The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) has recorded a major breakthrough in its fight against drug trafficking, securing 974 convictions between January and March 2026, including 11 high-profile drug kingpins sentenced to a combined 254 years in prison.
According to a statement issued on Friday by the agency’s Director of Media and Advocacy, Femi Babafemi, the convictions reflect an intensified crackdown on drug traffickers and their collaborators across the country. Of the total convictions, 899 were male offenders while 75 were female. A monthly breakdown shows 265 convictions in January, 316 in February, and 393 in March.
Among the convicted kingpins is Italy-based businessman, Adegbite Solomon, also known as “Obama,” who was sentenced to a total of 130 years imprisonment by Justice Musa Kakaki of the Federal High Court in Lagos on March 18, 2026. The court found him guilty on 15 counts of drug-related offences. Although the sentences will run concurrently, the court also ordered the revocation of his pharmacy license and the forfeiture of assets, including pharmacy outlets and funds in bank accounts, to the Federal Government.
In a separate case, Ridwan Animashaun, 32, received a 25-year sentence from Justice Nkenoye Evelyn Maha of the Federal High Court in Ibadan on February 26, 2026, for drug trafficking offences. Animashaun had previously been convicted in 2022 for a similar offence.
Other notable convictions include Rauf Asogba, 28, and Seun Olaniyi, 24, who were each sentenced to 17 years imprisonment by the Federal High Court in Abeokuta for trafficking 1,779 kilograms of skunk. Similarly, Jonathan Nuhu, also known as “Doctor,” and Idris Yusuf were each handed 15-year jail terms in separate cases, with Yusuf receiving an additional eight-year sentence in another related offence.
Several other offenders, including Godday Obizuo, Asabe Abubakar, Godwin Peter, Asuquo Christian, and Olabode Sunday, were each sentenced to seven years imprisonment for drug trafficking offences in different parts of the country.
Reacting to the development, NDLEA Chairman and Chief Executive Officer, Mohamed Buba Marwa, described the convictions as a watershed moment in Nigeria’s war against illicit drugs.
“Securing 974 convictions in just three months is a testament to the relentless spirit of our officers and the growing resolve of the Nigerian state against drug traffickers,” Marwa said. “The sentencing of 11 kingpins to a combined 254 years in prison sends a clear message that Nigeria is no longer a safe haven for those who profit from the destruction of lives.”
He commended the judiciary for the speedy handling of cases, noting that swift justice remains the most effective deterrent against drug-related crimes. Marwa also praised NDLEA officers for their dedication and urged Nigerians to continue providing intelligence to support ongoing operations.
The agency reaffirmed its commitment to intensifying enforcement efforts and dismantling drug syndicates nationwide.
