The Nigerian Senate has formed an Ad-hoc Committee to investigate charges of drug trafficking against Senator Oyelola Yisa Ashiru, who represents Kwara South Senatorial District.
The investigating committee was formed after Ashiru raised Order 42 of Senate Rules, which requires personal explanation, stating that the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency, NDLEA, accused him of complicity in drug trafficking, resulting in the arrest of some of his assistants.
Ashiru stated that the NDLEA’s allegations against him were bogus and unjustified, and that the agency was upset because he contributed to a proposed bill establishing a drug-related agency on Tuesday, October 15, 2024.
He encouraged the Senate to take action, claiming that the allegations violated his person and privilege as a sitting senator.
He explained: “Mr. Senate President, I fall under Order 42 – personal explanation. My personal reason is the NDLEA’s nasty reaction to my discussion on a measure that would establish a drug awareness and rehabilitation institute.
“I expressed my concern about this measure for numerous reasons. Because there is a lot of information from my district on the bad effects of drug consumption and trafficking, to the extent that one of my constituents has determined that in the last two years, he can count up to 50 people who have lost their sanity owing to consumption of drugs.
“They are also apparent instances of drug barons who make money by distributing drugs in my constituency and neighboring constituencies.
“We have witnessed an increase in drug-related criminality. Because of these and other reasons, I strongly advocated on the Senate floor that the Senate investigate the operation of the NDLEA and advise that the issue of corruption among operatives be investigated, to the point where, following debate, I supported the establishment of another agency to handle rehaibilitation.
“Mr. President, I am coming under Order 42 to clear Senator Ashiru of any involvement in drug distribution, as reported by the Daily Trust. I am now 68 years old and claim to be unable to distinguish cannabis or any other substance. Aside from water, I don’t use narcotics, drink coffee, or even consume fizzy beverages.”
