The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) has secured the conviction of 974 drug offenders between January and March 2026, including 11 high-profile drug kingpins who were handed a combined 254 years imprisonment.
Papers News reports that the agency said the convictions reflect intensified efforts to dismantle drug trafficking networks and prosecute offenders across the country.
Convictions rise steadily across three months
A breakdown of the figures shows that 265 convictions were recorded in January, 316 in February, and 393 in March.
Out of the 974 convicted offenders, 899 were male while 75 were female, indicating a widespread crackdown across different demographics.
Among the top convictions was Italy-based businessman, Adegbite Solomon, also known as Obama, who received a total sentence of 130 years after being found guilty on 15 counts of drug-related offences.
Justice Musa Kakaki of the Federal High Court in Lagos delivered the judgment on March 18, ordering that the sentences run concurrently.
The court also revoked the convict’s pharmacy licence and ordered the forfeiture of his assets, including pharmacy outlets and funds in multiple bank accounts.
Another major conviction involved Ridwan Animashaun, who was sentenced to 25 years imprisonment by Justice Nkenoye Maha of the Federal High Court in Ibadan.
Animashaun had previously been convicted in 2022 for a similar offence.
Similarly, Rauf Asogba and Seun Olaniyi were each sentenced to 17 years imprisonment for trafficking large quantities of skunk.
Two other offenders, Jonathan Nuhu and Idris Yusuf, were handed 15-year jail terms, while several others received seven-year sentences across different jurisdictions.
Reacting to the development, NDLEA Chairman, Mohamed Buba Marwa, described the convictions as a major milestone in Nigeria’s fight against drug abuse and trafficking.
“Securing 974 convictions in just three months is a testament to the relentless spirit of our officers,” he said.
“To the 11 kingpins who thought they were untouchable, their 254-year collective residency in correctional centres is a firm reminder that the long arm of the law has caught up with them.”
Marwa commended the judiciary for the accelerated hearing of drug-related cases, noting that timely justice remains critical in deterring criminal syndicates.
He also praised NDLEA officers for their dedication and urged Nigerians to continue providing intelligence to support ongoing operations.
“These victories belong to citizens who provide the information that fuels our work,” he added.
The agency reaffirmed its commitment to intensifying enforcement actions, asset forfeiture, and prosecution of drug traffickers across the country.
