The Senate on Tuesday, October 22, 2024, set up an ad hoc committee to investigate allegations of drug trafficking against Senator Oyelola Ashiru, by the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency, NDLEA.

The panel, headed by former Minority Leader, Senator Enyinnaya Abaribe, is expected to report back within one week.

While the Senate did not explicitly state that the NDLEA would be summoned, the panel will likely engage with senior officials from the anti-drug agency during its investigation.

The investigative committee was formed following a motion raised by Senator Ashiru under Order 42 of the Senate Rules, which allows for a personal explanation.

Ashiru highlighted that the NDLEA accused him of involvement in drug trafficking, an allegation that led to the arrest of several of his aides.

Describing the allegations as baseless and unfounded, Ashiru suggested that the agency’s actions were retaliatory, following his contribution to a proposed bill on the establishment of a drug-related institute on Tuesday, October 15, 2024.

He urged the Senate to take action, stating that the accusations were an infringement on his person and privilege as a sitting senator.
|SituationReport|