3 hours ago
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,The Independent Crusade Against Corruption & Injustice (ICACI) has issued a seven-day ultimatum to the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) to publicly apologize for what it describes as “baseless” and “retaliatory” allegations against Senator Yisa Ashiru, Deputy Leader of the Senate.
ICACI’s statement comes in response to accusations from NDLEA spokesperson, Femi Babafemi, who recently alleged that Senator Ashiru’s residence in GRA, Ilorin, Kwara State, was used as a storage site for illicit drugs. The agency claimed it had conducted a raid on the Senator’s property following an intelligence tip, reportedly leading to the arrest of two of his aides, while a third aide allegedly escaped.
The allegations surfaced shortly after Senator Ashiru’s remarks in support of a bill seeking to establish the National Institute for Drug Awareness and Rehabilitation, a proposal that would shift responsibilities of rehabilitation and post-convict orientation of drug offenders from the NDLEA to the new institute.
During Senate proceedings, Senator Ashiru criticized the NDLEA as “the most corrupt and compromised agency,” highlighting a need for reform within Nigeria’s drug enforcement landscape.
In a statement made available to journalists in Abuja on Sunday, Dr. Guy Fredrick Abu, President of ICACI, accused the NDLEA of personal vendetta, alleging that the agency’s claims are intended to discredit the Senator for his legislative stance. Dr. Abu urged NDLEA Chairman, Gen. Buba Marwa (Rtd.), to apologize to Senator Ashiru and the National Assembly to prevent potential diplomatic embarrassment for Nigeria.
“The timing of these allegations, surfacing after the Senator’s vocal support for a bill the NDLEA opposes, raises serious questions. This appears to be an afterthought and a calculated attempt to silence a legislative figure who dared to challenge the NDLEA’s authority,” Dr. Abu stated.
He further noted that ICACI had conducted a preliminary investigation, concluding that the allegations were unfounded. “Senator Ashiru, a respected figure with an unblemished record, has been of upright character both at home and in Abuja. He is a 68-year-old man known for his integrity and sobriety, as verified by two of his former classmates whom we consulted in our investigation.”
Dr. Abu questioned why the NDLEA, if in possession of credible evidence, waited until Senator Ashiru was elected and assumed office as a Principal Officer before disclosing the claims. “If there was any truth to these allegations, why has the agency kept it hidden for over three years?” he asked.
ICACI warned that if the NDLEA fails to issue a formal apology within seven days, the organization will mobilize a nationwide protest, urging citizens to occupy the NDLEA’s headquarters until the agency retracts its statements and restores Senator Ashiru’s reputation.
