Odita Sunday 
11 Drug Kingpins Jailed 254 Years As NDLEA Secures 974 Convictions In Three Months
By Odita Sunday
The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) says it has secured the conviction of 974 drug offenders nationwide within the first three months of 2026, including 11 major traffickers sentenced to a combined 254 years in prison.
In a statement on Friday signed by NDLEA Director of Media and Advocacy, Femi Babafemi, the agency described the development as a major breakthrough in Nigeria’s battle against illicit drug trafficking and substance abuse, warning criminal syndicates that the country is no longer a safe haven for narcotics operations.
A breakdown of the convictions showed that 899 of those jailed were men, while 75 were women. The agency recorded 265 convictions in January, 316 in February and 393 in March.
Among the high-profile convictions was Italy-based businessman, Adegbite Solomon, also known as Obama, who was sentenced to 130 years imprisonment by the Federal High Court in Lagos after being found guilty on 15 counts related to 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 funds in three bank accounts to the Federal Government.
Another convicted trafficker, Ridwan Animashaun, was sentenced to 25 years imprisonment by the Federal High Court in Ibadan, Oyo State, after being found guilty of drug trafficking. The court noted he had previously been convicted for a similar offence in 2022.
In Ogun State, Rauf Asogba and Seun Olaniyi were each handed 17-year jail terms after their arrest and prosecution over the trafficking of 1,779 kilograms of skunk.
Similarly, Jonathan Nuhu, also known as Doctor, was sentenced to 15 years imprisonment by the Federal High Court in Kano, while Idris Yusuf received 15 years in Yobe State, alongside an additional eight-year sentence in a separate case.
Other convicts handed seven-year prison terms include Godday Obizuo, Asabe Abubakar, Godwin Peter, Asuquo Christian and Olabode Sunday.
Reacting to the convictions, NDLEA Chairman and Chief Executive Officer, Brig.-Gen. Mohamed Buba Marwa (retd.), said the sentencing of the 11 kingpins marked a watershed in the nation’s anti-drug campaign.
He commended the judiciary for speeding up the hearing of cases, saying swift justice remains the strongest deterrent against drug cartels.
Marwa also praised NDLEA officers for their commitment and bravery, assuring them of continued welfare support and improved operational tools.
He urged Nigerians to remain vigilant and continue providing useful intelligence to security agencies, noting that public cooperation has been critical to the recent successes.
About the Author
