The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) has recorded a major breakthrough in its fight against drug trafficking, securing 974 convictions between January and March 2026, including 11 high-profile drug kingpins sentenced to a combined 254 years in prison.
Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of the agency, Mohamed Buba Marwa, described the development as a “watershed moment” in Nigeria’s war against illicit drugs, noting that the convictions signal a tougher stance against traffickers and their networks.
This was contained in a statement by the Director, Media and Advocacy, Femi Babafemi, on Friday.
According to the statement, NDLEA convicted 974 offenders, 899 are male and 75 are female.
Monthly figures show a steady rise in prosecutions, with 265 convictions recorded in January, 316 in February, and 393 in March.
Among the most notable cases is that of Italy-based businessman Adegbite Solomon, also known as “Obama,” who received the heaviest sentence. Arraigned before the Federal High Court in Lagos on a 15-count charge, he was convicted on all counts and sentenced to a cumulative 130 years in prison.
The agency said the sentences will run concurrently, and the court also ordered the revocation of his pharmacy license and the forfeiture of his business assets and funds to the Federal Government.
In a separate case, Ridwan Animashaun was sentenced to 25 years imprisonment by the Federal High Court in Ibadan. Animashaun, a repeat offender, had previously served a one-year sentence in 2022 for a similar offence.
Other significant convictions include Rauf Asogba and Seun Olaniyi, who were each handed 17-year jail terms for trafficking 1,779 kilograms of cannabis, as well as Jonathan Nuhu and Idris Yusuf, who received 15-year sentences in Kano and Yobe states respectively.
Several other offenders across the country were sentenced to seven years imprisonment for drug-related offences.
Reacting to the development, Marwa said the convictions send a strong message that Nigeria is no longer a safe haven for drug traffickers.
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“Securing 974 convictions in just three months is a testament to the relentless spirit of our officers and the thinning patience of the Nigerian state toward drug merchants.
“To the 11 kingpins who thought they were untouchable, their 254-year collective residency in correctional centres is proof that the long arm of the law has caught up with them,” he said.
He commended the judiciary for expediting the cases and emphasised that swift justice remains a powerful deterrent.
Marwa also praised NDLEA officers for their commitment and bravery, pledging continued support to enhance their operations.
The NDLEA boss further called on Nigerians to remain vigilant and continue providing intelligence, stressing that public cooperation is crucial to sustaining the agency’s success in dismantling drug trafficking networks.
