NDLEA Secures 974 Convictions in 3 Months, 11 Drug Kingpins Jailed for 254 Years

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 between January and March 2026, including 11 high-profile drug kingpins sentenced to a combined 254 years in prison, in a sweeping crackdown on drug trafficking across Nigeria.

The agency disclosed that of the 974 convicted offenders, 899 are men while 75 are women. A monthly breakdown shows 265 convictions in January, 316 in February, and 393 in March, reflecting intensified enforcement and prosecution efforts nationwide.

Among the most prominent convictions is that of Italy-based businessman, Adegbite Solomon, popularly 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, 2026. He was found guilty on 15 counts of drug-related offences. 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.

Similarly, Ridwan Animashaun, 32, received a 25-year jail term from Justice Nkenoye Evelyn Maha of the Federal High Court in Ibadan on February 26, 2026, for drug trafficking. Animashaun had previously been convicted in 2022 for a similar offence.

In Ogun State, Justice Abiodun Adeyemi of the Federal High Court, Abeokuta, sentenced Rauf Asogba, 28, and Seun Olaniyi, 24, to 17 years imprisonment each on January 28, 2026, following their conviction for trafficking 1,779 kilograms of cannabis.

Other notable convictions include Jonathan Nuhu, also known as “Doctor,” who was sentenced to 15 years imprisonment by Justice Mohammed Nasir Yunusa in Kano, and Idris Yusuf, who received 15 years imprisonment from Justice Fatima Murtala Nyako in Yobe State, alongside an additional eight-year sentence in a separate case.

Several other offenders, including Godday Obizuo, Asabe Abubakar, Godwin Peter, Asuquo Christian, and Olabode Sunday, were each sentenced to seven years imprisonment for various drug trafficking offences across different parts of the country.

Reacting to the development, NDLEA Chairman and Chief Executive Officer, Brig. Gen. Mohamed Buba Marwa (retd), described the convictions as a major milestone in Nigeria’s fight against illicit drugs.

He said the sentencing of the 11 kingpins sends a clear signal that the country is no longer a safe haven for drug traffickers, adding that the agency’s success reflects the determination of its personnel and the support of the judiciary.

“Securing 974 convictions in just three months underscores the resolve of our officers and the Nigerian state’s zero tolerance for drug trafficking. The heavy sentences handed to these kingpins demonstrate that justice will catch up with those who profit from destroying lives,” Marwa stated.

He commended the judiciary for expediting drug-related cases, noting that swift justice remains a critical deterrent against criminal networks. Marwa also assured NDLEA officers of continued support and urged Nigerians to provide timely intelligence to aid ongoing operations.

The NDLEA said the latest convictions form part of broader efforts to dismantle drug syndicates, curb substance abuse, and safeguard communities across the country.