Senator Ashiru responds, calling the NDLEA’s assertions deceptive.

Senator Oyelola Ashiru’s office has dismissed claims made by the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) regarding a raid on his residence. According to a statement released by Olaitan Adeyanju, Senator Ashiru’s legislative aide, the NDLEA’s press release on October 21, 2024, alleged that illegal drugs were found during a raid at the senator’s home in Ilorin, Kwara State. This accusation came shortly after Senator Ashiru had publicly criticized the NDLEA for corruption during a Senate session.

Adeyanju expressed disbelief over the timing of the NDLEA’s accusations, suggesting the agency was seeking justification for the claims after the senator’s Senate floor remarks. He further clarified that the senator never employed aides with the names mentioned by the NDLEA, nor did he send any representative to influence the dropping of any drug-related charges.

The statement emphasized that a thorough search of Senator Ashiru’s residence yielded no incriminating evidence, questioning why the individuals mentioned by the NDLEA were not charged in court. Adeyanju called on the agency to focus on prosecuting suspects in court rather than engaging in a media trial and accused the NDLEA of having corrupt elements within its ranks.

The statement reaffirmed Senator Ashiru’s commitment to serving his constituents in Kwara South and his advocacy for greater professionalism in Nigeria’s law enforcement agencies.