The Senate on Tuesday set up an ad hoc committee to investigate alleged corrupt practices in the Nigeria Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) as raised by Senator Oyelola Ashiru (APC, Kwara).

The committee is also to probe the allegations of drug peddling against Ashiru and ensure that the NDLEA provides sufficient proof, failure of which will attract drastic action from the Senate.

The resolution emerged just 24 hours after the NDLEA disclosed that Ashiru’s house was used to warehouse illicit drugs.

The NDLEA also claimed that Ashiru’s recent attack was borne out of vendetta rather than national interest, adding that some of the aides of the lawmaker were arrested in the raid on his residence and are currently being prosecuted, with one of them already sentenced to jail.

Adopting a motion raised by Ashiru in the hallowed chamber, the Senate set up a six-member committee led by Senator Eyinnaya Abaribe (APGA, Abia South). The Senate charged the leadership of the NDLEA to urgently appear to explain the allegations of corrupt practices against it.

But ahead of the committee’s investigation, the Senate condemned the NDLEA for allegedly breaching Ashiru’s rights and privileges.

President of the Senate, Godswill Akpabio, said: “I believe the NDLEA’s actions are in response to his comments during the debate on the rehabilitation centre for drug users. If the NDLEA truly thought he was a drug baron, they should have acted long ago, not now, after his Senate contributions.”

On the alleged breach of Ashiru’s privileges by the NDLEA, Akpabio stated: “Nigerians may not be aware, but everything said in the Senate is privileged and immune from external debate, whether on radio or TV.”

He noted that Senator Ashiru has never been charged or invited by the NDLEA, adding that the Senate see him as a gentleman who does not consume alcohol, let alone drugs.

Calling on other lawmakers to rally around Ashiru against the NDLEA, Akpabio stressed that the agency must be called to order, noting that an “Injury to one is injury to all.”

He added: “I propose we set up an ad hoc committee to investigate the NDLEA’s allegations against Senator Ashiru. If they fail to provide justification, the Senate will take drastic action.”

In response to the allegations, Ashiru vehemently denied any involvement in drug peddling. He added that the claims seem to stem from his recent Senate contributions and are an attempt to undermine his credibility and participation in debates.

He said, “I wish to clear myself of allegations claiming that I, Senator Ashiru, am involved in drug distribution. I categorically deny these accusations. At 68 years old, I have never consumed drugs, alcohol, or even carbonated drinks. I am simply a man who drinks water and eats normal food.

“These baseless claims seem to have arisen from my contributions in the Senate on October 15, 2024. This publication is an attempt to subvert free debate in the Senate and malign my credibility. The NDLEA’s allegations are unfounded and aim to impede my ability to participate in debates.”