Senator Oyelola Yisa Ashiru, representing Kwara South, finds himself in the spotlight following claims by the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) that drugs and illicit substances were found in his residence. The agency’s recent statements have sparked heated reactions, especially after Senator Ashiru’s criticisms of the NDLEA during a Senate plenary session.
Earlier this year, in February 2024, the NDLEA conducted a raid on Senator Ashiru’s home in the Government Reserved Area (GRA) of Ilorin, Kwara State. According to NDLEA spokesman Femi Babafemi, the operation led to the arrest of two of the senator’s aides. Babafemi revealed this information during a press briefing in Abuja, stressing that the agency’s actions were part of a broader anti-drug campaign.
The NDLEA emphasized that their actions were not influenced by the political status of any individual. Babafemi explained, “The personal house of the senator… had been raided in recent past, where drugs and illicit substances were recovered, while two of his aides were arrested.” The agency’s move came in response to what it described as a “personal vendetta” from Senator Ashiru, who had recently attacked the agency’s integrity.
Adding further context, Babafemi disclosed that the NDLEA had received intelligence about certain individuals associated with the senator, popularly known as “Omo Senator,” being involved in drug-related activities in Offa, the senator’s hometown. Acting on this information, the agency conducted a separate raid in June 2023, leading to the arrest of Oluwatosin Odepidan. During the operation, methamphetamine and cannabis were found in Odepidan’s possession.
The NDLEA also claimed that attempts were made to influence the case against Odepidan. The agency reported that Omoluabi, the senator’s Personal Assistant, had visited the NDLEA’s Kwara State Command headquarters in Ilorin in a bid to have the charges against Odepidan dropped. However, the agency stood its ground, and Odepidan was prosecuted. Although he jumped bail in 2023, Odepidan was re-arrested in 2024 following a bench warrant and was ultimately convicted in June 2024.
Babafemi explained, “So, going by this backstory, it is deductible that these encounters that the Agency has had with the senator must have been responsible for his outburst, and unfortunately, false allegation, the type that nobody within and outside of government has ever levelled against NDLEA before.”
The NDLEA’s statements come after Senator Ashiru accused the agency of being “corrupt and compromised” during a recent Senate debate. The senator’s allegations raised questions about the integrity of the NDLEA, prompting a response from the agency.
In their rebuttal, the NDLEA dismissed the accusations as baseless and defamatory. The agency maintained that Senator Ashiru’s remarks stemmed from his discontent over previous drug-related cases involving people linked to him. The NDLEA reiterated its unwavering commitment to fighting drug trafficking and abuse, stating that it applies the law equally, regardless of political affiliations or status.
Despite the ongoing controversy, the NDLEA asserted its leadership in drug enforcement, citing recognition from both local and international organizations. The agency assured that it would continue its operations to dismantle drug networks across the country, including those connected to individuals of influence. The NDLEA reaffirmed its mission to uphold the law without bias, underscoring its dedication to a drug-free society.
