Senate to probe NDLEA allegations against Kwara lawmaker

The Senate on Tuesday set up an ad hoc committee to investigate allegations of drug trafficking against Senator Oyelola Ashiru, by the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency.

The panel, headed by former Minority Leader, Senator Enyinnaya Abaribe, is expected to report back within one week.

While the Senate did not explicitly state that the NDLEA would be summoned, the panel will likely engage with senior officials from the anti-drug agency during its investigation.

The investigative committee was formed following a motion raised by Senator Ashiru under Order 42 of the Senate Rules, which allows for a personal explanation.

Ashiru highlighted that the NDLEA accused him of involvement in drug trafficking, an allegation that led to the arrest of several of his aides.

Describing the allegations as baseless and unfounded, Ashiru suggested that the agency’s actions were retaliatory, following his contribution to a proposed bill on the establishment of a drug-related institute on Tuesday, October 15, 2024.

He urged the Senate to take action, stating that the accusations were an infringement on his person and privilege as a sitting senator.

In his explanation, Ashiru said, “Mr. Senate President, I come under Order 42 – personal explanation. My concern is the NDLEA’s malicious reaction to my contribution during a debate on a bill seeking to establish an institute focused on drug awareness and rehabilitation.

“I have received troubling reports from my constituency about the negative effects of drug consumption and trafficking.

“One of my constituents reported that over the last two years, he knows of at least 50 people who have lost their sanity due to drug use. Drug barons are profiting from this illegal trade, and it has led to an increase in drug-related crimes in my constituency and beyond.”

He added, “Because of these issues, I urged the Senate to examine the operations of the NDLEA, particularly the corruption within the agency. I supported the establishment of an alternative agency focused on rehabilitation.

“I also need to address an insinuation published by Daily Trust suggesting that I am involved in drug distribution. I want to categorically state that, at 68 years old, I have never even seen cannabis or any other drug in my life. I don’t consume drugs, caffeine, or carbonated drinks.”

The lawmakers had earlier held a two-hour closed-door session to deliberate on the matter.

Last week, during a debate on the bill to establish the National Institute for Drug Awareness and Rehabilitation, Ashiru had described the NDLEA as “the most corrupt and compromised agency.”

In response, NDLEA’s Director of Media and Advocacy, Femi Babafemi, accused Ashiru of making disparaging remarks due to personal vendetta, suggesting that Ashiru was upset over the NDLEA’s past actions against individuals associated with him.

In a statement on Monday evening, Senator Ashiru’s Special Assistant, Olaitan Adeyanju, called on the NDLEA to prosecute anyone found guilty of drug-related offenses. The statement read:

“The NDLEA claims to have found drugs in Senator Ashiru’s Ilorin residence, but there is no information on where the suspects were charged to court. Senator Ashiru has been vocal about the corruption within the NDLEA, which could explain these allegations. He never sent any aide to interfere with the drug case involving Tosin Odepidian, and the names mentioned by the NDLEA are unknown to him.”

The statement concluded by challenging the NDLEA to pursue legal action against anyone found guilty of drug offences.