“Drugs recovered in Kwara senator’s house”; Lola Ashiru, NDLEA in war of words over criticism

A heated exchange has erupted between Senator Oyelola Yisa Ashiru of Kwara South and the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), sparking a public feud over accusations of drug-related activities and corruption.

The conflict began when Senator Ashiru, during a Senate debate, criticized the NDLEA for alleged failures in combating drug trafficking and corruption.

In response, the NDLEA has launched serious allegations against the senator, linking him to illegal drug activities.

Senator Ashiru’s Criticism of NDLEA

During a Senate session on October 15, 2024, Senator Ashiru accused the NDLEA of being ineffective in its fight against drug trafficking, stating that the agency was corrupt and compromised.

He called for the establishment of a National Institute for Drug Awareness and Rehabilitation as a solution to the country’s escalating drug problem.

Ashiru stated: “The failure of NDLEA has resulted in the high rate of drug trafficking going on in the country. The NDLEA is corrupt and compromised, hence, I support the creation of a National Institute for Drug Awareness and Rehabilitation.”

NDLEA’s Rebuttal and Serious Allegations

In a swift response, NDLEA Chief Executive, Mohammed Buba Marwa, refuted Senator Ashiru’s claims, accusing him of harboring a personal vendetta against the agency.

The NDLEA issued a detailed press statement, alleging that Senator Ashiru’s personal residence in Ilorin had been previously raided by its operatives, during which drugs and illicit substances were reportedly found.

According to the NDLEA, two of the senator’s aides, Ibrahim Mohammed and Muhammed Yahaya, were arrested in connection with drug-related activities.

The agency further alleged that the senator’s associates, commonly referred to as “Omo Senator,” were also implicated in drug trafficking.

A raid on a drug joint in Offa, Kwara State, reportedly linked to Ashiru’s hometown, led to the arrest of another individual, Oluwatosin Odepidan, in June 2023.

NDLEA claims that Ashiru’s team attempted to influence the agency to drop charges against Odepidan, but their request was refused, and the case was taken to court.

Odepidan was eventually convicted after being rearrested in 2024.

The NDLEA’s statement concluded by reiterating that the senator’s attack on the agency was unprovoked and baseless, labeling his comments during the Senate debate as slanderous and defamatory.

Senator Ashiru’s Strong Rebuttal

In a detailed press statement on October 21, 2024, Senator Ashiru vehemently denied the NDLEA’s accusations, calling them false and politically motivated.

Ashiru’s office claimed that the agency’s statements were nothing more than a smear campaign intended to tarnish his reputation following his criticism of the NDLEA in the Senate.

Ashiru’s media aide, Olaitan Adeyanju, clarified that the senator had never employed anyone by the names Ibrahim Mohammed or Muhammed Yahaya, as claimed by the NDLEA.

He further stated that a previous search of the senator’s residence in Ilorin yielded no incriminating evidence, questioning the legitimacy of the NDLEA’s allegations.

Adeyanju also dismissed claims that Senator Ashiru had sent aides to the NDLEA to intervene in the case involving Odepidan.

He emphasized that none of the individuals named by the NDLEA were associated with the senator’s office, either directly or indirectly.

“The NDLEA should focus on cleaning up its own house and eliminating corrupt officers rather than resorting to media trials and name-calling,” Adeyanju said.

He also emphasized the ongoing issue of drug dealers and criminals returning to the streets after bribing law enforcement officers, calling on the NDLEA to improve its internal processes instead of seeking “cheap publicity.”