Akpabio Defends Ashiru, Calls On NDLEA To Provide Evidence For Drug Allegations

Senate President Godswill Akpabio has called on the Senate to summon the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) and other relevant agencies to substantiate the drug-related accusations made against Deputy Senate Leader Yisa Ashiru. This follows allegations from the NDLEA that Ashiru’s residence in Kwara State was being used as a drug den, leading to the arrest of two of his aides.

The accusations surfaced after Ashiru, during a Senate debate last week, labeled the NDLEA as “the most corrupt and compromised agency” while discussing a bill to establish the National Institute for Drug Awareness and Rehabilitation. In response, NDLEA spokesperson Femi Babafemi issued a statement, alleging that Ashiru’s residence had been raided in the past based on credible intelligence, resulting in the arrest of two aides and the recovery of illicit substances.

During Tuesday’s plenary, Ashiru moved a motion of urgent national importance, describing the NDLEA’s claims as “mischievous and misleading,” and part of a retaliation for his critical comments on the Senate floor. He stressed that he had no involvement with drugs, citing his age and clean lifestyle, and called for an investigation into the NDLEA’s operations.

Senate President Akpabio criticized the timing of the NDLEA’s accusations, suggesting they were an attempt to undermine Ashiru’s credibility following his remarks on corruption within the agency. Akpabio also highlighted the constitutional immunity covering statements made on the Senate floor, adding that the NDLEA had never formally charged or invited Ashiru for questioning.

In response to Ashiru’s motion, the Senate constituted a six-member ad hoc committee, chaired by Senator Enyinnaya Abaribe, to investigate the allegations. Akpabio warned that if the NDLEA failed to substantiate its claims, the Senate would take “drastic action” against the agency, underscoring the seriousness of the issue.

Ashiru reiterated that his criticisms of the NDLEA were based on concerns from his constituency about the negative effects of drug trafficking and consumption, urging the Senate to address corruption within the agency to better tackle the drug crisis.