Senator Oyelola Ashiru, representing Kwara South and the Deputy Senate Leader, has confirmed that the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) raided his Ilorin residence in February, but insists that no hard drugs or illicit substances were found during the operation.
The senator made this clarification in a statement released on Monday by his legislative aide, Olaitan Adeyanju, following claims made earlier by the NDLEA that drugs were discovered in his home during the raid.
The NDLEA had earlier responded to Senator Ashiru’s criticism of the agency, in which he alleged that the NDLEA had become ineffective and compromised.
The senator’s comments were made during a Senate debate on a bill to establish the National Institute for Drug Awareness and Rehabilitation.
In the statement, Senator Ashiru reiterated that his home was thoroughly searched by NDLEA operatives, but nothing incriminating was found.
“The entire house was searched, and nothing incriminating was found. If any drugs were found on certain persons mentioned by the NDLEA, it is rational to ask at which court of law the culprits were charged,” the statement reads.
The senator further distanced himself from individuals allegedly involved in the incident, stating that the names mentioned by the NDLEA, including Ibrahim Mohammed and Mohammed Yahaya, do not work for him directly or indirectly.
“As a matter of fact, Senator Ashiru never employed any aide bearing Ibrahim Mohammed and Mohammed Yahaya as bandied by NDLEA,” the statement added.
Ashiru also refuted claims that he attempted to influence the NDLEA to drop drug allegations against anyone, specifically mentioning that he had no connection to an individual named Tosin Odepidian, as suggested by the NDLEA.
The senator criticized the NDLEA for engaging in what he called a “media trial” and urged the agency to charge any suspects to court rather than making unverified public allegations.
“The NDLEA has the duty to take anyone suspected of drug dealing to court rather than name-calling and engaging in media trial,” Ashiru stated.
The senator concluded by urging the NDLEA to address internal issues and rid itself of corrupt officers, rather than seeking “cheap publicity.” He reaffirmed his commitment to serving the people of Kwara South and promoting professionalism among law enforcement agencies.
