Nigerian Senate Investigates NDLEA’s Allegations Of Recovering Drugs From Senator Ashiru’s Residence
According to the agency, substances suspected to be drugs were found at Ashiru’s home, leading to the arrest of two of his aides in 2023.
The Senate has initiated an investigation into allegations against Deputy Majority Leader Oyelola Yisa Ashiru from the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA).
It formed an ad hoc committee to investigate the allegations.
This resolution was made on Tuesday following a motion moved by Ashiru regarding an order of privilege.
According to the agency, substances suspected to be drugs were found at Ashiru’s home, leading to the arrest of two of his aides in 2023.
The senator had described the NDLEA as the “most corrupt and compromised, hence, I support the creation of the National Institute for Drug Awareness and Rehabilitation” while contributing to the debate on a ‘Bill for an Act to establish National Institute for Drug Awareness and Rehabilitation’.
Meanwhile, SaharaReporters reported on Monday that the NDLEA had stated that the attack on its image by Senator Ashiru was borne out of vendetta rather than based on any altruistic motive or national interest.
NDLEA Fires Back, Says Nigerian Senator Ashiru’s Criticisms Stem From Recent Raid, Recovery Of Drugs From His House, Arrest Of Aides
However, the agency on Monday said it was duty-bound to respond to the unprovoked attack against it by Senator Ashiru during his contribution to the debate on a new bill for an Act to establish the National Institute for Drug Awareness and Rehabilitation on Tuesday, October 15, 2024.
The agency said it waited for a whole week, hoping the lawmaker would clarify his position on such a weighty allegation against it but failing to do that, it was left with “no option but to come out and set the record straight for the benefit of other distinguished members of the Senate, our local and international partners as well as the general public.”
The agency’s Director, Media and Advocacy, Femi Babafemi in a statement on Monday, said, “There is no doubt that setting up another agency is within the power of the Senate and if we are invited to contribute to the debate we will be willing to offer our opinion.”
SaharaReporters also reported earlier on Tuesday that Senator Ashiru had confirmed that the NDLEA raided his residence in Ilorin, the state capital.
However, he asserted that the agency did not uncover any hard drugs or other illegal substances during the operation.
In response to the accusations, Senator Ashiru’s office issued a statement labelling the allegations as “wrong and fallacious.”
The statement, signed by his legislative aide, Olaitan Adeyanju, emphasised the ‘absurdity of the timing,’ suggesting that the NDLEA’s actions were a misguided attempt to retaliate against the senator’s remarks.
The statement clarified that Senator Ashiru had never employed any aides named Ibrahim Mohammed or Mohammed Yahaya, names mentioned by the NDLEA in its allegations.
