By Gabriel Ameh
Abuja, Nigeria — The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) has recorded a major enforcement breakthrough with 974 drug trafficking convictions secured between January and March 2026, including 11 high-profile drug kingpins collectively sentenced to 254 years in prison.
According to NDLEA spokesperson Femi Babafemi, the convictions comprised 265 cases in January, 316 in February, and 393 in March. Of those convicted, 899 were males and 75 were females.
Among the convicted offenders is a notorious Italy-based businessman, Adegbite Solomon, also known as “Obama,” who was sentenced to a total of 130 years in prison by the Federal High Court in Lagos for multiple drug trafficking charges.
The court also ordered the revocation of his pharmacy license and the forfeiture of his business assets and bank accounts to the Federal Government.
Another convict, Ridwan Animashaun, received a 25-year sentence from the Federal High Court in Ibadan for drug trafficking, marking his second conviction for similar offences.
In Ogun State, Rauf Asogba and Seun Olaniyi were each sentenced to 17 years in prison for trafficking 1,779 kilograms of cannabis. In Kano and Yobe States, Jonathan Nuhu and Idris Yusuf were each handed 15-year sentences for drug-related offences, with Yusuf also receiving an additional eight-year sentence in a separate case.
Other offenders across different jurisdictions received seven-year prison terms for various drug trafficking offences.
Reacting to the convictions, NDLEA Chairman and Chief Executive, Brig. Gen. Mohamed Buba Marwa (Rtd), described the development as a major milestone in Nigeria’s fight against drug abuse and trafficking.
He said the 974 convictions within three months demonstrate the agency’s intensified enforcement efforts and the growing intolerance of the Nigerian justice system toward drug crimes.
Marwa commended the judiciary for ensuring swift prosecution of cases, noting that timely justice remains a strong deterrent to drug syndicates.
He also praised NDLEA operatives for their courage and commitment, assuring that the agency remains focused on strengthening operational capacity and welfare support.
The NDLEA boss urged Nigerians to continue supporting the agency with credible intelligence, stressing that the fight against drug trafficking is a collective responsibility.
