The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) has destroyed more than 51 hectares of cannabis plantations and arrested 281 suspects linked to drug trafficking, peddling and substance abuse across Ekiti State over the past year.

The Ekiti State Commander of the NDLEA, Rufus Aina, disclosed this in Ado Ekiti during activities marking the 2026 World Drug Day, observed annually on June 26.

This year’s theme is “The World Drug Problem: Persisting Issues, New Challenges, Innovative Responses.”

According to Aina, the command also secured the conviction of 50 suspects, while several other cases are still pending before the Federal High Court in Ado Ekiti.

He described the widespread cultivation of cannabis in several communities across the state as a major concern, warning that illegal drug production, trafficking and abuse contribute to criminal activities, insecurity, school dropouts, substance addiction and the destruction of communities and forest reserves.

Aina also highlighted emerging threats, including the abuse of synthetic drugs, misuse of prescription medications and the use of digital platforms for drug trafficking, stressing that tackling these challenges requires collective action beyond law enforcement.

He said:

“Drug abuse still remains a major public health and security concern. It destroys lives, weakens families, fuels crime, and undermines national development.”

The NDLEA commander revealed that over the past year, the command carried out 76 advocacy rallies and awareness campaigns, hosted 15 radio and television enlightenment programmes, and successfully counselled 87 drug users.

He added that the command recovered various illicit drugs weighing a total of 6,337.517 kilograms.

Aina also disclosed that the command secured a 20-year prison sentence against one Osho Akindele, who was arrested with different illicit substances.

He further revealed the arrest of two elderly suspects—78-year-old Ogunjobi Samuel from Ilupeju-Ekiti and 80-year-old Oke Samuel from Efon-Alaaye-Ekiti—for allegedly possessing and dealing in illicit drugs.

The commander commended Biodun Oyebanji for supporting the agency’s anti-drug campaign and praised the governor’s wife, Olayemi Oyebanji, for her contributions to public awareness and community sensitisation.

He also appreciated other security agencies, non-governmental organisations, members of the National Youth Service Corps Drug Free Community Development Service, students and the Kayode Adamolekun Foundation for supporting the fight against drug abuse.

Aina urged residents of the state to work together in addressing drug-related challenges and adopt innovative approaches to build a safer and healthier society.

Fresh controversy has emerged within the family of late Nollywood actor John Okafor, popularly known as Mr Ibu, after one of his sons accused his stepmother, Stella Maris Okafor, of taking control of the actor’s assets and excluding his other children.

The allegations came shortly after Stella Maris publicly appealed for financial assistance, saying she was struggling to care for her children.

Reacting to the viral appeal, Okafor Somtochukwu, who identified himself as Mr Ibu’s third son and fourth child, alleged that his stepmother sold several properties belonging to the late actor and kept the proceeds for herself and her children.

He said:

“Her children are not the only ones Mr Ibu has. He left behind a lot of children, both the ones that are older and younger than her children. This is a woman that my dad died and left a lot of properties and things for all his children, but she chose to take everything for herself and her children.”

Somtochukwu further claimed that a house in Lagos was sold for ₦60 million, while other properties in Enugu and Asaba were also allegedly sold after Mr Ibu’s death.

He also alleged that despite the sale of the properties, he received little or no support from Stella Maris and struggled to pay for his education.

He said:

“Even when I called her asking for money for my WAEC, she told me she doesn’t have. She didn’t reply to my messages and didn’t pick my calls. The money Nigerians contributed when my dad was sick, she ate everything alone.”

According to him, Mr Ibu instructed Stella Maris to take care of him before his death, but she allegedly failed to fulfill that responsibility.

The allegations have generated widespread reactions on social media, with many Nigerians calling for both sides to address the claims and provide clarification. No independent evidence has yet been presented publicly to verify the allegations, and Stella Maris has not publicly responded to these specific claims.

Popular financial commentator and social media personality GehGeh has urged streamer and content creator Peller to apologise to Nigerian rapper YCee following their recent online clash.

The controversy began after YCee criticized what he described as the “Peller culture” in Nigeria. The rapper lamented that academic excellence is no longer celebrated, claiming many young people now believe they can achieve success by creating “dumb things” online because such content attracts views, engagement and money.

Reacting to the criticism, Peller dismissed YCee’s remarks and questioned why musicians criticize content creators despite depending on them to promote their music.

Peller said:

“Some OGs don’t deserve respect. This kind Ycee man, now see wetin elderly man dey talk. You people bring music promotion to the so-called olodo, na the same people una dey promote and beg with small money.”

He further argued that online creators have become a vital part of the entertainment industry.

“Na online una sabi give money. When una wan promote music, na still these same people una dey run come meet.”

However, GehGeh disagreed with Peller’s response, saying the exchange had exposed the streamer’s shortcomings.

Calling on Peller to apologize, GehGeh said:

“Peller, I want you to go apologise to YCee. You brought this public disgrace to yourself. You’ve made money, all you need right now isn’t marriage or love. You need education for you to go places as a streamer.”