Operatives of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) have arrested an ex-international football player, Segun George Hunkarin, along with his business partner Ntoruka Emmanuel Chinedu, over an attempt to smuggle a consignment of cocaine into Nigeria through the Murtala Muhammed International Airport,(MMIA) Ikeja, Lagos.

Chinedu, a frequent flyer known for transporting clothes from Turkey to Nigeria and foodstuffs from Nigeria to Turkey, was the first to be arrested upon his arrival at the Lagos airport on Tuesday, 24th June 2025.

Spokesman of the agency, Femi Babafemi, said, “A search of his carry-on bag revealed 37 wraps of cocaine weighing 800 grams were concealed therein.

“Investigation showed that the suspect was coming from Turkey on an Ethiopian Airlines flight but transited through Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, where he collected the luggage from another person before heading to Nigeria.

Further checks revealed that an accomplice, who turned out to be the former professional footballer Segun Hunkarin, was waiting for Chinedu at the airport carpark to collect the consignment from him.

“Hunkarin, who had stayed years in Brazil playing for football clubs, was promptly tracked and arrested at the carpark.“

In his statement, Hunkarin claimed that while playing professional football in the South American country, he had only trafficked drugs twice from Brazil to Ethiopia but had never brought any to Nigeria.

Governor Ododo regarded the deceased statesman as “a model of purpose-driven leadership, quiet but impactful influence, and deep-rooted patriotism.”

The Government and people of Kogi State have expressed deep sorrow over the death of renowned business mogul and elder statesman, Alhaji Aminu Alhassan Dantata, describing his death as a monumental loss to Nigeria.

In an official condolence message issued on behalf of the Government and people of Kogi State, the Commissioner for Information and Communications, Kingsley Femi Fanwo, said the late Dantata was “not just a successful businessman, but an institution whose name symbolized integrity, generosity, and an unwavering commitment to national progress.

”The statement noted that Governor Ahmed Usman Ododo received the news of Dantata’s death with a heavy heart, and extended sincere condolences to the Dantata family, the Government and people of Kano State, the business community, and the nation at large.

“Alhaji Aminu Dantata was a man whose legacy transcends material wealth.

He built businesses that empowered thousands, established schools and hospitals that uplifted the vulnerable, and gave to causes that touched countless lives,” the statement read.

Governor Ododo regarded the deceased statesman as “a model of purpose-driven leadership, quiet but impactful influence, and deep-rooted patriotism.”

“Nigeria has lost a rare gem, a man who bridged generations and regions, and who dedicated his life to building a stronger, more united nation,” the statement added.

The Government of Kogi State prayed for the repose of Dantata’s soul, asking Almighty Allah (SWT) to grant him Aljannatul Firdaus and to comfort his family and loved ones.

Alhaji Aminu Dantata passed away on June 28, 2025, at the age of 94.

Faleke, an indigene of Kogi State, recently donated a brand-new Hilux patrol vehicle to support the operations of the newly commissioned Smart Police Divisional Headquarters in Ekinrin-Adde, Ijumu Local Government Area.

The Kogi State Government has commended Honourable James Abiodun Faleke, Member Representing Ikeja Federal Constituency in the House of Representatives, for his unbending commitment to the security and wellbeing of his home state, describing him as “a patriotic Kogite who leads by example.”

Faleke, an indigene of Kogi State, recently donated a brand-new Hilux patrol vehicle to support the operations of the newly commissioned Smart Police Divisional Headquarters in Ekinrin-Adde, Ijumu Local Government Area.

The high-tech facility which was facilitated by the Nigeria Police Trust Fund in its collaboration with the Government of Kogi State to ensure security at every corner of the state by modernizing and digitizing security operations in the state.

The Kogi State Commissioner for Information and Communications, Kingsley Femi Fanwo, conveyed the appreciation of Governor Ahmed Usman Ododo to the federal lawmaker, on Sunday.

He stated that Hon. Faleke has demonstrated what it means to place security above politics and people’s well-being above personal ambition.

“The Government of Kogi State wishes to reecho the open commendation earlier given by His Excellency during the commissioning of the Smart Police Divisional Headquarters,” Fanwo said.

“As a Government, we appreciate the demonstrative contribution of Hon. James Faleke to the security architecture and infrastructure of the state.

This is how to lead the people with emphasis on security above politics, patriotism above scheming with the lives of our people.”

Fanwo added that Hon. Faleke has played key underground roles in support of intelligence, logistics, and coordination with security agencies, working quietly but effectively with the State Government to ensure lives and property are better protected in Kogi State.

The Commissioner expressed confidence that Faleke’s latest intervention would significantly strengthen security not only in Ijumu but across Okunland, Kogi West, and the entire state.

“This is one intervention that we are sure will improve the security of Ijumu, Okunland, Kogi West, and Kogi as a whole. This is how to make an impact without playing to the gallery.

What the people need are concrete interventions that can save lives, not selfish arrangements that protect personal interests at the expense of the people.

“The people know those who are genuinely working for their security, those working closely with the State Government to achieve lasting peace in Kogi State.

They also know those who are merely playing politics with the lives of the people.

”The Government urged political and business leaders of Kogi origin to emulate Hon. Faleke’s sense of responsibility and selfless service to the people.”

Hon. James Faleke has set an example for others to emulate. He has shown that the lives of his people matter.

He is not doing all of these to protect a personal interest or his investment or the investment of his friends.

He is doing it to protect the Kogi people, his people”, he said.

Fanwo also disclosed that the Government is closely monitoring the activities of illegal miners and their collaborators, vowing that those compromising the security of the state through economic sabotage will face stiff consequences.

“We are aware of the activities of illegal miners and their enablers. Let it be known that the state will not tolerate any action that puts the lives of our people at risk.

We are taking bold steps to ensure that criminal actors do not jeopardize the peace we are working hard to build.”

The Kogi State Government reaffirmed its commitment to partnering with patriotic stakeholders like Hon.

James Faleke in its mission to secure every corner of the state and preserve the gains already made in law enforcement and public safety.