NDLEA responds to allegations by Senator Ashiru, cites personal vendetta as motive

The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) has dismissed allegations of corruption and compromise made by Senator Oyelola Yisa Ashiru (Kwara South), labeling the claims as a personal vendetta rather than a reflection of the agency’s performance or integrity.

During a press briefing held at its national headquarters in Abuja, NDLEA’s Director of Media and Advocacy, Femi Babafemi, addressed the senator’s remarks made during a Senate plenary on October 15, 2024, where Ashiru accused the agency of being “corrupt and compromised.”

Babafemi stated, “The NDLEA is compelled to call this press briefing today because of an unfortunate development during plenary in the Nigerian Senate last week when defamatory remarks were made against the Agency.”

He explained that while the NDLEA values the Senate’s role in supporting efforts to amend the NDLEA Act, it could not ignore Senator Ashiru’s “unprovoked attack” on the agency’s integrity.

The NDLEA pointed to past encounters with Senator Ashiru as the likely reason for his outburst. According to Babafemi, the senator’s residence in Ilorin, Kwara State, was raided in February 2024, following credible intelligence that the house was being used as a drug joint. Two of his aides were arrested, and illicit substances were recovered, while a third suspect escaped.

In addition, in June 2023, NDLEA operatives arrested another associate of the senator in Offa for drug possession, and despite attempts to have the case dropped, the agency proceeded with prosecution.

Babafemi argued that these incidents, which directly involved Senator Ashiru’s associates, were the real motivators behind his criticism, rather than any concern for the public interest. “We concluded that his statement came from a place of vendetta and certainly not out of public interest or any altruistic motive,” Babafemi added.

The NDLEA highlighted its record of success, noting that it has received commendation from international partners such as the UK, US, and France. “The day after Senator Ashiru’s statement, NDLEA in Lagos commissioned a new Marine Command Headquarters donated by the UK government,” Babafemi pointed out, emphasizing the agency’s recognition for its efforts in combatting drug trafficking.

Since January 2021, the NDLEA has made over 52,000 arrests, secured more than 9,000 convictions, and conducted 7,000 awareness programs, positioning itself as a leader in drug law enforcement.

Babafemi concluded by affirming the agency’s resolve to continue its work, regardless of Ashiru’s allegations: “If Senator Ashiru has a personal grudge against NDLEA, it shouldn’t be cloaked as a matter of public concern. His remarks will not deter us from dismantling illicit drug networks across the country, including those connected to his residence.”

The NDLEA vowed to remain undeterred in its mission, reiterating its commitment to professionalism and transparency as it works to curb drug abuse and trafficking in Nigeria.