Senate Launches Investigation Into NDLEA’s Drug Trafficking Allegations Against Senator Ashiru.
The Nigerian Senate has established an ad-hoc committee to investigate allegations of drug trafficking levelled against Senator Oyelola Yisa Ashiru, who represents Kwara South Senatorial District. The move follows a personal explanation by Senator Ashiru, who raised concerns under Order 42 of Senate Rules.
The allegations, made by the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), include claims that Ashiru was involved in drug trafficking, which led to the arrest of some of his aides. However, the senator has strongly denied these accusations, describing them as baseless and unfounded.
Ashiru suggested that the allegations may have arisen as a result of his involvement in a proposed bill on 15th October 2024, which called for the establishment of a drug-related agency. He noted that his contributions to the debate, particularly his concerns about drug consumption and trafficking in his constituency, may have provoked the NDLEA’s reaction.
Addressing the Senate, Ashiru said, “The NDLEA’s malicious reaction to my debate on a bill seeking to establish an institute on drug awareness and rehabilitation is unjust. I raised concerns about the negative effects of drug consumption and trafficking in my constituency, where up to 50 people have lost their sanity due to drug use in the last two years.”
He went on to highlight the rise of drug-related crime and the influence of drug barons in his constituency. He had called for greater scrutiny of the NDLEA’s operations and supported the creation of another agency to focus on drug rehabilitation.
In response to media reports, particularly by Daily Trust, suggesting his involvement in drug distribution, Ashiru firmly denied the claims. “I assert that in my 68 years, I cannot even identify cannabis or any drug. I don’t do drugs, I don’t drink caffeine, and I don’t take carbonated drinks.”
The Senate committee is expected to thoroughly investigate the matter and present its findings.
