The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency, NDLEA, has secured the conviction of 974 drug offenders nationwide within the first quarter of 2026, including 11 major traffickers sentenced to a combined 254 years in prison.
The agency disclosed this in a statement issued on Friday by its Director of Media and Advocacy, Femi Babafemi, in Abuja.
According to the statement, the convictions were recorded between January and March, with 265 cases in January, 316 in February and 393 in March.
Of the total, 899 were male while 75 were female.
Among the high-profile convictions is an Italy-based businessman, Adegbite Solomon, also known as Obama, who was sentenced by the Federal High Court in Lagos to a cumulative 130 years imprisonment after being found guilty on 15 counts bordering on drug offences.
The court ordered that the sentences run concurrently and also directed the forfeiture of his assets, including pharmacy outlets and funds in multiple bank accounts, to the Federal Government.
In a separate case, Ridwan Animashaun was sentenced to 25 years imprisonment by the Federal High Court in Ibadan, Oyo State, for drug trafficking.
He had previously been convicted for a similar offence in 2022.
Similarly, two other offenders, Rauf Asogba and Seun Olaniyi, were each handed 17-year jail terms by the Federal High Court in Abeokuta, Ogun State, after being convicted for trafficking large quantities of cannabis.
The court also sentenced Jonathan Nuhu and Idris Yusuf to 15 years imprisonment each in Kano and Yobe states respectively, with Yusuf receiving an additional eight-year term in a related case.
Other convicts handed seven-year jail terms include Godday Obizuo, Asabe Abubakar, Godwin Peter, Asuquo Christian and Olabode Sunday.
Reacting, NDLEA Chairman and Chief Executive Officer, Mohamed Buba Marwa, described the convictions as a significant milestone in the country’s fight against illicit drug trafficking.
He said the development sends a clear signal that the country is tightening enforcement against drug-related crimes and commended the judiciary for expediting the cases.
Marwa also praised NDLEA personnel for their efforts and urged members of the public to continue supporting the agency with credible information.
To officers, men and women of the Agency, he said, “Your bravery in the face of danger is yielding fruit. We will continue to prioritize your welfare and provide the tools needed to stay ahead of these criminal syndicates.”
11 drug kingpins bag 254 years in prison as NDLEA secures 974 convictions in 3 months
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