NDLEA discovers illicit drugs in Senator’s residence, aide arrested

NDLEA discovers illicit drugs in Senator’s residence, aide arrested

The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) has disclosed that drugs and illegal substances were found at the home of Senator Oyelola Yisa Ashiru, representing Kwara South, during a raid in Ilorin, Kwara State.

At a press briefing in Abuja, NDLEA spokesman Femi Babafemi stated that the February 2024 raid on the All Progressives Congress (APC) senator’s residence led to the arrest of two of his aides. Babafemi added that the senator’s recent accusations against the NDLEA were driven by a personal grudge.

“The personal house of the senator… had been raided in recent past, where drugs and illicit substances were recovered, while two of his aides were arrested,” the agency said.

The NDLEA also explained that they had received intelligence about illegal drug activities carried out by some of the senator’s associates, known as “Omo Senator,” in his hometown Offa. A raid in Offa in June 2023 led to the arrest of Oluwatosin Odepidan, from whom methamphetamine and cannabis were seized.

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Attempts to have the charges against Odepidan dropped, including a visit by the senator’s personal assistant, Omoluabi, were refused by the NDLEA. Odepidan was eventually convicted in June 2024 after re-arrest following a failed court bail in 2023.

The NDLEA believes these events are the reason for Senator Ashiru’s public criticism, which they call false and unprecedented in the agency’s history. The senator had accused the NDLEA of being “corrupt and compromised” during a Senate debate.

Despite the accusations, the NDLEA stood firm, calling the claims defamatory and reaffirming its dedication to fighting drug trafficking. The agency said it remains a top enforcer recognized locally and internationally and will continue its work, even dismantling drug networks linked to the senator’s home.

NDLEA discovers illicit drugs in Senator’s residence, aide arrested