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.
![](https://thenigerialawyer.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/TheNigerialawyer-WhatsApp-Channel1.jpg")
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.
_______________________________________________________________________
[A MUST HAVE] Evidence Act Demystified With Recent And Contemporary Cases And Materials
Available now for NGN 40,000 at ASC Publications, 10, Boyle Street, Onikan, Lagos. Beside High Court, TBS. Email publications@ayindesanni.com or WhatsApp +2347056667384. Purchase Link: https://paystack.com/buy/evidence-act-complete-annotation
______________________________________________________________________
ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE FOR LAWYERS: A COMPREHENSIVE GUIDE
Reimagine your practice with the power of AI “...this is the only Nigerian book I know of on the topic.” — Ohio Books Ltd
Authored by Ben Ijeoma Adigwe, Esq., ACIArb (UK), LL.M, Dip. in Artificial Intelligence, Director, Delta State Ministry of Justice, Asaba, Nigeria.
Bonus:
Get a FREE eBook titled “How to Use the AI in Legalpedia and Law Pavilion” with every purchase.
How to Order: 📞 Call, Text, or WhatsApp: 08034917063 | 07055285878 📧 Email: benadigwe1@gmail.com 🌐 Website: www.benadigwe.com
Ebook Version: Access directly online at: https://selar.com/prv626
______________________________________________________________________ “Bridging Theory And Courtroom Practice” — Hagler Sunny Okorie, Nathaniel Ngozi Ikeocha Unveil ‘Functional’ Tort Law Book For Nigerian Legal System
The book, titled The Law of Torts in Nigeria: A Functional Approach, authored by Professor Hagler Sunny Okorie Ph.D and Ikeocha, Nathaniel Ngozi Esq, offers law students, practitioners, and academics a comprehensive guide to understanding and applying tort law in Nigerian courts. Interested buyers can place orders via the following contact numbers: 08028636615, 08037667945, 08032253813, or +234 902 196 2209.
______________________________________________________________________
“Enhance Legal Practice With Authoritative Reports” — Alexander Payne Offers Comprehensive Law Reports, Spanning Over A Century Of Nigerian Jurisprudence
Interested buyers are encouraged to place their orders and enquiries via:
0704 444 4777, 0704 444 4999, 0818 199 9888
Website: www.alexandernigeria.com
