The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) has secured no fewer than 974 convictions of drug offenders across Nigeria in the first quarter of 2026, including 11 high-profile drug kingpins who were handed a combined total of 254 years in prison.
The agency’s spokesperson, Femi Babafemi, disclosed this in a statement issued on Friday, April 17, 2026, detailing the outcome of intensified nationwide operations targeting drug trafficking networks, asset forfeiture, and prosecution of offenders.
According to the statement, the convictions were recorded between January and March 2026, reflecting a significant escalation in the agency’s enforcement and prosecution efforts.
“No fewer than 974 offenders have been convicted and sentenced to various jail terms including 11 drug kingpins who bagged 254 years imprisonment in the first quarter of 2026,” the statement read.
A breakdown of the figures shows that 899 of the convicted offenders are male, while 75 are female. Monthly data indicates that 265 convictions were secured in January, 316 in February, and 393 in March, demonstrating a steady rise in enforcement outcomes over the three-month period.
Among the most notable convictions is that of Adegbite Solomon, also known as “Obama,” a 42-year-old Italy-based businessman. He was arraigned on a 15-count charge before the Federal High Court in Lagos.
Delivering judgment on March 18, Justice Musa Kakaki found him guilty on all counts and sentenced him to a cumulative 130 years in prison. Although the sentences are to run concurrently, the court also ordered the revocation of his pharmacy licence and the forfeiture of two branches of his pharmacy business, along with funds in three bank accounts to the Federal Government.
Another major conviction involved Ridwan Animashaun, a 32-year-old repeat offender. He was sentenced to 25 years imprisonment by Justice Nkenoye Evelyn Maha of the Federal High Court in Ibadan on February 26, 2026. Animashaun had previously been convicted in 2022 for a similar offence, highlighting concerns about recidivism among drug traffickers.
In Ogun State, two convicts — Rauf Asogba and Seun Olaniyi — were each sentenced to 17 years imprisonment by Justice Abiodun Jordan Adeyemi of the Federal High Court in Abeokuta. Their conviction followed their arrest by NDLEA operatives for trafficking 1,779 kilograms of skunk.
Similarly, two other offenders received 15-year jail terms each. They include Jonathan Nuhu, also known as “Doctor,” who was convicted in Kano by Justice Mohammed Nasir Yunusa, and Idris Yusuf, who was sentenced in Damaturu by Justice Fatima Murtala Nyako, alongside an additional eight-year sentence in a separate case.
Other convicts handed seven-year prison terms include Godday Obizuo, Asabe Abubakar, Godwin Peter, Asuquo Christian, and Olabode Sunday, all convicted in different parts of the country.
Reacting to the development, NDLEA Chairman and Chief Executive Officer, Mohamed Buba Marwa, described the convictions as a major milestone in Nigeria’s fight against drug abuse and trafficking.
He said the sentencing of 11 kingpins to a cumulative 254 years imprisonment sends a strong message that Nigeria is no longer a safe haven for drug traffickers.
“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,” Marwa stated.
“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,” he added.
Marwa also commended the judiciary for the speedy handling of drug-related cases, noting that swift justice serves as a powerful deterrent to criminal activities. He praised NDLEA officers for their dedication and bravery in tackling drug syndicates across the country.
He further assured that the agency would continue to prioritise the welfare of its personnel and provide the necessary tools to sustain the fight against illicit drug trafficking.
The NDLEA boss also called on Nigerians to remain vigilant and support the agency with credible intelligence, stressing that public cooperation is crucial to the success of its operations.
“These victories belong to the citizens who provide the intelligence that fuels our operations,” he said.
The latest figures underscore the Federal Government’s intensified crackdown on drug-related crimes and highlight ongoing efforts to dismantle trafficking networks, seize illicit assets, and prosecute offenders as part of a comprehensive national drug control strategy.
