Senate constitues panel to investigate NDLEA’s drug trafficking allegations against Ashiru
By Bala Salihu Dawakin kudu. On Oct 22, 2024
The Senate has set up a six-member ad-hoc committee to investigate allegations against Senator Oyelola Ashiru, representing Kwara South, after his home was reportedly raided by the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), which claims to have found illicit drugs.
This move follows a heated Senate session where Senator Ashiru criticized the NDLEA as “the most corrupt and compromised agency” during a debate on the Bill to establish the National Institute for Drug Awareness and Rehabilitation.
Senator Ashiru accused the NDLEA of witch-hunting, claiming that the agency’s recent press statement targeting him was in retaliation for his remarks during Senate proceedings. He described the accusations as an attempt to undermine his parliamentary privileges and suppress open debate on national issues.
The Senate President, expressing reservations about the timing of the NDLEA’s accusations, refrained from making premature conclusions. The Senate has tasked the its allegations and is expected to present its findings and recommendations within a week, after which the Senate will decide on appropriate actions.
