News

Dilly Motors and Flamboyant Owner Okwudili in Trouble as Court Freezes Multiple Accounts in Ongoing Criminal Investigation over N2.5bn

Published

6 years ago

July 19, 2020

Editor

The Bayelsa state Commissioner of Police in a motion ex parte prayed the court to freeze the Dilly Motors accounts in two commercial Nigerian banks listed as second and third respondents in the suit, owned by flamboyant businessman Okwudili “Cowboy” “Dilly” Umenyiora.

The motion prayed the Court to make an order freezing the account pending the conclusion of the police criminal investigation.

Granting the request, the presiding Judge, Justice Ebiyerin Omukoro, made an order freezing the accounts for 14 days to be renewed following a fresh application by the police.

He also made an order compelling the banks to furnish the police with detailed statement of accounts of the first respondent.

Findings indicated that the investigation became incumbent following a petition alleging fraud, criminal conversion and conduct likely to breach public peace written against Dilly Motors Limited and its founder, Okwudili Umenyiora by Solalina Mass Transport LTD.

The petition, which was written by Charles Iroh, Head of Chambers, Triax Solicitors, said in 2019, Umenyiora, the Managing Director of Dilly Motors Limited, approached his client to facilitate vehicle supplies to the Bayelsa State government.

The petition read: “It was agreed that our client should use its wealth of expertise in the transportation industry and contacts to facilitate the contract in favour of Dilly Motors Limited.

“Our client being an indigenous company with core focus on haulage, charter and transportation service, supply chain management, specialist vehicles and expert drivers, specialist on-board kit and equipment and other transport services, was contracted as a facilitator to Dilly Motors Limited by virtue of a Vehicle Procurement/Facilitation Agreement dated the 17th day of February 2020 with clear terms and conditions.

“That through our client’s dedication and expertise, On the 5th of March 2020, the said Dilly Motors Limited got the job. Sequel to this, the company through its Managing Director, Okwudili Umenyiora, told our client that the contract value for the vehicle supply was in the sum of Two Billion, Three Hundred and Five Million, Two Hundred and Thirty Four Thousand Naira (N2, 305, 234, 000) only.

Iroh averred that the contractor has refused to pay the commission to his client despite receiving almost full payment from the state government and rather resorting to fraudulent tactics, threat and blackmail.
Investigation revealed prior to the criminal investigation by the police, Solalina had filed a civil action with suit number YHC/108/2020 in the High court sitting in Yenagoa and presided by Justice T Cocodia for breach of contract.

All parties in the civil matter had been served and the case scheduled for hearing on July 21, 2020.In the suit, Solalina is seeking to enforce its rights in a finder’s fee, facilitation agreement entered into with Dilly Motors for the supply of vehicles to the Bayelsa State Government.

News

IGP Disu Removes Benjamin Hundeyin As FPRO

Published

18 hours ago

March 5, 2026

Eric

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.

News

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

Published

19 hours ago

March 5, 2026

Eric

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.

News

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

Published

1 day ago

March 5, 2026

Eric

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.