In a landmark achievement for Nigeria’s war on drugs, the NDLEA secured 974 convictions in the first quarter of 2026, including 11 kingpins sentenced to a combined 254 years in prison. This judicial victory follows an intensified crackdown on drug syndicates, involving massive arrests and asset forfeitures.
However, those convicted between January and March—comprising 899 males and 75 females—the momentum grew monthly, rising from 265 convictions in January to 393 by March.
In an official statement released Friday, April 17, the Agency’s Director of Media and Advocacy, Femi Babafemi, confirmed:
”Top on the list of the 11 drug kingpins who were successfully prosecuted and convicted within the period include a notorious Italy-based 42-year-old businessman, Adegbite Solomon (a.k.a Obama) who was arraigned on 15-count charge before Justice Musa Kakaki of the Federal High Court Lagos in suit number: FHC/L/851C/2025. Delivering his ruling on the matter on 18th March, Justice Kakaki convicted the repeat offender on all 15 counts and sentenced him to a total of 130 years in prison.”
The statement further affirmed: “Specifically, Justice Kakaki sentenced Adegbite to 15 years’ imprisonment on count 1; 15 years on count 2; 15 years on count 3; 15 years on count 4; 15 years on count 5; 15 years on count 6; 10 years on count 7; four years on count 8; four years on count 9; four years on count 10; four years on count 11; four years on count 12; and 10 years on count 15.”
While the prison terms are to run concurrently, the trial judge further ordered the revocation of the convict’s pharmacy license and the forfeiture of two pharmacy branches. Additionally, funds across his three bank accounts were forfeited to the Federal Government. In a separate victory, another major kingpin, 32-year-old Ridwan Animashaun, was handed a lengthy prison sentence by Justice Nkenoye Evelyn Maha at the Federal High Court, Ibadan, following his arraignment by the NDLEA in suit FHC/IB/97C/2025.
In a decisive judgment delivered on February 26, 2026, Justice Maha sentenced Animashaun to 25 calendar years for drug trafficking. A repeat offender, Animashaun was previously sentenced to one year in prison on July 15, 2022, by Justice Uche Agomoh, following his initial arrest by the NDLEA along the Lagos-Ibadan Expressway.
Similarly, two other convicts handed significant prison terms are Rauf Asogba, 28, and Seun Olaniyi, 24, who were each sentenced to 17 years in jail by Justice Abiodun Jordan Adeyemi of the Federal High Court, Abeokuta. Their conviction on January 28, 2026, followed an NDLEA crackdown that saw them charged in suit FHC/AB/160C/2025 for trafficking a staggering 1,779 kilograms of skunk.
Another pair of convicts secured 15-year prison terms each. They include 54-year-old Jonathan Nuhu (a.k.a. Doctor), who was convicted by Justice Mohammed Nasir Yunusa of the Federal High Court, Kano, on March 17, 2026, following his arraignment by the NDLEA in charge FHC/KN/CR/96/2023. Joining him is 40-year-old Idris Yusuf, who was sentenced on March 31, 2026, by Justice Fatima Murtala Nyako of the Federal High Court, Damaturu, in suit FHC/CR/6/21—a term bolstered by an additional eight-year sentence for a separate NDLEA case in charge FHC/CR/DM/16/24.
Other offenders who got seven years’ imprisonment each for drug trafficking across the country include Godday Obizuo (FHC/AK/64C/2024), Asabe Abubakar (FHC/BAU/CR/16/2026), and the trio of Godwin Peter, Asuquo Christian, and Olabode Sunday (FHC/AD/CR/66/2024).
Reacting to the convictions, the Chairman/Chief Executive Officer of NDLEA, Brig. Gen. Mohammed Buba Marwa (Rtd), described the sentencing of the 11 drug kingpins to a combined 254 years in prison as a “watershed moment” in the nation’s war against substance abuse and illicit trafficking.
He noted that 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 future of the nation’s youth.
“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.” Marwa said.
The NDLEA Chairman commended the Judiciary for fast-tracking these cases, asserting that “swift justice is the most potent deterrent” against drug cartels. Addressing the officers and personnel of the Agency, he stated:
”Your bravery in the face of danger is yielding fruit. We will continue to prioritize your welfare and provide the tools needed to stay ahead of these criminal syndicates.”
He further urged Nigerians to remain vigilant, emphasizing that “these victories belong to the citizens who provide the intelligence that fuels our operations.”
