There are concerns over alleged plans to release a luxury passenger bus reportedly seized by operatives of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) in connection with a major drug trafficking investigation in Kano State.
The bus, DDM understand was intercepted during an intelligence-led operation by the operatives of the anti-narcotic agency in August, with illicit substances said to be worth about N500 million recovered from, or in connection with, the vehicle.
The operation led to the arrest of six suspects identified as Onyeka Vincent, Success Chibuzie, Nwankwo Wisdom, Emmanuel Jude, Chinedu Peter and Okodili Ogbuach.
Meanwhile, rumours have emerged in some quarters that the bus, said to belong to a prominent Igbo businessman, was being lined up for release despite the ongoing investigation.
But reacting to the development, the Chairman of the Kano State Special Task Force on Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking, Muhuyi Magaji, confirmed that he was aware of the seizure but said the investigation had yet to be concluded.
“I am aware of the arrest of the vehicle. It was not only the vehicle that was seized; other suspects were also arrested in connection with drug-related offences involving substances found in the bus.
“Following the incident, I reached out to the Kano State Commander of the NDLEA, who assured me that the investigation is still ongoing. Therefore, the rumours making the rounds are not true.
“The command has assured me that the investigation is ongoing. Some of the drivers and conductors have been summoned, and preliminary findings have revealed some level of complicity.
“There is also the issue of the company’s vehicle because the excuse that someone used your property to commit a crime without your consent cannot, in itself, absolve the owner of responsibility. If we continue to accept such explanations, there could be a problem of accountability.
“I can assure you that the leadership of the NDLEA, together with the Kano State Government, is monitoring the case closely. We will follow the matter through to prosecution and will not allow any form of compromise.
“We are working to ensure that drug abuse is eradicated in Kano.
“Let us wait for the conclusion of the investigation. The investigation is not being conducted under my purview, but I can assure you that we will follow it up to the letter, no matter whose ox is gored,” he said.
