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British drug-smuggling grandma to be sent home after 12 years on death row in Bali

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ABritish drug-smuggling grandmother who has spent 12 years on death row in Indonesia will be sent home to the UK, the two countries announced on Tuesday.

Lindsay Sandiford, 68, has been imprisoned on Bali since 2012.

She was arrested at the resort island’s airport after authorities found 3.8 kilogrammes of cocaine worth €2.1 million hidden in the lining of her suitcase. During the trial, Sandiford said she was forced to carry the drugs by a gang that threatened her children.

She was sentenced to die by firing squad and Indonesia’s highest court upheld it in 2013.

Another British prisoner, who has been serving a life sentence in Indonesia since 2014, will also be returned to the UK as part of an arrangement struck between the nations.

Shahab Shahabadi, 35, was arrested in Jakarta as a result of an investigation into an international drug trafficking network.

He had previously sent 30 kilogrammes of methamphetamine powder in several shipments from Iran to his partner for distribution in Jakarta, before finally arriving in Indonesia himself, prosecutors said.

The deal to repatriate the prisoners to serve out the rest of their sentences in the UK was signed by British Foreign Minister Yvette Cooper and Indonesia’s Senior Minister of Law Yusril Ihza Mahendra.

“Both of them [Sandiford and Shahabadi] are facing problems. The first one is ill and has been examined by a doctor from the British Consulate in Bali. She is seriously ill and is 68 years old,” Cooper said.

Mahendra said Indonesia had agreed to release Sandiford on humanitarian grounds. The transfer of the prisoners will take place after both nations have completed technical and administrative steps, she said.

FILE: Indonesia custom officers observe drug evidence as British citizen Lindsay Sandiford, left, covers her face in Kuta, Bali, Indonesia, 28 May, 2012. Firdia Lisnawati/AP

 

Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto’s administration has sent several foreign prisoners home under bilateral agreements with their countries. They included a woman from the Philippines who faced the death penalty over drugs charges and five Australians convicted of heroin trafficking.

The United Nations says Indonesia is a major drug smuggling hub despite its extremely strict drug laws, in part because international syndicates target its young population.

About 530 people are on death row in Indonesia, mostly for drug-related crimes, including nearly 100 foreigners, government data showed last month.

Indonesia’s last executions, of a local citizen and three foreigners, were carried out in July 2016.

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2Baba Cries Out For Help in Now Deleted Instagram Post

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This morning, 2Baba posted “Help Me” on his Instagram stories, but less than 20 minutes later, the message vanished.

For the past few days, his relationship with his current wife, Senator Natasha Osawaru, has been under serious scrutiny, as a series of public incidents have surfaced and fuelled widespread speculation about the state of their marriage.

His cry for help should not be taken lightly. But who will answer him?

Will it be his family, his close friends, or the entertainment industry that has benefited from his legendary career?

At this point, one thing is clear. The music icon seems to be calling for real support and those around him cannot afford to look away.

 

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BREAKING: Unknown Gunmen Attack Gov. Otti’s Advance Team In Imo, As Scores Were Kidnapped From A Bus Along Owerri-Road Road

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An advance team of Abia State Governor, Dr. Alex Otti, escaped unhurt after unidentified gunmen opened fire on their vehicle in the early hours of Tuesday, December 2, 2025, along the Umuowa–Ihite axis in Imo State.

The three-member team was en route to Sam Mbakwe Cargo Airport, Owerri, when the attack occurred shortly before the airport junction.

In a statement electronically signed by the Chief Press Secretary to the Governor, Mr. Ukoha Njoku Ukoha, the Abia Government clarified that Governor Otti’s main convoy was not involved in the incident and was nowhere near the location at the time.

“The convoy of His Excellency, Dr. Alex Chioma Otti, was not attacked. No member of the advance team or any other person sustained injury, and no life was lost,” the statement stressed, urging the public to disregard rumours suggesting otherwise.

It was learned that Security agencies have been notified, and investigations are underway to identify and apprehend the assailants.

Meanwhile, a commercial bus plying along Owerri -Aba road towards the Ngor Okpala axis was attacked Monday and scores of passengers were feared kidnapped by yet-to-identify gunmen.

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Gunmen attack Ngige’s convoy in Anambra

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The convoy of former Minister of Labour and Employment, Senator Chris Ngige, was attacked by gunmen in Umuoji, Idemili North Local Government Area of Anambra State.

Ngige who confirmed the incident to newsmen, stated that he was not in the convoy when the attack occurred. He mentioned that several people were shot and injured.

“I was not in the convoy. I’m still alive and well. Those hoodlums have started again. I came to my state to relax, but what happened is unfortunate. I will go back to Abuja. But I assure those who did this, they will not go unpunished.” he said

The vehicles were reportedly returning from a mechanic workshop in Nkpor when the gunmen struck along the busy Umuoji–Nkpor Road leading to Alor, Ngige’s hometown.

According to Mr. Fred Chukwulobelu, Ngige’s former Special Adviser on Media, a policeman in the pilot car was shot, and the attackers, dressed in police and army uniforms, took away his gun and uniform.

He also confirmed that a woman filming the incident was fatally shot. He added that a shop owner who rushed out to see what was happening was also shot; he lost significant blood and is scheduled for surgery, but is expected to recover fully.

The pilot car was riddled with bullets, while the wounded escort leader has undergone surgery and is also expected to recover.

Meanwhile, the Anambra State Police Command said it has launched a state-wide manhunt for the perpetrators.

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