NDLEA Secures 974 Convictions in 3 Months, 11 Drug Kingpins Jailed for 254 Years
The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) has recorded 974 convictions for drug-related offences between January and March 2026, including 11 high-profile drug kingpins who received a combined 254 years in prison, underscoring intensified efforts to dismantle trafficking networks across Nigeria.
A breakdown of the convictions shows that 899 of those sentenced are male, while 75 are female. Monthly figures indicate a steady rise in prosecutions, with 265 convictions secured in January, 316 in February, and 393 in March.
Among the most prominent convictions is that of Italy-based businessman Adegbite Solomon, also known as “Obama,” who was sentenced to a cumulative 130 years’ imprisonment by Justice Musa Kakaki of the Federal High Court in Lagos on March 18. The court found him guilty on a 15-count charge bordering on drug trafficking. Although the sentences are to run concurrently, the court also ordered the revocation of his pharmacy licence, forfeiture of two pharmacy outlets, and seizure of funds in three bank accounts.
In a separate case, Ridwan Animashaun, 32, was sentenced to 25 years in prison by Justice Nkenoye Evelyn Maha of the Federal High Court in Ibadan on February 26. Animashaun, a repeat offender, had previously been convicted in 2022 for a similar offence.
Two other traffickers, Rauf Asogba, 28, and Seun Olaniyi, 24, were each handed 17-year jail terms by Justice Abiodun Adeyemi of the Federal High Court in Abeokuta after being found guilty of trafficking 1,779 kilograms of cannabis.
Similarly, Jonathan Nuhu, 54, also known as “Doctor,” and Idris Yusuf, 40, received 15-year sentences in separate rulings delivered in Kano and Yobe states, respectively. Yusuf was additionally sentenced to another eight years in a related case.
Other convictions include several traffickers sentenced to seven years’ imprisonment across different jurisdictions, reflecting the agency’s nationwide enforcement reach.
Reacting to the development, NDLEA Chairman and Chief Executive Officer, Brig. Gen. Mohamed Buba Marwa (retd), described the convictions as a “watershed moment” in Nigeria’s fight against drug abuse and illicit trafficking.
He said the outcome sends a clear signal that the country is no longer a safe haven for drug traffickers, emphasizing that the swift dispensation of justice is a critical deterrent to criminal networks.
“Securing 974 convictions in just three months is a testament to the relentless efforts of our officers and the resolve of the Nigerian state to confront drug crimes decisively,” Marwa stated.
He commended the judiciary for expediting trials and praised NDLEA personnel for their commitment, assuring them of continued support and improved welfare. He also urged Nigerians to remain vigilant and continue providing intelligence to aid the agency’s operations.
The latest figures highlight a significant escalation in Nigeria’s anti-narcotics campaign, with authorities intensifying both enforcement and prosecution strategies to curb drug trafficking and its associated threats.
By TimesNG