News Story:
The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) has recorded 974 convictions for drug-related offences nationwide between January and March 2026, marking a significant milestone in its enforcement efforts.
According to the agency, 11 of those convicted—identified as major drug kingpins—received a combined total of 254 years in prison.
The NDLEA’s Director of Media and Advocacy, Femi Babafemi, disclosed the figures in a statement issued on Friday in Abuja. He noted that 899 of the convicted individuals were men, while 75 were women, highlighting the continued dominance of male actors in the illicit drug trade.
A breakdown of the convictions shows 265 cases in January, 316 in February, and 393 in March.
Among the high-profile cases was that of Italy-based businessman Adegbite Solomon, also known as “Obama,” who was handed a cumulative 130-year prison sentence. He was tried on a 15-count charge before the Federal High Court in Lagos and found guilty on all counts. The court ordered that his sentences run concurrently and also directed the revocation of his pharmacy licence, alongside the forfeiture of business assets and funds in multiple bank accounts to the Federal Government.
In another case, a repeat offender, Ridwan Animashaun, 32, was sentenced to 25 years imprisonment by the Federal High Court in Ibadan in February, having previously served a one-year term in 2022 for a similar offence.
Similarly, Rauf Asogba, 28, and Seun Olaniyi, 24, each received 17-year prison terms after being convicted for trafficking 1,779 kilogrammes of skunk. The judgment was delivered by the Federal High Court in Abeokuta.
Additional convictions included Jonathan Nuhu, 54, and Idris Yusuf, 40, who were each sentenced to 15 years imprisonment in separate cases in Kano and Yobe States. Yusuf also received an extra eight-year sentence in a separate drug-related case.
Other offenders—Godday Obizuo, Asabe Abubakar, Godwin Peter, Asuquo Christian, and Olabode Sunday—were each handed seven-year prison terms for drug trafficking offences.
Reacting to the development, NDLEA Chairman, Buba Marwa, described the convictions of the 11 kingpins as a major breakthrough in the country’s fight against drug abuse and trafficking.
He said the large number of convictions within a short period demonstrates that Nigeria is no longer a safe haven for drug traffickers, adding that the lengthy prison sentences send a strong warning to those involved in the illegal trade.
Marwa commended the judiciary for ensuring speedy trials, noting that swift justice serves as a strong deterrent. He also praised NDLEA personnel for their dedication and called on Nigerians to continue supporting the agency with timely and credible information.
“These successes are made possible by citizens who provide vital intelligence for our operations,” he said.