NATIONAL NEWS
NDLEA Accuses Senator Ashiru Of Vendetta, Denies Corruption Claims
Abuja, THE NEWSHAUS – The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) has accused Senator Oyelola Ashiru (APC Kwara South) of launching a vendetta against the agency, citing past encounters with the senator’s aides who were allegedly involved in drug trafficking.
During a press briefing on Monday, NDLEA spokesperson Femi Babafemi, representing Chairman/Chief Executive Officer Brig. Gen. Mohamed Buba Marwa (Rtd), addressed Senator Ashiru’s recent statements in the Senate claiming the agency was “corrupt and compromised.”
The NDLEA refuted these accusations, emphasising that they were motivated by “vendetta and not any opinion made in the public interest.”
The agency provided details of past operations involving Senator Ashiru’s residence and aides, stating that raids on his Ilorin home in February 2024 resulted in the arrest of two aides, Ibrahim Mohammed and Muhammed Yahaya, and the recovery of illicit drugs.
Further investigations led to the arrest of another aide, Oluwatosin Odepidan, in June 2023, who was subsequently convicted and sentenced for drug-related offenses.
The NDLEA asserted that these encounters, including attempts to pressure the agency to drop the case against Odepidan, likely triggered the senator’s public accusations.
“It is deductible that these encounters that the agency has had with the senator, must have been responsible for his outburst, and unfortunately, false allegation, the type that nobody within and outside of government has ever levelled against NDLEA before,” Babafemi stated.
The agency also highlighted its ongoing successes in combating drug trafficking and abuse, receiving international recognition and support from bodies including the UK, US, and UNODC.
“An agency so badmouthed by Senator Ashiru couldn’t have been attracting such international goodwill and commendation for being the “most corrupt government agency” in Nigeria,” Babafemi stressed.
Despite the accusations, the NDLEA vowed to remain undeterred and continue its efforts to dismantle illicit drug networks across Nigeria, including those allegedly operating from the senator’s residence.
“So, if Senator Ashiru has a personal grudge against NDLEA, it shouldn’t be cloaked as a matter of public concern,” Babafemi declared.
“His statement of October 15, 2024, uttered in the hallowed chamber of the Nigerian Senate, is a gross abuse of his position as a legislator of the Federal Republic to undermine an agency of government by wrong accusation calculated to erode public confidence in NDLEA and detract from its integrity.”
The NDLEA concluded its statement by reiterating its commitment to its mandate and highlighting its recent successes in arrests, convictions, and public awareness campaigns.
The agency expressed gratitude for the ongoing support from various government and international partners.
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