Michael Olugbode and Sunday Aborisade in Abuja
In a recent press briefing at its Abuja headquarters, the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) made serious allegations against Senator Oyelola Ashiru, claiming that his residence was used to store illicit drugs. The agency suggested that the senator’s recent criticism of them was rooted in personal vendetta rather than concerns for national interest. They also indicated that some of Ashiru’s aides were arrested during a raid on his home and are currently facing prosecution, with one already sentenced to prison.
The press conference was called to address Ashiru’s accusations of corruption within the NDLEA. Despite the agency’s claims, Ashiru, the Deputy Leader of the Senate, challenged the NDLEA to follow through with prosecutions connected to the drug allegations. In a statement released by his Special Assistant, Olaitan Adeyanju, Ashiru questioned the NDLEA’s credibility, asserting, “The NDLEA claims to have discovered drugs in Senator Ashiru’s Ilorin house, but there’s no information on which court of law the culprits were charged to. In fact, Senator Ashiru has been vocal about the NDLEA’s corruption and compromise, which might be the reason behind these allegations.” The statement stressed that Ashiru had no involvement in attempting to influence the dropping of charges against a person named Tosin Odepidian, whose name was mentioned by the agency.
Brig. Gen. Mohamed Buba Marwa (Rtd), Chairman and CEO of NDLEA, represented by spokesman Femi Babafemi, expressed the need to respond to the senator’s remarks, which he deemed defamatory. Marwa acknowledged the legislature’s support for the NDLEA’s mission, particularly regarding recent efforts to amend the agency’s act, but emphasized that the senator’s comments came from a place of vendetta rather than public motivation.
Marwa detailed the findings from a recent raid on Ashiru’s home, which took place on February 4, 2024. During this raid, the NDLEA recovered drugs and arrested two of Ashiru’s aides, while another suspect managed to escape. Marwa also noted that intelligence suggested some individuals associated with the senator were involved in drug trafficking activities in Offa, leading to another raid that resulted in the arrest of Oluwatosin Odepidan and the recovery of illicit drugs.
The NDLEA head stressed that their encounters with those linked to Ashiru likely fueled his negative comments about the agency. He highlighted that, contrary to Ashiru’s claims, the NDLEA has received commendations from both local and international bodies for its efforts in combating drug trafficking and substance abuse. Notably, the agency recently celebrated the unveiling of a new Marine Command Headquarters in Lagos, supported by the UK government.
Marwa emphasized that despite Ashiru’s attempts to undermine the NDLEA’s reputation, the agency has been acknowledged as a regional leader in drug law enforcement and will not be deterred by such attacks. He asserted, “If Senator Ashiru has a personal grudge against NDLEA, it shouldn’t be cloaked as a matter of public concern,” and reiterated that the agency remains committed to dismantling all drug networks, including those linked to the senator.
He concluded by emphasizing the NDLEA’s ongoing reform efforts since January 2021 and thanked both federal and state governments, as well as the National Assembly, for their support, which has contributed to the agency’s transformation into a more effective organization.
