Brig. Gen. Mohamed Buba Marwa (Rtd), reaffirmed the agency’s commitment to dismantling drug syndicates nationwide.

He vowed that all proceeds and assets traceable to such criminal enterprises would be forfeited to the Federal Government.

NUJ Supports Global Call to End Impunity for Crimes Against Journalist

As the world marks the International Day to End Impunity for Crimes Against Journalists on November 2, 2025, the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ) has expressed its solidarity with journalists globally who face numerous challenges in carrying out their duties.

According to a press statement signed by Achike Chude, National Secretary of the NUJ, data from the UNESCO observatory reveals that from 2006 to 2024, over 1,700 journalists lost their lives internationally, with ‘almost 90% of these incidents going unresolved in court’.

The union cited the lack of accountability for violence against journalists as a significant threat to the stability of nation-states, potentially leading to authoritarianism.

“Since journalists play a critical role in reporting facts to all citizens, impunity for attacks against them has a particularly damaging impact, limiting public awareness and constructive debate.

“Such attacks, if not checked, and perpetrators brought to justice, signal great danger for the overall survival of nation states as the natural consequence is an acceleration to authoritarianism.

“Sadly, our country Nigeria is regretfully not immune to acts of impunity for crimes against media practitioners.

it further criticized the FG’s use of cybercrime legislation to create a hostile environment for journalists, calling for its amendment to protect press freedom.

According to the union, Nigeria had experienced incidents of impunity concerning crimes against media professionals, highlighting the need for governments to safeguard journalists.

“The rightfully maligned cyber-crime act has often been used to create unsafe spaces for journalists by agencies of government. We call once more for its amendment to remove provisions inimical to the free working of the press.”

The NUJ therefore urged governments at various levels to take concrete actions to protect journalists and eliminate impunity for crimes against them.

The organization expressed profound supports for journalists across the globe, highlighting their vital function in educating the community and fostering significant conversations.

The NUJ stressed the necessity for further action to tackle the problem of impunity for crimes against journalists and to ensure that those responsible are held accountable.

…gets SWS Most Outstanding National Officer Meritorious Service Award

The Standup for Women Society (SWS) International has announced the appointment of Lib. Billie Nwogu as the Special Adviser on Media and Publicity to the International President.

The appointment was conveyed in a letter signed by President of the body, Barr. Deborah A. Ijadele-Adetona who commended the appointee for her remarkable leadership, professionalism, and unwavering dedication to the mission and vision of the society.

Barr. Deborah noted that during her two tenures as National Public Relations Officer (PRO) of the SWS, Lib. Nwogu distinguished herself through exceptional media engagement strategies, impactful public communications, and an exemplary track record of service delivery, which significantly elevated the visibility and credibility of SWS nationally and internationally.

Core News gathered that it was in recognition of her outstanding contributions that the International President further conferred on her the “Most Outstanding National Officer – SWS Meritorious Service Award,” celebrating her excellence, innovation, and commitment to women’s empowerment and social advocacy.

Speaking on the appointment, the International President stated: “Lib. Billie Nwogu has demonstrated uncommon dedication and professionalism in projecting the image of our great organization.

Her appointment as Special Adviser on Media and Publicity is a testament to her integrity, competence, and exceptional performance. We are confident that she will continue to drive the communication goals of SWS to greater global heights.”

In her reaction to the appointment and award, Lib. Nwogu expressed gratitude to the leadership and members of SWS International, pledging her renewed commitment to advancing the cause of women, promoting global advocacy, and ensuring that the voice of the society continues to resonate across continents.