The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) has responded to accusations made by Senator Oyelola Yisa Ashiru, deputy majority leader of the Senate, asserting that his recent remarks branding the agency as corrupt stem from a personal vendetta.
Ashiru, representing Kwara South, recently called the NDLEA the “most corrupt and compromised government agency” while supporting a bill to establish an institute for drug awareness and rehabilitation. He also suggested the need for a new body to tackle drug addiction and trafficking.
However, Femi Babafemi, the NDLEA’s director of media, during a press briefing on Monday, clarified that Ashiru’s claims may be driven by an earlier raid on his home in Ilorin, Kwara State, where drugs were allegedly found. Babafemi revealed that the raid took place on February 4, 2024, following credible intelligence suggesting that the senator’s residence was being used as a drug hub. Two of Ashiru’s aides, Ibrahim Mohammed and Muhammed Yahaya, were arrested during the operation, while a third suspect managed to escape.
Babafemi suggested that this raid may be the root cause of Ashiru’s recent statements, dismissing the senator’s allegations as a false and retaliatory attack. He also highlighted the NDLEA’s strong performance, stating that the agency has made over 52,000 arrests and secured more than 9,000 convictions over the past three years.
The NDLEA refuted Ashiru’s claims of corruption, emphasizing that the agency continues to receive international commendation for its efforts in combating drug trafficking and abuse. Babafemi concluded by affirming that the senator’s allegations appear to be based on personal grievances rather than public interest.
