The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency has secured 974 convictions for drug-related offences across Nigeria in the first quarter of 2026, including 11 major traffickers who were handed a combined 254 years in prison.
Data released by the agency showed that between January and March, 899 male and 75 female offenders were convicted, with monthly figures rising steadily from 265 in January to 316 in February and 393 in March.
Among the high-profile convictions was Italy-based businessman Adegbite Solomon, also known as “Obama,” who was sentenced to 130 years in prison by the Federal High Court in Lagos after being found guilty on a 15-count charge. The court also ordered the forfeiture of his assets, including pharmacy outlets and funds in multiple bank accounts.
In another case, Ridwan Animashaun received a 25-year sentence in Ibadan, while Rauf Asogba and Seun Olaniyi were each sentenced to 17 years in Abeokuta for trafficking large quantities of cannabis.
Other convictions include Jonathan Nuhu, who was sentenced to 15 years in Kano, and Idris Yusuf, who received a combined 23-year sentence in Damaturu. Several additional offenders were handed seven-year prison terms across various jurisdictions.
Reacting to the development, NDLEA Chairman, Buba Marwa, described the outcome as a major milestone in the country’s anti-drug campaign.
“Securing 974 convictions in just three months reflects the determination of our officers and the declining tolerance of the Nigerian state for drug merchants,” he said.
Marwa commended the judiciary for expediting drug-related cases and praised NDLEA operatives for their professionalism, noting that swift prosecution remains a critical deterrent to organised drug trafficking networks.
He also called on Nigerians to support the agency with credible intelligence, stressing that community cooperation is vital in dismantling illicit drug operations.
The agency reaffirmed its commitment to sustaining pressure on traffickers through arrests, prosecution, and asset forfeiture as part of efforts to combat substance abuse and organised crime.
By Michael Olugbode
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