.As Kingpins bag 254 years imprisonment

A MAJOR crackdown by the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) has resulted in the conviction of 974 drug offenders during the first quarter of 2026, including 11 high-profile kingpins sentenced to a combined total of 254 years in prison.

The figures, released on Friday by the agency, show a steady monthly increase in successful prosecutions, with 265 convictions secured in January, 316 in February, and 393 in March.

Of those sentenced, 899 are male and 75 are female.

Among those handed the heaviest sentences was Adegbite Solomon, a 42 year-old Italy-based businessman known as Obama.

Appearing before Justice Musa Kakaki at the Federal High Court in Lagos, the repeat offender was sentenced to a total of 130 years imprisonment on a 15 count charge.

A statement signed by the Director Media and Advocacy of the NDLEA, Femi Babafemi, indicate that although the sentences will run concurrently, the court ordered the revocation of Solomon’s pharmacy licence and the forfeiture of his business branches and bank funds to the Federal Government.

In Ibadan, Justice Nkenoye Evelyn Maha sentenced 32 year old Ridwan Animashaun to 25 calendar years for drug trafficking, noting his history as a repeat offender.

Similarly, one Rauf Asogba, 28 and Seun Olaniyi 24, were each handed 17 year jail terms in Abeokuta for trafficking 1,779 kilograms of skunk, a potent strain of cannabis.

Other significant sentences included 15 year terms for 54 year old Jonathan Nuhu, known as Doctor, in Kano, and 40 year-old Idris Yusuf in Yobe State.

Reacting to the landmark judicial breakthrough, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of the NDLEA, Brigadier General Mohamed Marwa (Rtd), hailed the judicial outcomes as a watershed moment in the Nigeria fight against narcotics.

He said “Securing 974 convictions in just three months is a testament to the relentless spirit of our officers and the thinning patience of the Nigerian state toward drug merchants.

“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 finally caught up with their greed.”

The NDLEA boss noted that the convictions send an unambiguous message that Nigeria is no longer a safe haven for those trading in illicit substances.

“The conviction of 974 offenders between January and March 2026 sends an unambiguous message that Nigeria is no longer a safe haven for those who trade in human lives and derive pleasure in destroying the lives of the nation’s youth,” he added.

Marwa also praised the judiciary for the accelerated hearing of the cases, asserting that swift justice serves as the most potent deterrent against criminal syndicates.

He urged the public to remain vigilant, noting that the agency’s successes are fuelled by intelligence provided by ordinary citizens.