Ashiru's Drug Trafficking Scandal: Senate Launches Investigation

Nigerian Senator Embroiled in Drug Trafficking Controversy

“We have observed that there are increase in drug related crime...”

Nigerian Senator Oyelola Ashiru Faces Drug Trafficking Allegations: Senate Launches Investigation

Nigerian Senator Oyelola Ashiru, representing Kwara South, is facing drug trafficking allegations from the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA). Ashiru invoked Order 42 of the Senate Rules to address the claims, stating that several of his aides were arrested. He strongly denied the allegations, calling them baseless and unfounded, and attributed the NDLEA's accusations to his involvement in a proposed bill for a drug-related agency on October 15, 2024.

The Senate has swiftly responded by establishing an ad-hoc committee, led by Senator Enyinnaya Abaribe, to investigate these allegations. The committee is tasked with reporting back within one week. Ashiru urged the Senate to take decisive action, emphasizing that his rights and privileges as a sitting senator are being infringed upon.

Investigation Details:

Committee Lead: Senator Enyinnaya Abaribe

Reporting Deadline: One week

Allegations: Drug trafficking

Accusation Source: National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA)

Ashiru's Response: Denial, citing allegations as baseless and unfounded.

“Mr Senate President, I come under Order 42- personal explanation. My personal explanation is NDLEA's malicious reaction to my debate on a bill seeking to establish an institute on drug awareness and rehabilitation,” Ashiru said.

“I expressed my concern on this bill for so many reasons. For the reason that there are a lot of information from my constituency on the negative effect of drug consumption and trafficking to the extent that one of my constituents has ascertained that in the last two years, he can count up to 50 people who have lost their sanity due to consumption of drugs.

“Equally, they are visible examples of drug barons who are making money through distribution of drugs in my constituency and other constituencies too.

“We have observed that there are increase in drug related crime. Because of these and many other reasons, I strongly contributed on the floor of the Senate that the Senate should look into the operation of NDLEA and advise that issue of corruption among operatives should be looked into to the extent that after debate, I supported the establishment of another agency that will take care of rehabilitation.

“Mr President, I come under Order 42 to clear insinuation published especially by Daily Trust that Senator Ashiru is involved in distribution of drugs. In my life, I am 68 years now, I assert that I cannot even identify cannabis or any drug. Beyond taking water, I don't do drugs, I don't drink caffeine, I don't even take carbonated drinks.”