Senate demands answers from NDLEA over allegations against deputy leader

The Senate on Monday invited the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) to substantiate the allegations against Oyelola Ashiru, Deputy Senate Leader.

Senate President Godswill Akpabio made this known after a closed session, questioning the timing of the NDLEA in leveling allegations against Ashiru, who had criticized the agency’s corruption.

Akpabio stressed that statements made by senators during the plenary are protected by immunity and should not be discussed by outsiders.

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He described Ashiru as a gentleman who does not even drink alcohol, expressing the Senate’s confidence in him.

However, the Senate has set up an ad hoc committee to monitor the matter and submit a report within a week.

READ ALSO: ‘NDLEA lied, no one was charged in court’ – Senator Ashiru denies drug trafficking charges

This follows Ashiru’s motion of urgent national interest, citing Orders 9, 10, 41 and 52 of the Standing Orders of the Senate.

Ashiru had earlier accused the NDLEA of corruption, prompting the agency to claim that it had recovered illegal drugs from his residence.

NDLEA Chairman, Brigadier General Buba Marwa refuted Ashiru’s claims, suggesting that his comments were motivated by personal revenge.

Reacting, Ashiru challenged the NDLEA to bring the perpetrators allegedly found in his house to justice.

He also attributed the agency’s attacks to his exposure to NDLEA corruption.

The Senate’s move underlines its commitment to protecting its members and ensuring accountability of outside agencies.

Akpabio stressed that the injury to one senator is an injury to all and necessitates a thorough investigation.