The Nationwide Drug Regulation Enforcement Company has secured 974 convictions for drug-related offences throughout Nigeria within the first quarter of 2026, together with 11 main traffickers who have been handed a mixed 254 years in jail.
Knowledge launched by the company confirmed that between January and March, 899 male and 75 feminine offenders have been convicted, with month-to-month figures rising steadily from 265 in January to 316 in February and 393 in March.
Among the many high-profile convictions was Italy-based businessman Adegbite Solomon, also called “Obama,” who was sentenced to 130 years in jail by the Federal Excessive Court docket in Lagos after being discovered responsible on a 15-count cost. The courtroom additionally ordered the forfeiture of his property, together with pharmacy shops and funds in a number of {bank} accounts.
In one other case, Ridwan Animashaun obtained a 25-year sentence in Ibadan, whereas Rauf Asogba and Seun Olaniyi have been every sentenced to 17 years in Abeokuta for trafficking giant portions of hashish.
Different convictions embrace Jonathan Nuhu, who was sentenced to fifteen years in Kano, and Idris Yusuf, who obtained a mixed 23-year sentence in Damaturu. A number of extra offenders have been handed seven-year jail phrases throughout numerous jurisdictions.
Reacting to the event, NDLEA Chairman, Buba Marwa, described the result as a significant milestone within the nation’s anti-drug marketing campaign.
“Securing 974 convictions in simply three months displays the willpower of our officers and the declining tolerance of the Nigerian state for drug retailers,” he stated.
Marwa recommended the judiciary for expediting drug-related instances and praised NDLEA operatives for his or her professionalism, noting that swift prosecution stays a essential deterrent to organised drug trafficking networks.
He additionally known as on Nigerians to help the company with credible intelligence, stressing that group cooperation is important in dismantling illicit drug operations.
The company reaffirmed its dedication to sustaining stress on traffickers by way of arrests, prosecution, and asset forfeiture as a part of efforts to fight substance abuse and organised crime.
By Michael Olugbode
Times Nigeria