Lawyer faults NDLEA over detention of Ondo couple, demands immediate arraignment
By Boye Oyeyemi –
A legal practitioner, Tope Temokun, has accused the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), Akure Command, of unlawfully detaining Mr Julius Ekujumi and his wife, Dupe, and called for their immediate arraignment before a competent court.
Temokun, who is counsel to the couple, made the demand in a press statement reacting to a publication attributed to the agency linking Julius Ekujumi to alleged drug-related offences.
The lawyer alleged that Julius was arrested on February 18, 2026, shortly after criticising the NDLEA commander in Akure on social media, claiming the command was being used to target him over disputes relating to welfare and appointment issues involving Amotekun operatives in Ondo State.
He further stated that Mrs Dupe Ekujumi had been in NDLEA custody since December 10, 2025, following a late-night operation by a joint team of NDLEA and Amotekun personnel, during which she was arrested in her husband’s absence.
According to the statement, Julius maintained that his wife was being detained to compel him to surrender, insisting that his arrest was unrelated to any drug offence but linked to his public criticisms.
Temokun also faulted what he described as attempts by the agency to justify the detention through media reports, arguing that allegations should be tested in court rather than through public statements.
He claimed that no illicit substance was recovered from Julius at the time of his arrest and alleged that Mrs Ekujumi had yet to be charged before any court despite months in custody.
The lawyer warned that continued detention without arraignment violated constitutional provisions and urged the NDLEA to formally file charges and produce the couple in court, adding that legal action would be pursued to protect their rights.
