Mon. May 25th, 2026
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Fani-Kayode’s wife, Precious Chikwendu was detained for over three hours with her eight months old baby, Aragorn in Access Bank, Ajilosun Branch, Ado Ekiti today.

Fani-Kayode’s wife was at the bank to withdraw money from her personal account, which has about N200,000.

She was said to have been detained in the bank on the order of the EFCC!

It took the intervention of the Ekiti State Governor, Mr Ayodele Fayose, who was said to have stormed the bank to free the woman while
the EFCC officials that would have whisked her away were still being expected.

The visibly angry governor drove himself to the bank.

His Spokesperson, Lere Olayinka posted on his Facebook Timeline that”Even when her eight months old baby was crying for food and water,
she was held captive!”

In his reaction, Fani-Kayode said; “This govt is sick and cowardly and so are the EFCC. If you have a problem with me face me and leave my family alone.

“My wife travelled to Ado Ekiti to see my friend and brother Governor Fayose and his family.

“They were on their way out of town when they went to Access Bank in Ado Ekiti to get some money.

“When they got there my 8 month old son Aragorn and wife Precious Chikwendu were illegally detained, brutalised and put under arrest on
the orders of the EFCC at a bank in Ado Ekiti today.

“She has never had any business with me, she has never been formally invited by the EFCC or asked any questions about her transactions and
neither have they written to her on any issue even though they are always sending letters to my house and sending people there.

“If Buhari wants to deal with me why doesnt he face me like a man instead of trying to harm and hurt my 8 month old son and wife.

“Had it not been for the intervention of Governor Ayo Fayose they would have been taken them away and subjected them to all manner of
harm and indignities simply because she is married to me.

“This was an account that has 200,000 naira in it and that has never had more than 500,000.

“She has operated it since 2005 and she stopped using it in 2013. The account has no connection with me and I did not know it existed till
today.

“In an attempt to starve and harass me and my family all my accounts and wifes accounts have been frozen.

“Now they are resorting to arresting peoples wives and children for no just cause.

“I thank God for Gov. Fayose and the people of Ado Ekiti who stormed the bank and freed my wife from this illegal detention and attempt to
kidnap them.

“Had it not been for the governors intervention and prescence the bank would have been burnt down by the crowd. My family have since left
Ekiti state.

“This is Buhari’s Nigeria and we will resist his wickedness and tyranny.
“We intend to sue the bank and to sue the EFCC for this illegal and wicked action. They have no right to do this.
“If they want to see my wife all they need to do is to invite her. We have nothing to fear. They do not need to be so primitive and barbaric
to people.”

Asked about her ordeal, Mrs. Fani- Kayode said she treated badly by officials of the bank while her child was denied food.

“I’m not a politician and that account had been dormant for about five years. I only activated it last month in Port Harcourt.”

 “I decided to go to Access Bank to make some withdrawals when I was detained on the instruction of the EFCC.”

“They told me account had been frozen and they were asked by the EFCC to arrest me on the spot.”

 

By admin

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From Tramadol to Canadian to Exol-5 The New Drug Destroying Nigerian Youths An Investigative Article .From Tramadol to Canadian to Exol-5: The New Drug Destroying Nigerian Youths An Investigative Report on the Shifting Landscape of Substance Abuse in Nigeria Nigeria faces a severe and evolving drug crisis, particularly among its youth. What began with the widespread abuse of Tramadol has progressed through mixtures like “Canadian” to newer pharmaceutical diversions such as Exol-5. This shift reflects deeper issues: easy access to prescription drugs, weak regulation, socioeconomic pressures, and aggressive street-level marketing. NDLEA operations and health studies reveal a public health emergency that threatens an entire generation. Phase 1: The Tramadol Epidemic (2010s–Early 2020s) Tramadol, a synthetic opioid prescribed for moderate to severe pain, became Nigeria’s most notorious street drug. Cheap, potent, and widely smuggled (often from India and other Asian countries), it offered users energy, euphoria, and pain relief — appealing to commercial drivers, laborers, students, and young men seeking confidence or stamina. Scale of the Problem: Millions of tablets seized annually by NDLEA. High prevalence among young males aged 15–35. Linked to increased crime, sexual violence, organ damage (kidney failure, seizures), and mental health breakdowns. Contributed to broader opioid misuse alongside codeine cough syrups. Government responses included tighter import controls and public awareness campaigns, but these only displaced demand to other substances rather than eliminating it. Phase 2: The Rise of “Canadian” (Mid-2020s) “Canadian” or “Canadian Loud” emerged as a popular code for high-grade cannabis (often indica-dominant strains) or cannabis mixed with other synthetics. It gained traction as users sought alternatives or combinations to Tramadol’s effects. This phase marked a move toward imported or locally cultivated premium weed, sometimes laced with stronger chemicals. Youths in urban centers like Lagos, Kano, Jos, and Onitsha embraced it for its perceived “cleaner” high compared to opioids. However, it fueled polydrug use — combining cannabis with opioids, sedatives, or alcohol — amplifying health risks. Phase 3: Exol-5 – The Current Threat (2024–2026) Exol-5 (Benzhexol Hydrochloride / Trihexyphenidyl 5mg), originally a prescription medication for Parkinson’s disease and drug-induced movement disorders, has become the latest pharmaceutical being heavily abused. Why Exol-5? Euphoric Effects: Users report intense euphoria, hallucinations, and a sense of detachment — making it attractive as a cheap “upper” or escape. Accessibility: Sold over-the-counter or on the black market despite being a controlled prescription drug. NDLEA has seized millions of pills in single operations (e.g., 3.1 million pills in Kano in late 2024, and over 5.6 million combined with Tramadol in other busts). Street Names: Exol, Artane, Benzhexol, “Farin Mallam” (in Northern Nigeria). Demographics: Prevalent among youths, laborers, and even psychiatric patients who divert prescriptions. Studies show abuse rates as high as 25% among certain outpatient groups. Health Consequences: Anticholinergic toxicity: Confusion, dry mouth, blurred vision, urinary retention, constipation, and in high doses — delirium, psychosis, seizures, and heart issues. Long-term: Cognitive impairment, addiction, exacerbated mental health disorders. Often mixed with Tramadol, codeine, or cannabis, creating dangerous synergies. In cities like Jos, Exol-5 sits alongside diazepam, Rohypnol, and Tramadol on street markets, easily available to teenagers and young adults. Why This Evolution Continues Supply-Side Failures: Porous borders, corrupt officials, and overproduction of pharmaceuticals enable diversion. Demand Drivers: Unemployment, poverty, peer pressure, trauma, and the pursuit of performance enhancement (e.g., for “hustle” culture). Weak Regulation: Many pharmacies sell restricted drugs without prescriptions. Online and street vendors fill gaps. Displacement Effect: Cracking down on one substance (Tramadol/codeine) pushes users and dealers toward the next available option. NDLEA reports ongoing large seizures, but the problem persists due to high profitability and low risk for mid-level distributors. Broader Impacts on Nigerian Youths Education: Increased dropout rates and poor academic performance. Mental Health: Rising cases of psychosis and depression. Economy: Lost productivity among the working-age population. Crime and Violence: Drug-fueled robberies, cultism, and family breakdowns. Public Health System Strain: Overburdened hospitals treating overdoses and chronic complications. Young people aged 15–39 remain the hardest hit, with national surveys showing drug use prevalence significantly above global averages. What Must Be Done Stronger Enforcement: Consistent prosecution of corrupt enablers and large-scale traffickers. Regulation: Crackdown on rogue pharmacies and better tracking of prescription drugs. Prevention & Rehabilitation: School programs, community outreach, and expanded treatment centers (currently woefully inadequate). Economic Alternatives: Address root causes like youth unemployment. Public Awareness: Honest campaigns highlighting real dangers of “Exol-5” and similar drugs. Conclusion From Tramadol’s opioid grip to “Canadian” cannabis culture and now Exol-5’s anticholinergic highs, Nigeria’s drug crisis is mutating faster than responses can contain it. Exol-5 represents the dangerous new frontier — a legitimate medicine turned youth destroyer due to misuse and greed. Without urgent, multi-layered intervention — combining supply disruption, demand reduction, and socioeconomic support — an entire generation risks being lost to addiction. The time for half-measures is over. Nigeria’s future depends on winning this fight.