….. As scientists, stakeholders brainstorm at the Nigerian Academy of Science workshop on the use of cannabinoids

Chairman/Chief Executive Officer of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency has said that the NDLEA is not averse to the controlled and regulated export of cannabis oil to countries that desire it, but remains opposed to its local consumption.

According to a press release on Wednesday, 8th October 2025, signed by the NDLEA Director, Media & Advocacy, Femi Babafemi, speaking at a stakeholders workshop themed “Cannabis Oil Debate: The Path Forward for Nigeria,” organized by the Nigerian Academy of Science in Abuja on Wednesday, 8th October 2025, Marwa said the dialogue on cannabis oil is a welcome development.

“At NDLEA, our position on cannabis oil is simple: we welcome dialogue. We believe Nigeria must make informed choices, not choices driven by half-truths, commercial interests, or global trends. Cannabis oil may have medicinal properties worth investigating, but it also carries health risks, potential for misuse, and implications for public safety. This is why scientists, medical experts, policymakers, and regulators must be in the same room to bring facts to the table, scrutinise evidence, and weigh options carefully.

“Let me assure you that NDLEA is not opposed to science, nor are we indifferent to innovation. What we insist on is caution. Policy must protect lives, safeguard public health, and strengthen—not weaken—our fight against drug abuse. As such, the Agency will not be averse to the idea of controlled export of cannabis oil to foreign companies and countries that desire it, as part of our drive as a country to enhance foreign earnings. After all, some countries have approved the use of cannabis oil for therapeutic purposes, while others, including Nigeria, have not. Our concern, however, is about its consumption in Nigeria. In essence, we are not opposed to the idea of exporting the oil to those who desire it but such must be strictly controlled, licensed and monitored by NDLEA with such processes located only within export-free zones,” he stated.

Explaining the position of the Agency, the NDLEA boss said the conversation is necessary because “we are talking about Cannabis, which is not just another plant. It is a substance with complex medical, social, and economic dimensions. For decades, the debate has been one-sided. Advocates often highlight the supposed benefits of cannabis oil, while its risks and consequences are glossed over. This, no doubt informs the decision by us at the NDLEA to commission an ongoing study on cannabis oil by this respected apex body of scientists, the Nigerian Academy of Science.”

“In a country like Nigeria, which is already contending with a high burden of drug abuse, it is imperative that we approach this matter with sobriety, clarity, and balance. Till today, much of the public debate highlights the potential therapeutic uses of cannabis oil and the commercial value of its export. What about the risks? Evidence shows that cannabis, including its oil extracts, can have adverse effects on mental health, especially among young people. The prolonged or uncontrolled use of cannabis and its extracts is linked to anxiety, depression, psychosis, and cognitive impairment. In addition, dependence and addiction are real concerns as well. In reality, these side effects create additional social and economic costs for families, communities and society at large.

“Another fundamental issue that we must take cognisance of is that the lack of standardised production and regulation in many countries means products sold as “cannabis oil” often vary in potency, contain contaminants, or are misused outside of medical supervision. Already, Nigeria has one of the highest rates of misuse of cannabis worldwide. For a country already grappling with 14.4 percent substance abuse prevalence rate as against the global average of 5.6 percent and a staggering figure of 10.6 million cannabis users based on the last drug use survey report of 2018, the risks associated with cannabis cannot be dismissed. Rather, the reality should remind us that while cannabis oil may have medical potential, its dangers are real and must be addressed with strong safeguards before any policy shift is considered”

He said as part of efforts to mitigate the consequences of illicit drug cultivation and production is the decision by the Agency, as the first in Africa, to introduce alternative development project in 2023.

According to him, “The Alternative Development Project demands ethical responsibility and commitment to develop transformative policies and humanitarian responses to mitigate drug-related problems and end the complexities and violence of the war on drugs in Nigeria and globally. In Nigeria, the Alternative Development Project will focus on reducing the vulnerabilities of ignorance, poverty, hunger, unemployment and underdevelopment that push people into illicit economies, particularly illicit drug cultivation. Aside from its link to transnational organised crime, illicit drug cultivation fuels national organised crime that causes agricultural states to abandon food crop cultivation for cannabis plantations in some communities across Nigeria. We intend to reduce these vulnerabilities both in urban centres and rural areas through the provision of functional mechanisms and facilities for sensitisation, skills acquisition, empowerment and positive engagements for sustainable livelihoods.”

In his welcome remark, President of the Nigerian Academy of Science, Prof Abubakar Sambo who was represented by the Vice President of NAS, Prof Friday Okonofua noted that several research studies have considered various uses of cannabis and its side effects. He said the workshop was aimed at reaching a consensus on the contentious issue of the use of cannabis oil.

“At the end of the day, we’ll have evidence-based consensus work, which will be properly documented that will lead us to decide what we should be doing regarding the use of cannabis in this country”, he stated.

Chairman of NAS study committee on cannabis oil use, Prof Musbau Akanbi commended NDLEA for being proactive and working with the Academy to obtain science driven guide for Nigeria. “As we all know, cannabis oil is extracted from cannabis and the legalisation of the use of the oil would translate to large-scale cultivation of the weed itself. The Nigerian Academy of Science consequently constitutes the consensus study committee on cannabis oil debate, comprising experts in all fields that had to do with the study request. The committee collected a lot of literature on the subject matter from all over the world, reviewed what is happening in other lands, and decided to arrange this workshop where experts from various related fields will come together with stakeholders and present evidence that will be collated to assist NDLEA in carrying out its honest responsibility.”

Also speaking at the workshop, Dr. Samuel Adekola who represented Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa of Ondo state noted that “this all-important workshop will offer our great country, Nigeria, the opportunity to move from debate to design, from potential to policies and I urge all participants to contribute constructively so that together we can rise to craft a model that not only benefit the consumers of health, also the sunshine state and Nigeria, but also position our nation as a leader on the African continent in this emerging field. Let us proceed with vision, with courage, and with unity of purpose”

In his keynote address, Prof. Oye Gureje, Director, WHO Collaborating Centre for Research and Training in Mental Health, Neurosciences, and Substance Abuse, University of Ibadan, stated that cumulative evidence suggests that “cannabis has some limited medical use”, and “widespread recreational use is likely to lead to increased risk of psychosis”, while “public health may be moderately affected by increased use (e.g. road accidents)”

The Police Service Commission (PSC) has reacted to recent media reports concerning the judgement of the National Industrial Court of Nigeria (NICN) in the case of *ACP Chinedu Ambrose Emengaha & 7 Ors vs Police Service Commission & Ors* (Suit No. NICN/ABJ/28/2025).

The Commission’s response follows a report published by Sahara Reporters on October 2, 2025, with the headline: “Court Orders IGP Egbetokun, PSC to Reinstate Owohunwa, Simon Lough, 194 Other Officers Sacked Over Age Falsification Scandal.”

According to the Sahara Reporters publication, the NICN had ordered the immediate reinstatement of 196 police officers from Cadet ASP Force Courses 18, 19, and 20, who were dismissed over alleged age falsification. The report further listed some senior officers, AIG Idowu Owohunwa, CP Benneth Igweh, and DCP Simon Lough, SAN, as among those affected.

In a statement signed by the Commission’s Head of Press and Public Relations, Mr. Ikechukwu Ani, the PSC clarified that while it is fully aware of the court’s decision delivered on September 30, 2025, by Hon. Justice R.B. Haastrup, the judgement did not specifically order the reinstatement of any officer, contrary to the media report.

The Commission outlined the key declarations made by the court, which include:

1. That the claimants’ dates of first appointment, as contained in their appointment letters, are not subject to review by the defendants.
2. That members of Cadet ASP Force Entrant Courses 18, 19, and 20 who have neither served 35 years nor attained 60 years of age are excluded from the PSC’s January 31, 2025 directive on retirement.
3. That the appointment of the claimants as Cadet Officers constitutes a fresh appointment and is not a merger of previous service.
4. That the PSC and other defendants cannot set aside valid and subsisting judgements of the court previously delivered on similar matters.
5. That the PSC’s directive on January 31, 2025, as it concerns Courses 18, 19, and 20, is set aside.
6. That the defendants are perpetually restrained from reviewing appointment dates already settled by earlier judgements.
7. That the defendants are perpetually restrained from retiring any member of the affected courses who has not reached 60 years of age.

The Commission emphasised that “nothing in the court’s decision specifically orders the reinstatement of the officers, nor does it mention any individual names.”

Mr. Ani further disclosed that the PSC is currently studying the judgement with a view to taking appropriate legal steps, including a possible appeal.

The statement also clarified that the senior officers named in the media report—AIG Idowu Owohunwa, AIG Benneth Igweh, and DCP Simon Lough, have a separate case pending before the National Industrial Court (*Suit No. NICN/ABJ/88/2025*), which is still awaiting determination.

Reaffirming its commitment to due process, the PSC stated:

> “The Commission is a responsible organisation guided by the principle of obedience to the rule of law, and will not do anything to undermine the sanctity of the judiciary.”

By Mohammed Baba Busu

The Inspector-General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, has urged the newly graduated Police Constables to serve the nation with empathy, fairness and dedication.

He advised the passing-out parade of the 2022/2023 Batch of Police Force (NPF) Constables recruitment scheme on Tuesday in Minna, Niger.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the Constables were 374 in number, having completed their six-month mandatory basic police training course.

NAN also reports that the constables being passed out brought the total number of recruits to 20,000 since Egbetokun’s assumption of duty.

The IGP, represented by Assistant Inspector General of Police Zone 7, Headquarters, AIG Victor Olaiya, reminded them that every action they take reflects not only their characters, as individuals, but also that of the entire Nigeria Police Force.

“To the newly commissioned Constables, your journey as members of this noble institution begins today. You have been found worthy in character, learning, and discipline.

“I congratulate you warmly on your successful completion of training and welcome you into the Police family, a family bound by service, sacrifice, and an unshakeable commitment to our nation.

“As you begin your professional journey, carry with you the values of honour, diligence, and patriotism instilled during your training.

“I must, however, remind you that policing is not merely a job; it is a sacred duty. Your conduct must be guided at all times by professionalism, integrity, and respect for the rights and dignity of all citizens,” he said.

He urged them to shun corruption, extortion, and abuse of power, adding that the uniform they wore was a symbol of trust, and it must never be used to intimidate or oppress the people they were sworn to protect.

He also urged them to uphold the rule of law, act with compassion, and remember that the true measure of their success lies in the safety, peace, and confidence of the communities they serve.

He prayed that almighty God grant them the wisdom, strength, and protection to serve Nigeria with honour, courage, and humility.

“I wish to extend my sincere appreciation to President Bola Tinubu for his steadfast support and genuine commitment to police transformation.

“The President’s sustained interest in strengthening the Force inspired our unrelenting drive towards reform, improved welfare, and operational efficiency.

“To the good people of Nigeria, I assure you, once again, that the Force remains fully committed to protecting lives and property, enforcing the law without fear or favour, and upholding the highest standards of accountability.

“We will continue to strengthen our partnership with communities, as the task of building a safe and peaceful society requires the collective effort of all citizens,” he said.

Egbetokun also assured that with all hands on deck, the Force could secure the country and create an environment where every Nigerian could live, work, and thrive without fear.

Earlier, the Commandant, Police Training School, Minna, ACP Yunusa Isah-Wakili, appealed to the graduands not to waste the knowledge they have acquired during their training.

“Instead, you should reciprocate the gesture of the constituted authority by being professional in your conduct, as you will henceforth be held accountable for your actions or inactions.

“Today, I sincerely welcome you into the family of the NPF and urge you to improve on those areas that you once criticised the Force.

“This is especially in areas of human rights violation by some Police officers while performing their statutory duties,” he advised.

Isah-Wakili therefore, admonished them to be steadfast in their career and to always let their decisions be informed by the guiding principles of the Force.

“Your passing out is a milestone and obviously your contributions to security of lives and property especially, as clock tick towards 2027 general elections is mandatory,” he said.(NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

….. Urges Integrity And Respect For Human Rights

The Assistant Inspector-General of Police, Zone 7 Headquarters, Abuja, AIG Victor Olaiya, psc(+), on Tuesday reviewed the Passing Out Parade (POP) of newly recruited police constables at the Niger State Police Training School, Minna, with a call on the officers to uphold integrity, professionalism, and respect for the rights and dignity of all citizens.

AIG Olaiya, who represented the Inspector-General of Police (IGP), Kayode Adeolu Egbetokun, PhD, NPM, at the event, commended the 370 recruits for successfully completing their rigorous training. He described the ceremony as a significant milestone in the ongoing reforms of the Nigeria Police Force aimed at strengthening manpower and improving service delivery nationwide.

According to a press release signed by the Police Public Relations Officer, Zone 7 Headquarters, Abuja, ASP Halima Mohammed, in his address, the AIG charged the new officers to see themselves as ambassadors of discipline and integrity, noting that the police uniform symbolizes authority, sacrifice, and responsibility.

“You must always remember that the uniform you wear represents authority, sacrifice, and responsibility. Uphold integrity in all your dealings, respect the rights and dignity of all citizens, and remain loyal to the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria,” he said.

AIG Olaiya emphasized that public trust and confidence in the police can only be earned through fairness, accountability, and compassionate service. He reiterated the IGP’s commitment to continuous reforms, improved welfare, and capacity development to ensure a professional and people-oriented police force.

The AIG also commended the Niger State Government for its sustained support to the Police Training School, particularly the provision of two solar-powered boreholes and other forms of operational assistance. He urged community members to strengthen partnerships with the police to promote peace and security across the state.

The colourful event was graced by senior police officers, representatives of the Niger State Government, traditional rulers, families of the recruits, and members of the public.

AIG Olaiya concluded by reaffirming the commitment of the Nigeria Police Force to ensuring peace, safety, and justice for all citizens through professionalism, accountability, and respect for human rights.

…… Envoy assures support as Marwa seeks the provision of rehabilitation facilities

Nigeria and Qatar have strengthened their partnership in the area of combating illicit drug trafficking with the symbolic exchange of instruments of ratification between the two countries by the Chairman/Chief Executive Officer of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) Brig Gen Mohamed Buba Marwa (Rtd) and the Qatar Ambassador Ali Bin Ghanem Al- Hajri.

The spokesperson of NDLEA, Femi Babafemi, says the exchange followed the historic signing of a Memorandum of Understanding between President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and the Emir of the State of Qatar, Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani, on 3rd March 2024 in Doha, on cooperation on combating illicit trade in narcotic drugs, psychotropic substances and their precursors.

Speaking at a brief ceremony at the Qatar Embassy in Abuja on Tuesday, 7th October 2025, Marwa expressed appreciation for the partnership between the two countries against a major threat to public health and security globally.

He assured that the NDLEA remains committed to collaborating with its counterpart in Doha “to protect our people and countries from the threat of substance abuse and illicit drug trafficking.” He noted that in the last four years, NDLEA had intercepted over 1,000 kilograms of cocaine, heroin, methamphetamine, cannabis and others heading to Qatar.

While commending the Qatar government for its peace building efforts and tremendous humanitarian work across the world through the Qatar Foundation, the NDLEA boss sought the support of the Foundation in the area of provision of rehabilitation facilities for the treatment of people struggling with drug addiction.

In his response, Ambassador Ali Bin Ghanem Al- Hajri assured Marwa that he will present the request to the Qatar Foundation. He noted that the partnership between the two countries has improved greatly and of recent increased the number travels between the two countries.