The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) has accused Senator Lola Ashiru, representing Kwara South, of engaging in illegal drug-related activities. The NDLEA’s accusation follows the senator’s recent comments during a debate, where he described the agency as the “most corrupt and compromised government agency” in Nigeria.
Speaking at a press conference in Abuja on Monday, NDLEA Director of Media and Advocacy, Femi Babafemi, linked Senator Ashiru’s outburst to a raid conducted at his Ilorin residence earlier this year.
“The personal house of the Senator in GRA Ilorin, the capital of Kwara State, had been raided in recent past, where drugs and illicit substances were recovered, and two of his aides, Ibrahim Mohammed and Muhammed Yahaya, were arrested,” Babafemi stated.
According to Babafemi, the raid, carried out on February 4, 2024, was based on credible intelligence confirming that the senator’s residence was being used as a hub for drug dealers and users. Two aides were arrested, while a third suspect escaped.
Babafemi suggested that Senator Ashiru’s recent attack on the agency was motivated by personal vendetta, rather than genuine concern.
“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 added.
He further dismissed the senator’s allegations, pointing to NDLEA’s growing reputation as a regional leader in drug law enforcement.
“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 remarked, underscoring that Ashiru’s accusations were likely driven by a personal agenda rather than public interest.
