The NDLEA clarified that the lawmaker’s remarks were defamatory and baseless, adding that the agency had waited for the senator to clarify his comments but, in his failure to do so, felt compelled to respond.
Femi Babafemi, the Director of Media and Advocacy for the NDLEA, who was joined by the Area Commander, Narcotics, Offa, and the investigation team that raided a property linked to Senator Ashiru, emphasized that the senator’s remarks stem from personal grievances related to past NDLEA operations.
Babafemi detailed two notable raids, including one at the senator’s residence in Ilorin in February 2024, where illicit substances were discovered, and another raid in Offa in 2023, leading to the arrest of individuals connected to the senator for drug trafficking.
The NDLEA dismissed Senator Ashiru’s claims of corruption, pointing to the agency’s international accolades and support from global bodies such as the UK government, the US, and other countries for its efforts in combating drug abuse and trafficking.
The NDLEA concluded that Senator Ashiru’s statements were a gross abuse of his legislative position and reaffirmed its commitment to dismantling illicit drug networks, including those linked to the senator. The agency vowed to continue its work undeterred by politically motivated attacks.