How we discovered drugs at Senator’s house accusing us of corruption – NDLEA

The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) has defended itself against recent corruption allegations made by Senator Oyelola Yisa Ashiru, asserting that the senator’s accusations stem from personal grievances.

NDLEA Chairman, Mohammed Buba Marwa, addressed the media on Monday, explaining that Senator Ashiru’s claims were baseless and part of a personal vendetta. During a debate on October 15, 2024, Ashiru accused the NDLEA of being compromised and ineffective, citing rising drug trafficking rates as proof.

In response, the NDLEA disclosed that they had conducted a raid on the senator’s personal residence in GRA Ilorin, Kwara State, on February 4, 2024, where illicit drugs were recovered. Two of Ashiru’s aides, Ibrahim Mohammed and Muhammed Yahaya, were arrested, while a third suspect managed to escape. The raid was carried out following credible intelligence indicating that the house was being used for drug trafficking and consumption.

The agency also revealed a separate operation in June 2023, which led to the arrest of another associate of the senator, Oluwatosin Odepidan, in Offa, Kwara State. Odepidan was found in possession of methamphetamine and cannabis. Despite attempts by the senator’s personal assistant to have the case dropped, Odepidan was prosecuted. He initially jumped bail in 2023 but was rearrested and convicted in June 2024.

The NDLEA described the senator’s public remarks as an attempt to tarnish the agency’s reputation, following the legal actions taken against his associates.