The Senate President, Godswill Akpabio, has called on the Senate to summon the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) and other relevant authorities to present concrete evidence supporting the drug-related accusations against Deputy Senate Leader Yisa Ashiru.
This follows allegations from the NDLEA after Ashiru criticized the agency during a Senate debate last week, labeling it as “the most corrupt and compromised agency.” The debate centered on a proposed bill to establish the National Institute for Drug Awareness and Rehabilitation.
In response, NDLEA spokesperson Femi Babafemi claimed that a raid on Ashiru’s residence in Kwara State uncovered drugs and resulted in the arrest of two of his aides, while another aide allegedly fled.
Babafemi stated, “The senator’s residence in Ilorin, Kwara State, was raided based on credible intelligence that it was being used as a drug hub, resulting in the seizure of illicit substances and the arrest of two aides.”
At Tuesday’s Senate session, Ashiru rejected the NDLEA’s accusations, describing them as baseless and politically motivated. Akpabio backed him, suggesting the claims were a response to Ashiru’s Senate comments. Akpabio argued that if there were any truth to the allegations, they should have been raised much earlier in Ashiru’s life.
“If the NDLEA believed Ashiru was involved in drug activity, they should have acted when he was much younger, not now at the age of 68, right after his speech on the Senate floor,” Akpabio said. He also questioned the timing of the NDLEA’s accusations, asserting that they seem retaliatory for Ashiru’s critique.
Akpabio emphasized that statements made during Senate debates are protected under parliamentary privilege and criticized the NDLEA for addressing the matter through the media. He proposed forming a six-member ad hoc committee to investigate the issue and demand proof from the NDLEA.
Ashiru, in his own defense, reiterated his innocence and expressed shock over the allegations, stating that he has never engaged in any form of drug activity, nor does he even consume alcohol or carbonated drinks.
The newly formed committee, led by Senator Enyinnaya Abaribe, is tasked with investigating the allegations and reporting back to the Senate. Akpabio warned that if the NDLEA fails to provide evidence, the Senate will take “drastic measures” to address the situation.
