Senator Oyelola Ashiru, an APC senator representing Kwara South, has lashed out at the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) following accusations that linked him to illicit drugs.
The senator’s rebuttal comes in response to the NDLEA’s claims that a raid on his residence in Ilorin, Kwara State, uncovered illegal substances, a charge Ashiru has described as false and politically motivated.
In a sharp rebuke, the senator accused the NDLEA of failing in its responsibilities, suggesting that corruption within the agency has allowed criminals to continue their illegal activities unchecked.
“It is an open secret that many criminals, cultists, armed robbers, and drug addicts find their way back into business after bribing law enforcement officers,” Senator Ashiru declared in a statement issued by his Legislative Aide, Olaitan Adeyanju.
The heated exchange between the senator and the NDLEA follows Ashiru’s recent criticism of the agency during a session in the Senate, where he called out the NDLEA for what he described as rampant corruption.
In what appears to be a retaliatory move, the NDLEA accused Ashiru of being involved in drug-related activities, a claim the senator has vehemently denied.
Adeyanju further emphasized that the raid on Ashiru’s house yielded no incriminating evidence, accusing the NDLEA of concocting allegations without any legal backing.
“The entire house was searched, and nothing illegal was found. If any drugs were supposedly linked to individuals mentioned by the NDLEA, where is the court case? Have they been charged in any court of law?” he questioned.
The senator’s team also dismissed claims that Ashiru attempted to influence the NDLEA to drop charges against anyone linked to drug offences, branding the names presented by the NDLEA as unfamiliar and irrelevant to the senator.
“The NDLEA has a duty to take suspected individuals to court, rather than engaging in media trials and seeking public sympathy,” the statement read.
Senator Ashiru called on the NDLEA to focus on cleaning up its own internal corruption and prosecuting criminals rather than allowing them to return to illegal activities through bribery.