NDLEA records major breakthrough with 974 drug convictions in three months as 11 kingpins receive a combined 254-year jail term.

The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) has recorded a significant milestone in its fight against illicit drugs, securing 974 convictions nationwide within the first quarter of 2026.

Among those convicted are 11 major drug traffickers who were handed a combined prison sentence of 254 years.
According to data released by the agency, a total of 974 individuals were convicted for drug-related offences between January and March 2026. This number includes 899 male and 75 female offenders. A breakdown of the figures shows that 265 convictions were recorded in January, 316 in February, and 393 in March, indicating a steady rise in enforcement outcomes.
The convictions also involved 11 identified drug kingpins prosecuted in various divisions of the Federal High Court of Nigeria following NDLEA operations targeting drug trafficking networks and illegal distribution chains.
One of the most notable cases involved Italy-based businessman Adegbite Solomon, also known as “Obama,” who was sentenced by the Federal High Court in Lagos to a cumulative 130 years in prison after being found guilty on a 15-count charge. The court further ordered the revocation of his pharmacy licence, forfeiture of two pharmacy outlets, and seizure of funds in multiple bank accounts to the Federal Government.
In a separate case, 32-year-old Ridwan Animashaun was sentenced to 25 years in prison by the Federal High Court in Ibadan, Oyo State. He had previously been convicted for a similar drug offence in 2022, making him a repeat offender.
Likewise, two traffickers, Rauf Asogba and Seun Olaniyi, were each sentenced to 17 years imprisonment by the Federal High Court in Abeokuta, Ogun State, after being found guilty of trafficking 1,779 kilograms of cannabis (skunk).
Other notable convictions include Jonathan Nuhu, also known as “Doctor,” who received a 15-year sentence in Kano, and Idris Yusuf, who was sentenced to 15 years in Damaturu, Yobe State, along with an additional eight-year term in a related case.
Several other offenders across different jurisdictions were handed seven-year prison terms for various drug trafficking offences, highlighting what authorities describe as an intensified nationwide crackdown.
Reacting to the development, NDLEA Chairman and Chief Executive Officer, Buba Marwa, described the achievement as a major milestone in Nigeria’s ongoing war against illicit drugs. He noted that securing nearly 1,000 convictions within three months sends a strong warning to drug cartels operating across the country.
Marwa commended the judiciary for its swift handling of drug-related cases, emphasizing that timely justice serves as a key deterrent to organised crime. He also praised NDLEA operatives for their professionalism and bravery, while pledging continued investment in their welfare and operational capacity.
He further urged Nigerians to support the agency’s efforts by providing credible intelligence, stressing that community cooperation is essential in dismantling drug trafficking networks.
The NDLEA reaffirmed its commitment to sustaining pressure on drug cartels through arrests, prosecution, and asset forfeiture, as part of a broader national strategy to curb substance abuse and safeguard vulnerable populations.