The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) has dismissed recent allegations of corruption made by Senator Oyelola Yisa Ashiru, who represents Kwara South Senatorial District, describing the claims as driven by personal vendetta rather than any genuine national interest.
The NDLEA’s response came during a press briefing at its National Headquarters in Abuja on Monday, October 21, 2024, where the agency addressed the senator’s accusations that the NDLEA is “corrupt and compromised.”
Speaking at the briefing, NDLEA spokesperson Femi Babafemi expressed disappointment over the senator’s remarks, calling them “unfounded” and “unfortunate.” He emphasized that while the Senate holds the power to scrutinize agencies and propose reforms, Senator Ashiru’s sweeping accusations appeared to be motivated by personal grievances rather than an objective concern for public welfare.
Babafemi revealed a troubling backstory behind Ashiru’s attack on the NDLEA, disclosing that the agency had previously raided the senator’s residence in the GRA area of Ilorin, Kwara State, where drugs and other illicit substances were recovered. During the operation, two of the senator’s aides, Ibrahim Mohammed and Muhammed Yahaya, were arrested, while a third suspect managed to evade capture.
The NDLEA’s raid, conducted on February 4, 2024, followed credible intelligence that linked Ashiru’s home to drug-related activities. “We found that his house was being used as a drug joint for dealers and users,” Babafemi stated, underscoring the agency’s determination to crack down on such activities, regardless of the status of those involved.
In addition to the Ilorin raid, Babafemi detailed another encounter with the senator’s associates. The NDLEA had received intelligence indicating that some of Ashiru’s aides, known locally as ‘Omo Senator,’ were involved in drug trafficking in his hometown of Offa. A subsequent raid on June 11, 2023, led to the arrest of one Oluwatosin Odepidan, who was found in possession of methamphetamine and cannabis. Despite attempts by Ashiru’s personal assistant, Omoluabi, to influence the case, the NDLEA refused to drop the charges, and Odepidan was eventually convicted in June 2024 after jumping bail the previous year.
Babafemi suggested that these legal encounters between the senator and the NDLEA were likely the root cause of his recent outburst, describing Ashiru’s allegations as a retaliatory move in response to the agency’s crackdown on drug activities linked to his aides.
Despite the senator’s claims, Babafemi highlighted that the NDLEA continues to receive commendations from both local and international bodies for its relentless efforts in combating drug abuse and trafficking. He reaffirmed the agency’s commitment to pursuing its mandate, stating that the NDLEA would not be distracted by Ashiru’s allegations and would continue dismantling drug networks across the country, including those allegedly operating within the senator’s circle.
“While Senator Ashiru may attempt to tarnish our image, we remain undeterred in our mission to safeguard Nigeria from the scourge of illicit drugs,” Babafemi concluded.
