...
News

Anti- narcotics agency, NDLEA probes Obi Cubana’s link to illegal drug business

Popular Nigerian socialite, Obi Iyiegbu, popularly known as Obi Cubana is under intense investigation by the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency for his alleged link to the illegal narcotic business.

The popular night club owner was grilled by the NDLEA for several hours on Thursday over his alleged link with international and convicted drug kingpins.

Advertisement

Nigeria Standard reports that Iyiegbu, who is the Chairman, Cubana group of companies, was grilled for about five hours at the Abuja headquarters of the NDLEA before he was granted bail and asked to return at a future date.

Impeccable sources told our correspondent that suspicious payments were made into Cubana’s account by three convicted drug dealers from Malaysia, Nigeria and India.

Operatives of the NDLEA and the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission have now widened the probe into Cubana and his business network based on the premise that he may be involved in the drug business.

“Obi Cubana arrived at the NDLEA office around 9am and responded to questions for some hours before he was granted bail at 2pm. There are suspicions that he may be a drug kingpin. Some convicted drug dealers paid funds into his account.

“We have been able to establish three of such payments. One of the persons that paid money into his account was convicted in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia; another one that was convicted in New Delhi, India; also paid money into his account while a third person that was arrested at the Murtala Muhammed International Airport, Lagos and convicted in 2017, also paid money into Cubana’s account,” said a source.

The socialite was allowed to go home in order to get some documents which would be presented to the NDLEA.

Cubana who has been in the nightclub business since 2006, grabbed international headlines last July when he organised a lavish funeral for his mother, Ezinne Iyiegbu, in Oba, Idemili South local government area of Anambra State.

The event attracted several entertainers and renowned politicians from across the country including embattled Nigerian super cop, Abba Kyari. Other entertainers that graced the event include- Davido, D’banj, Kcee, Poco Lee and Ubi Franklin/ The guest list also had Nollywood stars and early callers like Kanayo O. Kanayo, Alex Ekubo and Williams Uchemba.

But the highlight of the event was the ostentatious display of wealth as evidenced by the donation of about 400 cows to Cubana as well as the ‘naira rain’.

In what seemed like a bid to outdo one another, Cubana’s associates sprayed him with bundles of new naira notes. In one of the videos that went viral, two guests were seen having a playful cash fight as they threw wads of money at each other, while other guests laughed.

In another viral video, wads of N50, 000 are thrown at Cubana while he juggles them like a football. The event became the most talked about party of 2021 as it trended on social media for several months. After the funeral, Cubana continued to show off his wealth, posting photographs of his trips to exotic locations on private jets.

As his celebrity status blossomed, he was honoured by several dignitaries. In October last year, he was a guest at the Nigerian Army Resource Centre to launch a book titled, ‘ Leadership Principles for Junior Commanders in the Military’ authored by Col. Chukwu Obasi.

He also built a church, The Good Shepherd Anglican Church in his hometown late last year.

When questions about the source of his wealth began to crop up, Cubana told the BBC that he came to Abuja for his National Youth Service Corps programme in 1999 and served at the National Assembly.

He said he went into the real estate business where he got a contract to furnish houses. The socialite added that he got a contract with the Pipelines and Product Marketing Company and later ventured into the hospitality sector where he has made billions of naira.

The 46-year-old has since opened branches of Cubana club in about five states including Imo, Lagos, Rivers, Enugu and Abuja. But the authorities were not satisfied with his explanation.

Cubana, who had hitherto kept a low profile, subsequently became a subject of investigation by the Nigerian government.

In November 2021, he was detained by the EFCC for three days as part of investigations into alleged money laundering, tax fraud and other financial crimes before he was released with a condition that he would continue to report back for questioning.

Other associates of the socialite who have been questioned by the authorities for their flamboyant lifestyle include: Pascal Okechukwu, popularly known as Cubana Chief Priest; and the Chairman, Five Star Group, Emeka Okonkwo aka E-Money.

Related Articles

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Back to top button

Nigeria Standard Magazine: A Voice for Excellence and Innovation

Introduction

Nigeria Standard Magazine is a premier publication dedicated to showcasing the vibrant culture, business excellence, political landscape, entertainment, and technological advancements of Nigeria. Our mission is to provide insightful, fact-based journalism while promoting Nigerian achievements on a global scale. With a commitment to quality journalism and innovative reporting, Nigeria Standard Magazine covers a wide range of topics, including business, politics, entertainment, education, and lifestyle. This article will explore how the magazine is revolutionizing media in Nigeria and why it remains a leading source of news and information.

The Role of Nigeria Standard Magazine in Media Excellence

1. A Trusted News Source

Nigeria Standard Magazine has built a reputation for delivering accurate, reliable, and timely news. Unlike sensationalist media, we focus on in-depth analysis, investigative journalism, and balanced reporting. Our team of seasoned journalists ensures that every piece published meets the highest standards of ethical journalism.

2. Covering Nigeria’s Political Landscape

With Nigeria’s dynamic political environment, staying informed is crucial. Nigeria Standard Magazine provides comprehensive coverage of political developments, elections, policy changes, and governance. We offer expert opinions, interviews with political leaders, and policy analysis that help Nigerians make informed decisions.

3. Business and Economic Insights

Nigeria Standard Magazine serves as a vital resource for entrepreneurs, investors, and business professionals. Our business section covers: By providing actionable insights, we help businesses navigate the complex Nigerian economy and make informed decisions.

Entertainment and Lifestyle: Celebrating Nigerian Talent

4. Nollywood and Music Industry Updates

Nigeria’s entertainment industry is one of the fastest-growing in the world. Nigeria Standard Magazine keeps readers updated on: Our entertainment section provides an insider’s look into the vibrant world of Nigerian arts and culture.

5. Fashion and Lifestyle Trends

From traditional attire to modern fashion trends, Nigeria Standard Magazine covers the evolving fashion scene. Our lifestyle section highlights:

Technology and Innovation: Nigeria’s Digital Transformation

6. Tech Startups and Innovations

Nigeria is emerging as a tech hub in Africa, with startups revolutionizing various industries. Nigeria Standard Magazine reports on: Our readers gain valuable insights into the tech ecosystem and the future of innovation in Nigeria.

7. Education and Career Development

Education is key to national development. Nigeria Standard Magazine supports knowledge-sharing through: By focusing on education, we empower Nigerian youth to achieve academic and professional success.

Why Nigeria Standard Magazine Stands Out

8. Digital and Print Accessibility

We understand the importance of accessibility in today’s digital world. Nigeria Standard Magazine is available in both print and digital formats, ensuring that readers can access our content anytime, anywhere. Our online platform is optimized for mobile users, making it easy to read the latest news on the go.

9. Engaging Multimedia Content

To keep our audience engaged, we incorporate: This multimedia approach enhances user experience and provides diverse ways to consume information.

10. Community Engagement and Social Media Presence

Nigeria Standard Magazine actively engages with readers through social media platforms such as Twitter, Facebook, Instagram, and LinkedIn. Our interactive approach includes: This strong online presence ensures that we remain connected with our audience and foster meaningful conversations.

SEO Strategies for Nigeria Standard Magazine

To maintain visibility and attract more readers, we employ the following SEO strategies:

11. Keyword Optimization

Our content incorporates relevant keywords such as: By strategically placing these keywords in our articles, we enhance search engine rankings and reach a wider audience.

12. High-Quality Content and Backlinks

We prioritize quality content that is: By collaborating with industry experts and media partners, we build credible backlinks that boost our domain authority.

13. Mobile Optimization and Fast Loading Speeds

With a growing number of readers accessing content via mobile devices, we ensure:

14. Social Media Integration

Our articles are easily shareable across social media platforms, driving organic traffic. We encourage readers to:

Conclusion: The Future of Nigeria Standard Magazine

As Nigeria continues to evolve, Nigeria Standard Magazine remains committed to delivering accurate, engaging, and insightful content. Our mission is to inform, educate, and inspire Nigerians and the global audience about the nation’s achievements and potential. With a strong digital presence, high-quality journalism, and a deep understanding of our readers’ needs, Nigeria Standard Magazine will continue to be a trusted voice in Nigerian media. Stay connected with us for the latest updates on business, politics, entertainment, technology, and more. Follow us on social media and visit our website for real-time news and analysis.