The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) has confirmed the recovery of drugs and other illicit substances from the residence of Senator Oyelola Yisa Ashiru (Kwara South), a prominent member of the All Progressives Congress (APC), in Ilorin, Kwara State.
Speaking at a press briefing in Abuja, NDLEA spokesperson Femi Babafemi revealed that the agency had conducted a raid on the senator’s Government Reserved Area (GRA) home in February 2024, leading to the arrest of two of his aides. Babafemi also addressed Senator Ashiru’s recent allegations against the agency, claiming they were motivated by a personal vendetta.
“The senator’s residence was raided, and drugs and illicit substances were recovered, resulting in the arrest of two of his aides,” Babafemi said. He added that the NDLEA had also received intelligence indicating that some of Ashiru’s associates, commonly referred to as “Omo Senator,” were involved in drug trafficking from his hometown, Offa.
A subsequent raid on their hideout in Offa in June 2023 resulted in the arrest of Oluwatosin Odepidan, one of the senator’s associates. Methamphetamine and cannabis were recovered during the operation. Babafemi stated that efforts by Ashiru’s personal assistant, known as Omoluabi, to have the case against Odepidan dropped were unsuccessful, as the NDLEA charged him to court promptly.
Odepidan, who had jumped bail in 2023, was re-arrested in 2024 after a court issued a bench warrant. He was convicted and sentenced in June 2024.
The NDLEA spokesperson suggested that Senator Ashiru’s recent criticisms of the agency stemmed from these encounters, describing the senator’s remarks as “unfortunate and false.” The senator had accused the NDLEA of corruption during a Senate plenary debate, but the agency dismissed these allegations as baseless.
“The senator’s allegations are nothing more than an attempt to discredit the agency following our enforcement actions,” Babafemi stated. He emphasized that no one, whether in government or otherwise, had ever levelled such accusations against the NDLEA before.
Despite the controversy, the NDLEA reaffirmed its commitment to the fight against drug trafficking and abuse. The agency, which has earned both local and international recognition for its efforts, vowed to continue dismantling drug networks, including those linked to high-profile individuals.
The NDLEA concluded by reiterating its mission to uphold the integrity of its work and the law, regardless of political or social standing.
