The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) has disclosed that it recovered illicit drugs from the residence of Kwara South Senator, Oyeyola Ashiru.
The revelation follows the Senator’s recent outburst against the NDLEA during plenary, where he described the agency as “corrupt and compromised,” while calling for the creation of a new anti-drug agency.
During a briefing on Monday, NDLEA Chairman, Brig Gen Buba Marwa (Rtd), represented by the agency’s Director of Media and Advocacy, Femi Babafemi, attributed Senator Ashiru’s outburst to personal vendetta rather than any national interest.
Marwa stressed that the NDLEA remains committed to dismantling drug networks, including those linked to the senator’s residence.
Senator’s allegations and NDLEA’s response
In his speech, Babafemi recalled the senator’s allegations, stating, “The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency is corrupt and compromised…” in a plenary session on October 15.
Babafemi noted, “The agency is duty-bound to respond to the unprovoked attack by Senator Ashiru during the debate on a new bill for an Act to establish the National Institute for Drug Awareness and Rehabilitation.”
Babafemi revealed that the agency waited a week for Senator Ashiru to clarify his statements, but when he failed to do so, the NDLEA felt compelled to set the record straight.
“What we found was shocking, and we concluded that his statement came from a place of vendetta and certainly not out of public interest or any altruistic motive,” Marwa said.
Drug raids at Senator Ashiru’s residence
The NDLEA disclosed details of past operations at the senator’s personal residence, stating that drugs were recovered and some of his aides were arrested. Babafemi explained,
“The personal house of the senator in GRA Ilorin, the capital of Kwara State, had been raided in the recent past, where drugs and illicit substances were recovered, while two of his aides, Ibrahim Mohammed and Muhammed Yahaya, were arrested. A third suspect escaped.”
He further mentioned a separate raid in the senator’s hometown of Offa, where another individual linked to the senator, Oluwatosin Odepidan, was arrested for dealing in methamphetamine and cannabis. Babafemi also highlighted efforts by the senator’s personal assistant to get the agency to drop charges against Odepidan, which were rebuffed.
“The senator’s aide, known as ‘Omo Senator,’ operating from Offa, was arrested, and drugs such as methamphetamine and cannabis were recovered. The attempt to have the NDLEA drop the case was unsuccessful, and Odepidan was eventually convicted in June 2024,” Babafemi added.
International support and reputation
Despite the senator’s accusations, Babafemi emphasized that the NDLEA has received international commendation for its efforts in tackling drug trafficking.
“The day after Senator Ashiru made his statement, the NDLEA commissioned a new Marine Command Headquarters building in Lagos, donated by the UK government,” Babafemi noted.
He added that other international bodies such as the U.S., France, Germany, and the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC) have also supported the agency, contradicting Senator Ashiru’s allegations of corruption.
NDLEA’s continued commitment
Babafemi concluded by stressing that the agency would not be deterred by the senator’s attack and remained focused on its mission to dismantle drug networks.
“If Senator Ashiru has a personal grudge against NDLEA, it shouldn’t be cloaked as a matter of public concern. His statement is a gross abuse of his position as a legislator,” Babafemi stated.
“NDLEA has been on a journey of reforms, and we are glad with the progress we are making. We will continue to fulfill our mandate, no matter the false allegations made against us,” he added.
The NDLEA reaffirmed its commitment to fighting drug trafficking and substance abuse, with over 52,000 arrests and 9,000 convictions in the past three years, as well as numerous awareness programs across the country.