The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) has recorded a major enforcement breakthrough with the conviction of 974 drug offenders and the sentencing of 11 high-profile drug kingpins to a combined 254 years in prison within the first quarter of 2026.
According to the agency, the convictions—secured between January and March—reflect an intensified nationwide crackdown on drug trafficking networks. Of those convicted, 899 were men while 75 were women, with monthly figures showing 265 convictions in January, 316 in February, and 393 in March.
Among those jailed are 11 prominent drug traffickers whose cases drew significant attention due to the scale of their operations and the severity of their sentences.
Leading the list is 42-year-old Italy-based businessman Adegbite Solomon, also known as “Obama,” who was convicted on 15 counts by the Federal High Court in Lagos. Justice Musa Kakaki sentenced him to various jail terms totaling 130 years, alongside orders for the forfeiture of his pharmacy licences, business premises, and funds traced to his bank accounts. The sentences will run concurrently.
Another notable convict is 32-year-old Ridwan Animashaun, who received 25 years imprisonment for drug trafficking by the Federal High Court in Ibadan. He had previously served a one-year sentence for a similar offence.
In Ogun State, Rauf Asogba (28) and Seun Olaniyi (24) were each sentenced to 17 years imprisonment for trafficking 1,779 kilograms of skunk. In Kano, Jonathan Nuhu, also known as “Doctor,” was handed a 15-year sentence, while Idris Yusuf received 15 years plus an additional eight-year term in a related case.
Several others across different jurisdictions were sentenced to between seven and 15 years for various drug-related offences.
NDLEA Chairman, Brigadier General Mohamed Buba Marwa (retd.), described the outcome as a major milestone in Nigeria’s fight against drug abuse and trafficking. He said the 974 convictions within three months send a strong warning that the country is no longer a safe haven for drug syndicates.
Marwa commended the judiciary for expediting the cases, stressing that swift prosecution remains a key deterrent against drug crime. He also praised NDLEA operatives for their efforts, assuring continued support for their welfare and operational capacity.
He further urged Nigerians to support the agency with timely intelligence, noting that public cooperation remains crucial in dismantling drug networks nationwide.
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