By Adesakin Adefemi
A former councillor in the Orimedu area of Ibeju-Lekki Local Government Area, Lagos State, has been arrested by the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) over alleged possession of 40kg of cannabis. Sheleru Sadiq Olalekan, 45, who currently serves as a legislative aide, was apprehended on March 2 at his residence in Ilado, Ibeju-Lekki, following credible intelligence linking him to illicit drug sales.
According to NDLEA spokesperson, Femi Babafemi, operatives recovered 40 kilograms of skunk, a strain of cannabis, from one of the rooms in Sadiq’s residence.
In his statement, Sadiq admitted ownership of the exhibit and the property where it was recovered, confirming he had previously served two terms as a councillor representing Orimedu community. This arrest has raised eyebrows in the community, with many calling for swift justice.
The arrest is part of a broader crackdown on drug trafficking across Nigeria. NDLEA operatives have been working tirelessly to combat the menace, and this latest arrest is a significant breakthrough. The agency’s efforts have sent a strong message to would-be traffickers that Nigeria will not tolerate drug-related crimes.
In a statement, Babafemi said Sadiq’s arrest was a result of intelligence-led policing, which has become a hallmark of the NDLEA’s efforts to tackle drug-related crimes. “We will continue to work with our partners to ensure that Nigeria is a difficult place for drug traffickers,” Babafemi said.
The NDLEA has also intercepted large quantities of illicit drugs, including 122,000 pills of tramadol and 700 grams of methamphetamine in Yola, Adamawa state, and 500 pieces of improvised explosive device (IED) components in Niger state. These arrests have been widely praised by Nigerians, who are calling for more stringent measures to tackle the country’s drug problem.
Other recent arrests include Emeka Hyginus Okwor, a 32-year-old businessman, caught with 1,000 pills of tapentadol 250mg concealed inside baby diapers, and Mey Ali Muhamat, a 36-year-old Cameroonian, with a consignment of Colorado along the Kabba/Obajana highway in Kogi state. These arrests demonstrate the NDLEA’s commitment to tackling drug trafficking and abuse.
The agency’s Chairman, Brig. Gen. Mohamed Buba Marwa, commended officers involved in the operations, urging them to sustain efforts in combating drug abuse and trafficking. “We will not relent in our efforts to rid Nigeria of illicit drugs,” Marwa said.
The NDLEA has vowed to continue its crackdown on drug traffickers, warning that it will not hesitate to bring perpetrators to justice. The agency’s efforts have been praised by Nigerians, who are calling for more stringent measures to tackle the country’s drug problem.
As the NDLEA continues its crackdown, Nigerians are hoping that the agency’s efforts will lead to a significant reduction in drug-related crimes and a safer country for all. The agency’s next steps will be closely watched, and Nigerians are eager to see the outcome of these arrests.
