Senate President Godswill Akpabio has called for the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) and other relevant bodies to substantiate the drug-related allegations against Deputy Senate Leader Yisa Ashiru.
The controversy began after Ashiru, during a debate last week on a bill to establish the National Institute for Drug Awareness and Rehabilitation, criticized the NDLEA as “the most corrupt and compromised agency.” In response, the NDLEA issued a statement alleging that Ashiru’s residence in Kwara State had been raided following intelligence reports that it was being used as a hub for drug activity.
NDLEA spokesperson Femi Babafemi claimed that two of Ashiru’s aides were arrested during the raid, while a third managed to escape. “Drugs and illicit substances were recovered from the senator’s house in GRA, Ilorin, based on credible surveillance that confirmed it was being used as a drug joint,” Babafemi stated.
During Tuesday’s plenary session, Akpabio dismissed the NDLEA’s allegations, describing them as retaliatory. He noted, “It seems this is a personal vendetta tied to the senator’s earlier comments about the agency.”
The Senate subsequently formed a six-member ad hoc committee to investigate the matter. The committee, led by Senator Enyinnaya Abaribe (APGA, Abia South), includes Senators Kaka Shehu (APC, Borno Central), Ireti Kingibe (LP, FCT), Afolabi Salisu (APC, Ogun Central), Ede Dafinone (APC, Delta Central), and Lawal Usman (PDP, Kaduna Central).
Akpabio criticized the timing of the allegations, remarking, “If the NDLEA thought you were involved in drug-related activities, they should have arrested you years ago—not at 68, right after you made statements on the Senate floor.”
He further cautioned against using parliamentary debates to fuel external narratives. “Statements made in the Senate are protected by parliamentary immunity. It’s unacceptable that these remarks are being debated on television and radio,” he said. “To the best of our knowledge, you [Ashiru] have never been charged by the NDLEA, and in fact, you are known to abstain from alcohol.”
Akpabio also warned the NDLEA to justify its allegations or risk facing sanctions from the Senate. “If the agency cannot support its claims, we will be forced to take drastic action,” he added. “Injury to one is injury to all.”
Earlier, Ashiru had addressed the Senate, describing the NDLEA’s allegations as “mischievous and misleading.” He explained that his criticism of the agency was based on concerns raised by his constituents about drug-related issues. “In the last two years alone, I have seen 50 cases of people losing their sanity due to drug use,” Ashiru said.
He reaffirmed his support for the proposed bill, explaining that his intent was to highlight the need for reform and improved accountability within the NDLEA. “I advocated for the Senate to investigate the agency and curb corruption among its officials,” he noted.
Ashiru also sought to clear his name, saying, “I do not consume alcohol, drugs, or even carbonated drinks. I am 68 years old and wouldn’t know how to identify cannabis or any other drug.” He concluded by urging the Senate to protect members from what he described as “malicious attempts to stifle free debate.”
The Senate’s probe aims to determine the validity of the NDLEA’s allegations and assess whether the agency’s response was appropriate or motivated by personal interests.
