Contrary to a statement on Wednesday by the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) that it will abide by the courts’ rulings to vacate the premises of Senator-elect, Buruji Kashamu, his media aide, Austin Oniyokor, says operatives of the agency are yet to leave.
A statement by Mitchell Ofoyeju, NDLEA spokesperson yesterday said as government body and a law enforcement institution, the agency had respect for the rule of law and would obey the courts’ decisions.
“This is a legal issue and the Agency has windows of opportunities to explore legally in advancing its course.
“NDLEA will not violate court orders or take law into its hands in enforcing its statutory responsibilities”, Ofoyeju said.
Reacting Wednesday night, Oniyokor told DAILY POST that “they (NDLEA) operatives) are still there (Kasahamu’s house).
“I have read their statement of vacating but as I speak to you (10:50pm), the siege is still on at my boss’s residence.
Asked what step they would take, the aide said “I cannot say much for now. Let’s wait and see what happens tomorrow. But we believe they will respect the court of the land and leave”.
DAILY POST recalls that a Federal High Court in Lagos had on Tuesday ordered NDLEA operatives, who first arrived the businessman’s Lekki Phase 1 residence to move out.
But the NDLEA dared the court, wondering why a judge would issue an order preventing a government agency from performing its statutory responsibilities in a lawful manner.
“The agency has, therefore, refused to be distracted and will continue to maintain presence at the residence,” Ofoyeju said in a statement.
“It is advisable that Kashamu respects the law by submitting himself to the due process of law”, he added.
Also, on Wednesday, another federal high court barred the NDLEA and other government security agencies from “unlawfully” arresting and extraditing Kashamu to the United States.
Kashamu, a prominent member of the Peoples’ Democratic Party and the Senator-elect for Ogun East, is wanted in the U.S. for drug related offences.
