Segun Adeyemi

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<h2>The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) has revealed that drugs and other illicit substances were discovered at the residence of Senator Oyelola Yisa Ashiru (Kwara South) during a February 2024 raid.</h2>

The NDLEA’s spokesperson, Femi Babafemi, disclosed this during a press briefing in Abuja, highlighting that two of the senator’s aides were arrested at his GRA residence in Ilorin, Kwara State.

Babafemi explained that the raid was part of the NDLEA’s ongoing efforts to combat drug trafficking, adding that the senator’s recent criticisms of the agency stem from personal grievances related to these encounters.

“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,” Babafemi said.

READ ALSO: <a href="https://www.pulse.ng/news/local/ndlea-detains-2-businessmen-canadian-nurse-for-drug-trafficking/c4837mp">NDLEA detains 2 businessmen, Canadian nurse for drug trafficking</a>

In addition to the February operation, the NDLEA also linked the senator to other drug-related activities in Offa, his hometown.

“We received intelligence that some of his boys, popularly known as Omo Senator, were involved in dealing illicit drugs,” Babafemi continued.

A raid in Offa led to the arrest of Oluwatosin Odepidan, one of the senator’s associates, who was found in possession of methamphetamine and cannabis.

Odepidan was subsequently prosecuted, although he initially jumped bail in 2023. He was rearrested and sentenced in June 2024.

The NDLEA believes these past encounters are the driving force behind Senator Ashiru’s recent allegations that the agency is “corrupt and compromised,” accusations made during a Senate plenary debate.

READ ALSO: <a href="https://www.pulse.ng/news/local/ndlea-ebonyi-seizes-115kg-of-illicit-drugs-arrests-149-suspects-in-q3-2024/8g9r55c">NDLEA Ebonyi seizes 115kg of illicit drugs, arrests 149 suspects in Q3 2024</a>

In response, Babafemi labelled these claims as defamatory, stating, “These encounters 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 agency, however, remains steadfast in its mission to fight drug-related crime and emphasised its commitment to transparency.

“Despite the senator’s accusations, the NDLEA continues to receive praise from local and international bodies for its efforts,” Babafemi said.

The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) has revealed that drugs and other illicit substances were discovered at the residence of Senator Oyelola Yisa Ashiru (Kwara South) during a February 2024 raid.

NDLEA discovers illicit drugs in APC Senator’s residence, arrests aides

<h2>In a shocking development ahead of the upcoming Kano State local government elections, 20 aspirants have tested positive for drug use, according to the Nigerian Drugs Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA). </h2>

The revelation was made by the agency's state commander, Abubakar Ahmad, who confirmed that the candidates were from the ruling New Nigeria People's Party (NNPP).

The aspirants were found to have used substances such as opioids, THC (the active compound in cannabis), benzodiazepines, and nicotine.

Ahmad stressed that the drug screening process is still ongoing and more results could follow.

READ ALSO: <a href="https://www.pulse.ng/news/politics/apc-asks-ndlea-to-conduct-drug-test-on-edo-governorship-election-candidates/j2dkn2j">APC asks NDLEA to conduct drug test on Edo governorship election candidates</a>

"So far, 20 aspirants presented to us by the ruling party (NNPP) in the state have tested positive for multiple drugs," he said, adding that the tests form part of the screening process before the final candidate list is submitted to the Kano State Independent Electoral Commission (KANSIEC).

<h3>No female aspirant tested positive - NDLEA</h3>

One notable aspect of the testing is that no female aspirants have tested positive for drugs so far.

Ahmad further noted that some of the substances detected are related to tobacco, sparking a debate about whether it should be classified as a drug.

"It is left for the electoral commission to decide if tobacco is a drug or not because it is something you find even in kola nut," he said.

This is not Kano's first introduction of compulsory drug tests for political aspirants. <a data-link-role-code="open_new_tab" href="https://www.pulse.ng/news/local/some-candidates-in-kano-lg-elections-fail-drug-test-ndlea/f8tmfp6">Back in 2018, the state government implemented similar measures for political appointees,</a> civil servants, and students seeking tertiary education admissions.

The local government elections, scheduled for October 26, will determine the occupants of 44 chairmanship and 484 councillorship seats across Kano State.

The NDLEA confirmed that no female aspirants have tested positive for drugs so far. [Getty Images]

In a shocking development ahead of the upcoming Kano State local government elections, 20 aspirants have tested positive for drug use, according to the Nigerian Drugs Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA).

NDLEA confirms 20 aspirants in Kano LG poll test positive for drug

Damilare Famuyiwa

<h2>National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) operatives have recovered no less than 40.32kg of Loud, a potent cannabis strain, after intercepting a black Toyota Tacoma in Lagos.</h2>

The interception happened along Lekki-Ikoyi road on Friday, June 28, 2024, and the truck driver, on spotting the operatives, jumped out of the vehicle and fled.

In another raid, the operatives <a data-link-role-code="open_new_tab" href="https://www.pulse.ng/news/local/ndlea-storms-abuja-drug-party-tagged-pick-your-poison-arrests-60-suspects/0vrq566">arrested over 60 individuals at a drug party</a> organised by Stanley Ikechukwu in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) on Friday, June 28, 2024.

Among those arrested were 25 males and 35 females, with six suspects found in possession of various drugs.

NDLEA spokesperson, Femi Babafemi, in a statement, disclosed that the party, dubbed 'Go Hard or Go Home. Pick Your Poison,' took place at an apartment in Sun City Estate.

The raid was initiated based on credible intelligence, leading to the arrest of Ikechukwu.

The six suspects caught with drugs were listed as; Victoria Adoga, Hamza Yari, Joanne Essein Joy, Sochima Valentine, Jago Imole, and Charles Ndubuisi. They were found with quantities of ecstasy and cannabis.

Brig Gen Buba Marwa (retd.), NDLEA Chairman ordered the unconditional release of 20 suspects who tested negative for drugs. The 33 individuals who tested positive were granted bail and instructed to report to the FCT Command for treatment and counselling.

Furthermore, the NDLEA seized 6,125 cartons of codeine syrup worth over ₦7.3 billion at the Port Harcourt Ports complex in Rivers State. <a data-link-role-code="open_new_tab" href="https://www.pulse.ng/news/local/ndlea-intercepts-naira73bn-codeine-consignment-in-lagos/0vt8w4c">This operation</a>, conducted by the Special Operations Unit in collaboration with the Port Harcourt Ports Command and other security agencies, involved a thorough examination of six containers, uncovering 1,050,000 bottles of codeine syrup weighing 157,500 kilograms.

Also, On June 21, NDLEA officers at Murtala Muhammed International Airport in Lagos arrested two passengers travelling to Doha on a Qatar Airways flight after they tested positive for drug ingestion.

The suspects, Aikhomoun Daniel (alias Oladapo Olanrewaju) and Ayigoro Waheed Omobolaji, were taken into custody. Daniel excreted 90 wraps of cocaine totaling 1.022kg, while Ayigoro excreted 60 wraps weighing 662 grams.

Investigations revealed that Daniel had stolen his late uncle’s identity to obtain a Schengen visa.

National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) operatives recover over 40kg of Loud, a potent cannabis strain, in the road interception of a black Toyota Tacoma truck in Lagos, on Friday, June 28, 2024.

NDLEA operatives recover over 40kg of Loud in Lagos road interception

News Agency Of Nigeria

<h1>Marwa, who stated this when the Acting Inspector General of Police, Usman Baba, paid him a courtesy visit in his office on Wednesday, in Abuja, said that over 2,100 criminals had also been arrested in connection with the seizures with over 350 convictions secured.</h1>

He said that the NDLEA was working on the mandate given to it by President Muhammadu Buhari to mop up all crime related issues in Nigeria, as the use of illicit drugs and substances had been confirmed as major way criminals used in terrorising communities and the society at large.

According to him, banditry, terrorism and other related crimes were generally triggered by intake and consumption of illicit drugs.

“The NDLEA has remained upstanding and in 100 days, we have made these heavy and large arrests and seizures.

“This is the time for more collaboration with the Police. We believe the Police will support us with intelligence and training.

“We are very encouraged to have the IG here, for us to join hands to curb crimes and criminality in Nigeria.

“And I want to assure you that I will be readily available to rub minds with you, as we need a renewed collaboration between the NDLEA and the Police,” he said.

In his remarks, the Acting Inspector General of Police, Usman Baba, commended the NDLEA for the number of seizures so far made.

He said any collaboration between the two organisations would be very beneficial, having seen the improvement and hard work put in by the Chairman in his 100 days in office.

“We want to assure the agency that we will always be ready to work and do anything to ensure use of illicit drugs and substances were curbed and reduced to the barest minimum.

“Anywhere you need our support, we will be available,” Baba told his host.&nbsp;

Chairman, NDLEA, retired, Brig. Gen. Buba Marwa, with the Acting Inspector General of Police, Usman Baba when he paid a courtesy visit to the Agency’s headquarters in Abuja. [Twitter/@ndlea-nigeria]

The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) has intercepted and seized 200 million kilogrammes of assorted drugs with a street value of over N80 billion, NDLEA chairman, retired Brig. Gen. Buba Marwa, has said.

NDLEA seizes over N80b worth of illicit drugs in 100 days - Marwa

<h1>Marwa stated this in his presentation on the National Drug Control Master Plan at the Commission on Narcotic Drugs conference taking place in Vienna, Austria.</h1>

He said the agency took the step because of the threat drugs posed to Nigeria’s national security.

In a statement signed by the Agency’s Director, Media and Advocacy, Mr Femi Babafemi, on Friday in Abuja, Marwa said Nigeria was traditionally considered a transit country for drug trafficking.

“Now, the problem is much bigger as different categories of drugs are produced, consumed and trafficked in the country.

“Drugs trafficked include: cannabis, cocaine, heroin and psychotropic substances, including methamphetamine and tramadol.

“Cannabis is cultivated in different parts of the country and there is evidence of methamphetamine producing laboratories.

“NDLEA has destroyed thousands of hectares of cannabis cultivated land as well as 18 methamphetamine manufacturing laboratories,” he said.

Marwa said a situation where the drug use prevalence in Nigeria was 14.4 per cent was unacceptable and as such every necessary step must be taken to reverse the trend.

He said the drug use prevalence in Nigerians aged between 15 and 64 years was approximately 15 per cent and it was three times the global drug use prevalence of 5.5 per cent.

“Cannabis used by 10.6 million Nigerians is the most commonly used drug followed by opioids with 4.6 million including tramadol.

“This is in addition to the fact that one in every five individuals using drugs is a woman and one in five who had used drug in the past year is suffering from drug user disorder,” he explained.

The NDLEA boss said the agency remained committed as Nigeria’s premier drug control agency with the mandate to “provide effective and efficient services to Nigerians.”

This, he said, was by cutting off the supply of and reducing the demand for illicit drugs and other substances of abuse, tracing and recovering drug related proceeds, and contributing to the creation and maintenance of an enviable image for the nation within the global community.

He explained that the essence of the National Drug Control Master Plan, (NDCMP), was comprehensive and balanced as it focused on drugs not only from law-and-order perspectives, but also as a public health and education issue.

“It provides balanced solutions to issues of drug demand and supply, and ensures access to controlled medicines for medical and scientific purposes.

“In developing the NDCMP 2021-2025, effort was made to ensure that the document is aligned and harmonised with the existing international and regional conventions.

“It also benefited from lessons learned from earlier phases of NDCMP, and good practices from Nigeria, West Africa and around the world.

“The NDCMP also contributes to achieving Sustainable Development Goal (SDG)-3 to ‘ensure healthy lives and promote well-being for all at all ages.

“To strengthen prevention and treatment of substance abuse, including narcotic drug abuse and harmful use of alcohol,” he added.&nbsp;

NDLEA chairman, Buba Marwa [Twitter/@ndlea_nigeria]

The Chairman, National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) retired, Brig. Gen. Buba Marwa, has justified the agency’s offensive action against illicit drugs’ production laboratories and farms.

Why NDLEA is going after illicit drugs’ production labs – Marwa

<h1>The Chairman, National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), retired Brig.-Gen. Buba Marwa, along with directors, men and officers at the national headquarters have presented themselves for drug integrity test.</h1>

The agency's Director Media and Advocacy, Femi Babafemi, announced this in a statement issued on Monday in Abuja.

Babafemi said that officials were taken unaware when upon resumption, the gates to the headquarters office were shut and everyone was asked to be in groups.

He added that a team of medical doctors led by Dr Vincent Udenze, a consultant in addiction psychiatry, administered the test.

In a remark, the NDLEA boss, shortly&nbsp;before he took his own test, said that the&nbsp;impromptu test was necessary to ensure that 'charity begins at home'.

"We cannot be asking others to undergo drug test without submitting ourselves for the same.

"Coming out clean and negative gives us the moral authority to conduct the test on others.

"The essence of also taking everyone by surprise and inviting external medical personnel to conduct the test is to further strengthen the validity of the exercise."

The test results released by the medical team showed that Marwa returned negative along with the secretary to the agency, Mr Shadrack Haruna, and other directors at the national headquarters of the NDLEA.

The top NDLEA officials tested negative according to results released by an external medical team.

'Charity begins at home,' as top NDLEA officials undergo impromptu drug test

<h1>Marwa said this during his inaugural address to staff of the agency on Monday in Abuja, insisting that it was the duty of the NDLEA to stop all forms of drug abuse in the country.</h1>

He said that NDLEA would be overhauled and expanded in line with the recommendations of the Presidential Advisory Committee for the Elimination of Drug Abuse (PACEDA).

“I want to reassure you all that your welfare will be given utmost attention; the outstanding issues of stagnation in rank, training and postings and due emoluments will be addressed as a priority.

“Also, operational and logistics inadequacies in the service will be looked into. Nigeria is the only country we have and we cannot fold our arms. We can, will and must eliminate the drug scourge.

“As the lead agency in the drug war in Nigeria, you are all too familiar with the extent of devastation that drug use had caused our nation,” Marwa said.

Marwa said the number of drug users in the country currently could be estimated to be more than 15 million people, going by the recent figures issued by the UN Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC) survey in 2018.

According to him, no fewer than 14.3 million Nigerians between the ages of 15 years and 64 years are found to be drug users; three times the global prevalence.

“We will put equal efforts in drug demand reduction as contained in the NDLEA act; we will develop a strategy of work to meet our objectives, following the National Drug Control Master plan 2021- 2025 to be released soon, as our roadmap.

“With my military background, you know what to expect; NDLEA will safeguard the nation and our youths from the drug menace, that is a task that must be done.

“I expect diligence at work and will not hesitate to penalise default, hard work will be rewarded; I would like to warn those who engage in the dastardly trade of importation, export, cultivation, processing, manufacturing, trafficking, sale and consumption of illicit substances to stop forthwith or be prepared to contend with the NDLEA,” he said.

President Muhammadu Buhari appointed Marwa as the new NDLEA chairman on Friday after the tenure of the agency’s former chairman, retired Col. Muhammad Abdallah’s expired.

Marwa had worked as Chairman, Presidential Advisory Committee for the Elimination of Drug Abuse (PACEDA) between 2018 and December 2019 alongside others to develop a blueprint on how to end drug abuse in Nigeria.

The Chairman, National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), retired Brig.-Gen. Buba Marwa, has promised to reposition the agency for efficient fight against illicit drug trafficking.

I will ensure efficiency of NDLEA — Marwa promises

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