By Jemimah Wellington, JKNewsMedia Reporter
THE NATIONAL Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) has responded to recent allegations made by Senator Oyelola Yisa Ashiru of Kwara South, accusing the agency of corruption.
During a Senate plenary session on October 15, 2024, Senator Ashiru claimed the NDLEA was compromised.
However, the agency has rejected these accusations, stating that the senator’s comments stem from personal vendetta rather than concern for public interest.
In a release issued on Monday 21st October 2024 and signed by Femi Babafemi, Director, Media & Advocacy; the NDLEA revealed that its investigation into the senator’s home in Ilorin earlier this year led to the arrest of two of his aides, Ibrahim Mohammed and Mohammed Yahaya, for drug-related offenses.
Additionally, in a previous case in 2023, one of the senator’s associates, Oluwatosin Odepidan, was caught with illicit drugs, leading to his conviction in 2024.
The agency says it believes these encounters are the true reason behind the senator’s outburst.
Despite the allegations, the NDLEA noted it continues to receive strong international support, with the United Kingdom (UK), and other countries contributing to its fight against drug trafficking.
The agency also emphasized its success, having made over 52,000 arrests and secured more than 9,000 convictions in recent years.
Thus, it remains committed to its mandate and vowed to continue its operations undeterred by the senator’s accusations.
