The great-grandmother, identified as Esther Ogunmabo, was arrested in Ilisan, Ogun State, with retail sachets of skunk, a strain of cannabis, weighing 90 grammes, which she claimed she sold to locals.

A statement on Sunday by the agency’s spokesman, Femi Babafemi, said the centenarian told operatives that she started engaging in illicit drug trade after her provisions shop was razed by fire.

The statement partly read, “Operatives of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency have recorded significant breakthroughs across the country’s land and maritime borders, including the arrest of a 101-year-old great-grandmother for dealing in illicit drugs.

“NDLEA operatives on Saturday, August 15, 2026, arrested a 101-year-old woman, Esther Ogunmabo, in Ilisan, Ogun State, with retail sachets of skunk, a strain of cannabis, weighing 90 grams, which she claims she sells to locals.

“The centenarian told operatives that she resorted to the illicit drug trade after her provisions shop was razed by fire, adding that one of her daughters, who resides in Lagos, arranges the supply of the substance to her every four days, which she in turn sold in bits.”

Babafemi said the Chairman/Chief Executive Officer of the NDLEA, Brig. Gen. Buba Marwa (retd.), directed that the suspect be granted bail and placed on counselling because of her advanced age, while her daughter had been arrested.

PUNCH Online has not been able to speak with the suspect.

In a related development, he said NDLEA operatives in Akwa Ibom State, acting on credible intelligence, intercepted a wooden boat on the high seas on Friday, August 21, conveying illicit drugs to fishing settlements in the Republic of Cameroon.

According to him, three suspects arrested aboard the boat, which was heading to Ine Isu, Ine Mbah and Ine Ikot Itie Udung fishing ports in Cameroon, included Etima Effiong Eekpo, 29, caught with 1.120kg of skunk; Otobong Eyoh Etukudoh, 33, who had 42.060kg of skunk in his possession; and 27-year-old Kingsley Effiong John, who was found with 20 grammes of cocaine cleverly concealed inside a large wrap of edible cassava fufu, alongside 435 grammes of skunk.

“A total of 42.622kg of narcotics was recovered from the trio,” Babafemi added.

In the nation’s maritime space, Babafemi said the agency recorded its first-ever seizure of illicit drugs shipped from Thailand through the maritime corridor, following the interception of two containers of cannabis indica, also known as Loud, at the Apapa and Lekki ports, with a combined street value put at over N4.4bn.

“Both containers were loaded at the Port of Laem Chabang, Thailand, underscoring the emergence of a new trafficking route being exploited by drug syndicates to smuggle synthetic cannabis into the country,” he added.

At the Apapa Port, Babafemi said a container declared to be conveying dry fish, rice, vehicle spare parts, turmeric soap and inverter batteries was found, during a joint examination of the shipment on Friday, August 21, by the NDLEA, Customs and others, to contain 1,090.5kg of Thai Loud packed in 54 cartons comprising 2,181 sachets of 500 grammes each.

“At the Lekki Deep Sea Port, a similar container, which had been placed on the Agency’s watchlist and monitored by its Marine Special Operations Unit, was jointly examined on Wednesday, 19th August. Of the seven pallets found in the container wrapped in black nylon, four were confirmed to be laced with Thai Loud, yielding 96 cartons made up of 400 parcels weighing a total of 400kg. The remaining three pallets contained 798 rims of A4 paper, which had been used as cover for the consignment,” he said.

In the Federal Capital Territory, Babafemi said NDLEA operatives on Saturday, August 22, intercepted three waybill packages containing 24,410 pills of tramadol capsules inside a Hummer bus travelling from Enugu to Zuba.

“A follow-up operation conducted in Niger State led to the arrest of the owner of the consignment, Sunday Eze, 28, in Kontagora, after which he was transferred to Abuja,” he said.

In Ondo, Babafemi said operatives raided a cannabis farm at Ijare forest, Ifedore Local Government Area, on August 19, following the earlier arrest of three suspected cannabis planters at the same location on August 16.

“The team destroyed a total of 10,000kg of skunk cultivated across four hectares of the forest. In a separate operation in the state, operatives same day at Ita-Ogbolu, Akure North LGA, recovered 210kg skunk and a Toyota Camry car with registration number AGL 223 JH belonging to Sylvester Dibiagu Anthony, who is currently at large,” he added.

“A raid at Hadeija Road, Kano, on Monday, August 17, led to the arrest of Chibuzor Madueke, 31, with 98 blocks of skunk weighing 73.3kg recovered from him, while a similar operation by NDLEA operatives at Seme, Badagry area of Lagos, led to the arrest of three family members: Nasiru Tijjani, 52; Moshood Tijjani, 27; and Salami Tijjani, 27, at Ashipa area, near the Seme border, with 48kg of skunk.

“In Abia State, NDLEA officers on Thursday, August 20, raided the residence of Ikechukwu Anthony Iwuno, 36, at Umuobia Olokoro area of Umuahia South LGA, where 14.4kg Loud, 2.3kg Colorado, 386 grammes of tramadol and 134 grammes of rohypnol were recovered,” the statement added.

While commending the officers and men of the Ogun, Apapa, Lekki, Seme, Akwa Ibom, Ondo, Oyo, Kwara, Kano, Abia and FCT Commands for the various successful operations, Marwa enjoined them and their colleagues across the country to continue with the current balanced approach to the agency’s drug-control efforts.

They include M.S. Danjuma, Nadungu Gagare, and Richard P. Pheelangwah.

Chairman of the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission, Dr Musa Aliyu, SAN disclosed this to State House correspondents on Friday after briefing the President for the second time in two days, following an earlier meeting on Thursday.

Aliyu said the newly uncovered fake office, operating under the name “National Brands Development and Made-in-Nigeria Special Project Office,” had been illegally allocated office space within the premises of the OSGF, contrary to extant laws and without presidential authorisation.

He said, “Upon further briefing by ICPC to Mr President on the ongoing investigations into the fake Presidential Foreign Intervention Promotion Council and procedural weaknesses in the public service, the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission has uncovered another fake agency and office operating under the name National Brands Development and Made-in-Nigeria Special Project Office, which has been illegally allocated office space within the premises of the Office of the Secretary to the Government of the Federation,” Aliyu said.

He said the discovery emerged in the course of the commission’s broader investigation, as earlier directed by President Tinubu, and identified the promoter of the fake office as one Prince George Buchi Nwabueze, who was found to be operating under multiple aliases.

“The fake agency office, National Brands Development and Made in Nigeria Special Project Office, was promoted by one George Buchi Nwabueze, with active suspected collaborators in the Office of the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, contrary to extant laws and without authorisation of the President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.

“The promoter was discovered to also operate under four other variations of his name: George Nathan, George Nathan Nwabueze, Honourable George Buchi Nwabueze, Prince George Buchi Nwabueze and George Nwabueze,” Aliyu said.

He revealed that the ICPC had engaged the Office of the Secretary to the Government of the Federation to ascertain vital information relating to the fake office under investigation, and had comprehensively briefed the President on the new developments.

“I have briefed Mr President comprehensively on these new developments. ICPC will continue with its investigations accordingly,” he said.

Aliyu said following the discovery, “Mr President has directed as follows: the immediate arrest of Prince George Buchi Nwabueze; the immediate suspension of the following permanent secretaries; M.S. Danjuma, Nadungu Gagare, and Richard P. Pheelangwah,” he said.

Friday’s development is the latest in a scandal that began with the exposure of the fictitious Presidential Foreign Intervention Promotion Council, whose self-styled Director-General, Adeniyi Adeyemi Matthew, is currently facing prosecution on charges of forgery and impersonation.

The ICPC’s interim report, submitted to the President on August 6 after a 30-day investigation, had earlier disclosed the existence of two other fictitious bodies, the FCT Investment Promotion Agency and the Foreign Investment Promotion Agency and Public-Private Partnership.

The National Brands Development and Made-in-Nigeria Special Project Office is the fourth fake agency uncovered after the PFIFC scandal since early April.

After a young executive trainee’s “Good morning, Tony” greeting to United Bank for Africa Group Chairman, Tony Elumelu, sparked a debate online, corporate workers and Nigerians have continued to revisit the place of first-name culture in Nigerian workplaces.

The debate followed a viral video from Thursday’s graduation ceremony of UBA’s Graduate Management Accelerated Programme, where the trainee addressed Elumelu as “Tony” while speaking during an interactive session.

Elumelu initially appeared to mishear her, asking, “Toyin? Toyin?” before she clarified that she had said, “Good morning, Tony.”

He then corrected her, telling her to address him as “Mr Elumelu” or “TOE”.

“Okay. No, you won’t call me Tony. You’ll call me Mr Elumelu or TOE. You won’t call me Tony, or Chairman. I don’t subscribe to that kind of… Oyinbo life, okay?”

The trainee subsequently addressed him as “Mr Elumelu” and continued with her question.

Since the video went viral, the conversation has continued among corporate workers and other Nigerians, with opinions divided over whether first-name policies should apply across all levels of an organisation or whether employees should defer to senior executives based on age, rank and the setting.

Some workers have also revisited their experiences with first-name policies in Nigerian banks and other corporate organisations, while others argue that such policies can create unnecessary confusion when employees are expected to understand when to use a colleague’s first name and when to revert to formal titles.

Reacting to the incident, Jide Akintunde, #JSAkintunde, said Elumelu’s objection was surprising given his long-standing association with the name Tony.

He wrote, “I am surprised that Tony Elumelu objects to being addressed publicly by his first name. For years, his first name was central to his public and industry branding.”

Akintunde argued that the correction highlighted the power imbalance between Elumelu and the young trainee.

He added, “It likely took immense courage for a trainee to speak up in front of him, and a public correction from such a towering personality can be deeply humiliating.”

He said Elumelu could have expressed his preference privately rather than correcting her publicly.

“It could have joked about it, or pulled her aside later to express his preference. Being addressed by his first name does not diminish his status,” he wrote.

However, some Nigerians disagreed, arguing that first-name culture does not automatically apply to every workplace or situation.

Hamma, #HAHayatu, recalled that Elumelu had previously been known simply as Tony in professional circles.

“We all called him Tony, and he prefers it intact when people call him Mr Elumelu; he frowns,” he wrote, adding that the current situation was understandable because of the age difference between Elumelu and younger members of the workforce.

Taiwo Ogunnaike, @callme_delight, also defended Elumelu, saying the correction was not humiliating.

“The correction was not even humiliating in any way. He was quite gentle with her in my opinion,” he wrote.

He argued that failing to correct her immediately could have created an expectation that others could also address the chairman by his first name.

Maryanne Moghalu, #MaryanneMoghalu, described the greeting as inappropriate, arguing that workplace first-name culture usually depends on permission.

“I personally think it was inappropriate. Even abroad, you address people, especially your superiors in the workplace, formally until they give you the permission to use the first name,” she wrote.

Similarly, Ajokeee, #Aheesha_x, said the setting made the greeting inappropriate.

She wrote, “You’re standing in front of the Chairman of UBA, at a formal event, and your opening is ‘Good morning, Tony.’ This is not your mate, this is not your coursemate, this is not even your boss that you’ve worked closely with for years.”

She added, “There are certain settings where ‘Good morning, sir’ should just come naturally.”

Dr Dípò Awójídé, #OgbeniDipo, also sided with the argument that Nigerian workplace culture should be considered.

“I wouldn’t call Tony Elumelu by his name if I met him. I will add Mr. I would also bow, because of his age,” he wrote.

He argued that corporate training should include lessons on organisational culture and hierarchy.

“In Rome, behave like the Romans. And whenever you are in doubt, remember that respect is a big element of Nigerian culture,” Awójídé added.

Some social media users, however, used the incident to question the inconsistency in how first names are used in Nigerian workplaces.

Romi, #Romi_Edevbe, asked why junior workers could casually address older support staff by their first names while senior executives were treated differently.

“But we can call gatemen and cleaners three times our age by their first name even in the office… But just because… Make una nor put me for talk abeg,” she wrote.

Olawole, #Olawoleaa, recalled his experience at Stanbic IBTC, saying some senior staff members actually preferred first-name greetings.

“If you worked in Stanbic IBTC bank CCC from like 2014 to 2016 or so, you would know Bolanle, she was Head of Customer Experience. If you address Bolanle other than her 1st name, she will collect N1k from you,” he wrote.

Tosin.X, #Dontee___, meanwhile, called on Nigerian HR professionals to reconsider first-name policies.

“Good morning Nigerian HR’s. Today is a good day to bin the first name Policy. You all should stop putting your employee through unnecessary mental stress!” he wrote.

Another user, J #olajide_adedeji, described the debate as a clash between workplace policy and cultural expectations.

“Twitter is a world of two types of people; the logical ones and the emotional ones. There is always that obvious divide during trending discussions,” he wrote.

He added that some people were “citing policy adherence” while others were “citing culture and respect.”

Olúyẹmí Fásípè, #YemieFash, also warned against using Gen Z identity as an excuse for disrespect.

“Being Gen Z doesn’t automatically make you foolish or disrespectful,” he wrote.

“What makes you foolish is consciously choosing to behave badly just because you want to ‘act Gen Z’ or sound a certain way.”

President Bola Tinubu’s Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Temitope Ajayi, #TheTope_Ajayi, joined the discussion by recalling a similar incident involving American poet and author Maya Angelou.

He wrote, “I still remember that old Maya Angelou video where she firmly rebuked a young lady who addressed her by first name during class session.”

Tosin Olaluwoye, #tosin_olaluwoye, argued that Nigerians should not abandon their cultural values while embracing global workplace practices.

“Nigerians are the only people I know who think everything about their culture is wrong,” he wrote.

He argued that people could adopt aspects of Western culture while maintaining their own values, adding that respect remained an important part of Nigerian culture.

The debate has since broadened beyond Elumelu’s response, with Nigerians questioning whether first-name culture should be universal in the workplace or depend on factors such as age, rank, setting and personal preference.

Kwankwaso, a former Kano State governor, made the call in a statement posted on his verified X account on Thursday to mark the commencement of the 2027 presidential campaign.

He urged Nigerians to reflect on the state of the country and the kind of nation they wanted to leave for the next generation, citing rising food prices, unemployment, high business costs and insecurity among the challenges confronting citizens.

“The rising cost of food and essential goods has placed enormous pressure on families. Millions of young Nigerians are searching for meaningful employment and opportunities, while businesses are struggling with high operating costs,” Kwankwaso said.

He said insecurity had continued to threaten communities, with terrorism, banditry and kidnapping claiming lives, destroying homes and disrupting livelihoods.

“Our farmers need security to return to their farms, our children need safe schools, and every Nigerian deserves to live without fear,” the former governor said.

Kwankwaso also called for urgent investment in education and healthcare, improved infrastructure, stronger institutions, and greater transparency and accountability in the management of public resources.

He, however, said the challenges facing the country should not extinguish hope, noting that Nigeria had the people, resources and potential to build a prosperous and secure nation.

“What we need is leadership with the competence, courage and commitment to put the interests of Nigerians first,” he stated.

Kwankwaso said his decision to work with Peter Obi on the Obi-Kwankwaso ticket was based on a commitment to Nigeria rather than regional, religious or personal interests.

“Our partnership is not about region, religion or personal ambition. It is about Nigeria. We believe in a country where government serves the people, where hard work is rewarded and where young people can build successful futures at home,” he added.

He appealed to youths, women, workers, farmers, entrepreneurs and professionals to join the political movement and demand accountability, competence and results from those entrusted with public office.

Kwankwaso urged Nigerians to support the Obi-Kwankwaso ticket and other NDC candidates, saying the 2027 election provided an opportunity for citizens to choose a new direction for the country.

“Let us campaign peacefully, responsibly and with the national interest at heart. Together, we can build a stronger nation, and Nigeria will be ok,” he concluded.

Following gunshots that erupted during Governor Ademola Adeleke’s visit to the Ataoja of Osogbo’s palace, one person was reportedly killed in the Ita-Olokan area of Osogbo.

The governor had, in the company of his nephew, David Adeleke, popularly called Davido, paid a courtesy visit to the monarch but a clash ensued between two groups outside the palace which resulted in an exchange of gunfire.

The governor’s security team intervened by shooting sporadically into the air, as well as using tear gas to disperse the daring thugs before the governor’s convoy could leave the palace.

In a post on X, Davido wrote, “It was a fight outside the palace that had nothing to do with us! The pple love excellency!”

Meanwhile, the State Police Command’s spokesperson, DSP Abiodun Ojelabi, disclosed that the shooting started after a known political thug, Adebayo Taoreed, popularly called “Small Rugged”, was resisted by Davido’s security details after attempting to gain access to the Afrobeats star.

“The incident attracted more of his cult gang members who attempted to override the security detail which led to gun exchange.

“The thugs temporarily blocked the palace entrance but were overpowered by the security details before the convoy left the scene with Davido,” he said.

It was gathered that the cult gang later left the scene towards Ayepe area and allegedly shot one Tajudeen Yusuf, 60, at Ita-Olokan area.

Ojelabi confirmed the shooting, adding that an investigation has commenced into the incident, as the Police Commissioner (Election) Samuel Etaifo disclosed that resources will be deployed to apprehend the suspect.

Nafiu also cautioned corps members against “spreading misinformation and AI-generated content,” urging them to verify information before sharing or reposting it on social media.

The NYSC director-general gave the warning on Wednesday during his working visit to the 2026 Batch ‘B’ Stream II Orientation Course at the NYSC Permanent Orientation Camp in Katsina, Arise TV reported.

He reminded the corps members that they were required to “remain politically neutral and must not use their NYSC identity or social media platforms to campaign” for political parties or their candidates.

He said: “As corps members, you are not permitted to campaign for any political party or candidate. If your social media activities are traced to political promotion while wearing the NYSC identity, appropriate action will be taken.

“Don’t just share or repost blindly. Think through what you receive. Verify the source, check when the picture was taken and determine whether it has been manipulated by AI. Technology has changed the information space completely.”

Nafiu said advances in artificial intelligence had made it increasingly difficult to distinguish genuine photographs and videos from manipulated materials, making verification important before sharing content online.

He noted that corps members would play an important role in the 2027 elections, as many of them would be deployed as ad hoc electoral personnel.

He described the assignment as an opportunity for corps members to contribute meaningfully to Nigeria’s democracy by helping eligible citizens exercise their right to vote.

Nafiu urged them to take the responsibility seriously and contribute to the conduct of credible, free and fair elections.

He also encouraged the corps members to take advantage of the Skills Acquisition and Entrepreneurship Development programme, stressing that vocational and entrepreneurial skills were increasingly important in the current economy.

The NYSC director-general said the orientation programme was designed to instil discipline, leadership, teamwork, obedience and a sense of responsibility among corps members through drills and other activities, including the Man O’ War obstacle exercises.

Earlier, the Katsina State NYSC Coordinator, Evans Okwor, said “1,333 corps members, comprising 759 males and 574 females, had been registered for the orientation exercise.”

Okwor disclosed that 363 camp officials, comprising 173 NYSC staff and 190 personnel from collaborating agencies, were participating in the exercise.

He said the camp clinic had 40 medical personnel and was adequately stocked with essential drugs.

He explained that 783 corps members and 40 camp officials had so far received medical attention, while 14 cases were referred to the General Hospital, Katsina, and two patients remained on admission.

Okwor listed malaria, typhoid fever, asthma, peptic ulcer disease, body pains and blood pressure-related conditions among the common health challenges recorded at the camp.

He commended the corps members for their discipline and positive adaptation to camp activities.

The orientation course, which commenced on August 5, is expected to end on August 25, 2026.