The prosecution, led by Arit N Okon, established that the offenses occurred on July 24, 2026, at the NAHCO Export Shed within the Murtala Mohammed International Airport in Ikeja, Lagos. During a cargo examination of a consignment destined for Nairobi, Kenya, Bob-Manuel was found to have attempted the export himself while also enlisting Justina of Tina Travels Service Limited and Anosie Ebube of Fair Express to facilitate the shipment. These actions violated Section 21(2)(c) and Section 11(b) of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) Act, Cap N30, Laws of the Federation of Nigeria, 2004.

Following the admission of guilt, the prosecution reviewed the facts and tendered relevant exhibits. In defense, the convict’s legal counsel, Chief Benson Ndakara (assisted by Kate Igbo), asked the court for leniency, noting that Bob-Manuel was a first-time offender with no prior criminal record who saved judicial time, and requested a non-custodial fine option instead of imprisonment.

Taking the arguments, the quantity of the drug, and mitigation factors into account, Justice Aluko sentenced Bob-Manuel to four years on each count, with the terms ordered to run concurrently from the date of his arrest. Additionally, the judge granted a fine option of ₦1 million in lieu of the jail term.

• The high-profile gathering served as a continuation of ongoing consultations and deliberations centered on critical matters affecting both the party and the broader nation in the lead-up to the 2027 general elections.

• A central item on the meeting’s agenda involved deep discussions and final preparations for the official unveiling of the party’s National Campaign Council.

• The group configuration featured, from left to right, NDC National Chairman Moses Cleopas, NDC Presidential Candidate Peter Obi, running mate Rabiu Kwankwaso, and NDC National Leader Seriake Dickson.

Taking to his official account on the platform formerly known as Twitter ($\mathbb{X}$), Senator Dickson elaborated on the substance and continuity of their political engagements:

“Today, I met with our Party’s Presidential Candidate, Mr. Peter Obi, and the Running Mate, Dr. Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso, alongside the National Chairman and other party leaders, in continuation of our consultations and deliberations on issues concerning our Party and the nation.”

“We met two days ago, and we met again today to further deliberate and finalise decisions, particularly as we prepare for the unveiling of our Party’s Campaign Council ahead of the 2027 general elections.”

In light of these developments, Senator Dickson issued a passionate appeal to all stakeholders, aspirants, and loyal members across the political platform, urging them to embrace harmony, close ranks, and commit to a unified front to ensure sweeping victories for all party candidates from top to bottom at the polls.