The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) has responded to Senator Yisa Ashiru’s claims that the agency is the most corrupt in Nigeria. NDLEA spokesperson, Femi Babafemi, stated that Ashiru’s comments were motivated by vendetta, citing a recent raid on the senator’s residence in Kwara, where drugs and illicit substances were found, and two of his aides were arrested [1).
According to Babafemi, the agency had been monitoring the senator’s residence, which was being used as a drug joint for dealers and users. Additionally, another raid in Offa, Ashiru’s hometown, led to the arrest of one Oluwatosin Odepidan, who was found with methamphetamine and cannabis.
The NDLEA also revealed that Ashiru’s personal assistant, Omoluabi, attempted to influence the agency to drop the case against Odepidan, but the agency resisted the pressure and successfully prosecuted Odepidan.
In response, Ashiru’s aide, Olaitan Adeyanju, denied the allegations and challenged the NDLEA to prosecute anyone arrested in connection with illicit drugs. The senator has been vocal about the NDLEA’s corruption and compromise, which may have prompted these allegations.
The NDLEA remains unbothered by the Senate’s plans to establish a new agency, stating that they would be willing to contribute to the debate if invited.