The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) has alleged that illicit drugs were discovered in the home of Senator Oyelola Ashiru (APC Kwara South) and that the recent criticism of the agency by the lawmaker is driven by personal vendetta rather than public interest.
During a press briefing at its Abuja headquarters, NDLEA disclosed that a raid on Ashiru’s residence in Ilorin led to the arrest of two of his aides, one of whom has already been convicted. The agency claims that Senator Ashiru’s harsh remarks against them during a Senate debate on October 15, 2024, were a result of prior encounters with NDLEA, not genuine concerns about corruption within the agency.
Brig. Gen. Mohamed Buba Marwa (Rtd), the NDLEA Chairman, represented by spokesperson Femi Babafemi, stated that while the Senate is within its rights to discuss the establishment of a new drug rehabilitation institute, Ashiru’s allegations were unsubstantiated and defamatory. Marwa detailed two drug raids involving the senator’s aides and noted that attempts to interfere with NDLEA’s legal actions were unsuccessful.
The agency, which has gained recognition from international bodies for its anti-drug efforts, refuted Ashiru’s claims of corruption. NDLEA vowed to continue its mission to dismantle illicit drug networks, including those allegedly linked to the senator. Marwa emphasized that the NDLEA’s reform journey, which began in 2021, remains unaffected by the senator’s accusations.
