NDLEA Secures 974 Convictions, 254 Years for Kingpins

The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) reported securing 974 convictions between January and March 2026, reflecting intensified efforts to dismantle drug trafficking networks across Nigeria. This includes 11 high-profile drug kingpins who received a total of 254 years in prison.

The breakdown of convictions shows 265 in January, 316 in February, and 393 in March, with 899 males and 75 females convicted. Adegbit Solomon, an Italian businessman known as "Obama," received a 130-year sentence for 15 counts of drug-related offenses, with the judgment delivered by Justice Musa Kakaki of the Federal High Court in Lagos on March 18.

The court also revoked Solomon's pharmacy license and ordered the forfeiture of his assets. Ridwan Animashaun was sentenced to 25 years by Justice Nkenoy Maha in Ibadan for similar offenses.

Other notable sentences include Rauf Asogba and Seun Olaniyi, each receiving 17 years for trafficking large quantities of skunk. NDLEA Chairman Mohammed Buba Marwa described these convictions as a significant milestone in Nigeria's fight against drug abuse and trafficking.