The Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Police Command has confirmed the arrest of Magaji Adamu, a 27-year-old dispatch rider, for allegedly transporting multiple cartons of nitrous oxide, commonly known as “laughing gas”.
The police suspect that the substance was intended for illegal use.
The command disclosed this in a statement by its spokesperson, SP. Josephine Adeh, on Thursday.
Adamu, a graduate of Gidan Waya College of Education, Kafanchan, Kaduna, was arrested on January 20, 2024, during a routine patrol in Abuja.
During questioning, Adamu confessed that he had been working as a dispatch rider for the logistics platform Gonymble since December 2024.
According to the police, the suspect revealed that his arrest occurred during his fourth delivery of the illicit substance.
He allegedly confessed to receiving the nitrous oxide from a person identified as Danladi on multiple occasions.
According to him, Danladi would contact him to collect the packages near a police station in Jabi, Abuja, and deliver them, with each delivery earning him a sum of N5,000.
Adamu, who had recently relocated to Abuja in December, initially claimed he was unaware of the substance’s true nature, stating that Danladi informed him it was used in hospitals.
However, after discovering its actual purpose, Adamu cooperated with law enforcement, leading them to his residence where additional quantities of the substance were seized.
Adeh said: “On July 11, 2023, a sister agency had previously mandated a nationwide crackdown on the illegal sale and misuse of nitrous oxide.
“It instructed law enforcement agencies to take swift action against its distribution in response to increasing concerns over its recreational use.
“The directive came after a viral photo of a Nigerian rapper holding a balloon surfaced on social media, sparking controversy.
“Many online users speculated that the image depicted the use of laughing gas, which has become popular among young people.
“Nitrous oxide, commonly used for medical sedation and food processing, can produce short-lived euphoria, giggling, hallucinations, and lightheadedness when inhaled.
“However, prolonged abuse can lead to serious health risks, including memory loss, depression, lowered blood pressure, oxygen deprivation, nerve damage, and heart complications.
“Although Nigeria lacks official data on fatalities linked to laughing gas abuse, the UK’s Office for National Statistics reported that between 2001 and 2020, nitrous oxide was linked to 56 deaths, with 45 occurring after 2010.”
Following this development, the command has cautioned residents, especially those involved in logistics and delivery services, to be vigilant and thoroughly verify the legitimacy of their business transactions.
It warned that unsuspecting individuals are often exploited by criminal groups, who use them to transport illicit substances, thereby exposing them to serious legal consequences.
The statement added: “The Commissioner of Police, FCT Command, CP Olatunji Disu, urges residents to be vigilant and verify the nature of the goods they are handling to avoid being implicated in criminal activities.
“He emphasises the importance of conducting thorough checks before accepting deliveries, reporting any suspicious transactions to law enforcement, and remaining cautious when dealing with unknown individuals.
“He recommends that logistics, delivery service providers, and ride-hailing services maintain transparent operations and prioritise adherence to legal and security regulations to ensure a safe and secure environment.”
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