A recent bill introduced by Senator Hanga Rufa’i has caused a heated dispute between Senator Lola Ashiru and the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA). The bill, which seeks to establish an institute for the rehabilitation of drug addicts and to raise awareness about drug abuse, has ignited serious tensions within the Nigerian Senate, leading to accusations and counter-accusations that could have wide-reaching consequences.
On Tuesday last week, Senator Hanga Rufa’i, who represents Kano Central and serves as the Deputy Minority Whip of the Senate, presented a bill for the second reading in the Senate. The bill proposes the creation of an Institute specifically aimed at providing rehabilitation for drug addicts and spreading awareness about the dangers of drug abuse. Senator Hanga argued that drug abuse had become a serious driver of criminal activity in Nigeria, and that the establishment of a dedicated institute would address this growing concern.
In his remarks, Senator Hanga pointed out that the bill’s objective is not just about rehabilitating individuals struggling with drug abuse but also about raising awareness regarding drug trafficking and its severe impact on society. He emphasized the urgent need for additional efforts to tackle the drug problem, which, according to him, has reached alarming levels in Nigeria.
The bill was expected to stir debate, and it certainly did. While some Senators voiced their support for the bill, others expressed strong opposition. Among the supporters was Senator Lola Ashiru, who serves as the Deputy Leader of the Senate and represents Kwara South.
In his contribution to the debate, Senator Ashiru expressed strong support for the proposed Institute. He argued that the NDLEA, the government agency currently tasked with tackling drug abuse and trafficking, was failing in its duties. According to Ashiru, the NDLEA was corrupt and compromised, which made the establishment of the new Institute a much-needed step in addressing the drug problem in the country.
Senator Ashiru’s comments were blunt and direct, as he openly criticized the NDLEA for its inability to effectively deal with the escalating drug issue. He suggested that the agency had lost its credibility and that the proposed Institute would be an improvement. His comments did not sit well with the NDLEA, which responded quickly and sharply.
Six days after Senator Ashiru’s remarks, the NDLEA fired back with serious allegations against him. At a press conference in Abuja, Femi Babafemi, the NDLEA’s Director of Media and Advocacy, accused Senator Ashiru of harboring a personal vendetta against the agency. According to Babafemi, Ashiru’s statements were not based on any genuine concern for the welfare of the public but rather a reaction to past interactions between the Senator and the agency.
Babafemi revealed that the NDLEA had previously conducted a raid on Senator Ashiru’s house in Ilorin, the capital of Kwara State, where drugs and illicit substances were allegedly found. The raid, which took place in February 2024, led to the arrest of two of Ashiru’s aides, Ibrahim Mohammed and Muhammed Yahaya. Babafemi also claimed that Senator Ashiru’s home in Offa, his hometown, was a known location where illicit drugs were being sold and distributed. A separate raid in Offa in June 2023 led to the arrest of one of Ashiru’s associates, Oluwatosin Odepidan, who was reportedly found in possession of methamphetamine and cannabis.
The NDLEA went on to allege that Senator Ashiru had attempted to interfere in the legal process by trying to prevent charges from being pressed against Odepidan, even sending his personal assistant to the Kwara State NDLEA office in an attempt to influence the case. Babafemi suggested that this background explained why Ashiru had made such negative remarks about the NDLEA, framing his statements as retaliation for the agency’s previous actions against him and his associates.
In response to the NDLEA’s accusations, Senator Ashiru issued a strong rebuttal through a statement signed by his legislative aide, Olaitan Adeyanju. In the statement, Ashiru denied all allegations made by the NDLEA, labeling them as false and without merit. He accused the NDLEA of trying to discredit him in retaliation for his critical remarks about the agency.
Senator Ashiru rejected the claim that drugs had been found during the raid on his Ilorin home, stating that nothing incriminating was found. He also denied any involvement with the aides mentioned by the NDLEA, asserting that he had never employed individuals named Ibrahim Mohammed or Muhammed Yahaya. Furthermore, he denied having any connection to the individual arrested in Offa, Oluwatosin Odepidan, and firmly rejected the idea that he had attempted to influence the NDLEA’s investigation.
Ashiru also criticized the NDLEA for engaging in a “media trial” instead of properly addressing drug-related offenses in a court of law. He accused the agency of attempting to tarnish his reputation without evidence and called on the NDLEA to focus on its internal issues. Ashiru also pointed out that corruption and inefficiency within the agency could explain the continued prevalence of crime and drug abuse in the country, suggesting that the NDLEA needed to clean up its own ranks before blaming others.
The clash between Senator Ashiru and the NDLEA has raised serious concerns about the state of law enforcement in Nigeria, particularly regarding the fight against drug abuse. The NDLEA is a critical agency in the country’s efforts to combat the widespread drug problem, but the accusations of corruption and inefficiency against it cannot be ignored. On the other hand, the allegations made by the NDLEA against Senator Ashiru paint a troubling picture of possible involvement in drug-related activities, though these claims have been denied by the Senator.
Given the seriousness of the accusations on both sides, it is possible that the Nigerian Senate may intervene in this matter. Since Senator Ashiru made his comments about the NDLEA within the protected environment of the Senate, where legislators enjoy certain immunities, the Senate could choose to investigate the allegations further. It remains to be seen whether the Senate will take any formal action, but with tensions running high, an inquiry or mediation may be necessary to resolve the dispute and restore confidence in the country’s anti-drug efforts.
The conflict between Senator Lola Ashiru and the NDLEA is a complex and sensitive issue that underscores the challenges Nigeria faces in dealing with drug abuse and trafficking. While the proposal for a new Institute to tackle drug problems may be a step in the right direction, the ongoing feud between the Senator and the NDLEA raises questions about the effectiveness of current drug law enforcement efforts and the integrity of those tasked with overseeing them. This situation is far from resolved, and it remains to be seen how it will affect the fight against drug abuse in Nigeria.
