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Lotto Company Raises Alarm Over Plots to Disrupt Operations, Arrest Directors

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The management of Western Lotto Nigeria Limited has raised the alarm over plans by its opponents under the aegis of the Nigerian Licensed Lottery Operators’ Forum to use the judiciary to compel the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), the Inspector-General of Police and the State Security Service (SSS) to disrupt its operations and arrest its directors.

In a statement issued Wednesday night by the company, this is coming on the heels of an ongoing investigations of some lotto and other lottery and sports betting companies for economic sabotage and non-remittances of the revenue due to the Federal Government.

According to sources, as a result of the whistle-blowing role played by Western Lotto, Premier Lotto and Bet9ja have been asked to pay over N20 billion to the Federal Government as fines.

We further gathered that both firms have been paying N500 million monthly to the EFCC and this is supposed to continue until they liquidate the total fine imposed on them, having given an undertaking to this effect.

Industry sources claimed that the defaulting lottery operators are owing the Federal Government over N200 billion in revenue that should accrue to it.

Competitors were said to have come together under a group known as Nigerian Licensed Lottery Operators’ Forum and hired one Olugbenga Adeyemi, who described himself as a “human rights crusader and economic rights activist” to file a suit at the Federal High Court in Abuja through which he is asking for an order of mandamus to compel the EFCC, Police and SSS to investigate and prosecute Western Lotto and its promoters for alleged embezzlement of funds accruable to the Federal Government of Nigeria, tax evasion and economic sabotage.

He also wants the court to compel the various agencies to make public the outcome of such investigation.

The suit is marked FHC/ABJ/CS/669/2020 and the plan is to get a pliable judge who would give an exparte order against Western Lotto and its promoters.

The management of the lottery company has appealed to the Federal Government, especially the judiciary, the EFCC, Police, SSS and other relevant agencies, to be aware of the antics of its opponents who are aggrieved at its patriotic duty of exposing the corruption in the gaming industry and wants to get back at it and its promoters.

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IGP Disu Removes Benjamin Hundeyin As FPRO

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The Inspector General of Police, Tunji Disu, has reportedly removed Benjamin Hundeyin as the Force Public Relations Officer (PRO) and replaced him with a new appointee, though the name hasn’t been officially announced.

Hundeyin was previously serving as the Lagos Command PRO before being promoted to the national role.

This move comes as part of Disu’s efforts to revamp the Nigeria Police Force and improve its public image.

As the 23rd IGP, Disu has emphasized professionalism, accountability, and transparency, warning officers that there will be no tolerance for misconduct or abuse of power.

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Assets Declaration: Court Dismisses NDLEA’s Case Against Abba Kyari

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The Federal High Court in Abuja on Thursday, dismissed a case filed by the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), against suspended DCP Abba Kyari on allegations bordering on non-disclosure of assets.

Justice James Omotosho dismissed the suit, filed against Kyari and his younger brothers, Mohammed Kyari and Ali Kyari, for failure of the anti-narcotic agency to prove its case beyond reasonable doubt.

The judge held that the burden of proving a case beyond reasonable doubt falls in the prosecution which it had failed to do so.
The ruling covers only asset declaration allegations. Other cases including drug related offences are still ongoing.

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NDLEA Nabs UK-wanted Drug Lord after 15-Year Hunt

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The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) has arrested a 58-year-old fugitive drug lord, Uzoma Valentine Ilomuanya, who had been on the wanted list of Nigerian and British authorities for over 15 years.

His arrest was disclosed in a statement on Wednesday by spokesman of the agency, Mr. Femi Babafemi.

Ilomuanya, according to the agency, was apprehended in Lagos on Monday, February 23, 2026, following what officials described as a high-stakes, well-coordinated operation by officers of the Agency’s Special Operations Unit.

He was first arrested in February 2003 in the United Kingdom and later convicted for drug trafficking.

He was sentenced to nine years’ imprisonment but released after serving two years following a successful appeal.

In July 2011, Ilomuanya was again arrested in the UK for drug-related offences.

Though granted administrative bail, he absconded and fled to Nigeria, evading further prosecution.

In November 2018, NDLEA operatives arrested him in Nigeria after uncovering two clandestine methamphetamine laboratories — one at his country home in Obinugwu, Orlu Local Government Area of Imo State, and another at his residence in Lagos.

During the operation, officers recovered 77.960 kilograms of methamphetamine and extensive drug production equipment.

He was subsequently charged before a Federal High Court in Lagos but later jumped court bail, remaining on the run until his latest arrest.

Reacting to the development, the Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of the NDLEA, Brig. Gen. Mohamed Buba Marwa (rtd), described the arrest as a major breakthrough in the agency’s sustained crackdown on drug trafficking networks.

“This arrest serves as a stern warning to those who think they can hide behind borders to escape justice. Whether you jump bail in London or set up clandestine labs in your village, the long arm of the NDLEA will eventually catch up with those who choose to undermine the health, security, and future of our nation,” Marwa said.

He added that the Agency remains committed to strengthening intelligence-led operations and deepening international collaboration to prevent Nigeria from becoming a safe haven for global drug cartels.

Marwa commended officers of the Special Operations Unit for their professionalism, resilience, and diligence in tracking down the fugitive, stressing that the NDLEA remains unwavering in its resolve to dismantle drug trafficking networks operating within the country.

The agency is expected to proceed with legal action against Ilomuanya in the coming days.

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