FINALLY: NDLEA accepts Court order to quit Kashamu’s home

The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency, NDLEA has said that it will obey the decision of the court of “competent jurisdiction” on the ongoing case involving Senator-elect, Buruji Kashamu.

In a statement by Mitchell Ofoyeju, its Spokesperson, Wednesday, the NDLEA said that as a government agency and a law enforcement institution, it has respect for the rule of law.

A Federal High Court in Lagos had on Tuesday ordered NDLEA operatives, who had laid a siege around Mr. Kashamu’s home since Saturday, to vacate the Senator-elect’s house.

But the NDLEA had dared the court, stating that it did not believe any 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,” Mr. Ofoyeju had said in a statement Tuesday.

“It is advisable that Kashamu respects the law by submitting himself to the due process of law.”

On Wednesday, another federal court barred the NDLEA and other government security agencies from “unlawfully” arresting and extraditing Mr. Kashamu to the United States.

Mr. 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.

In its statement Wednesday, the NDLEA said it would now obey the courts’ decisions.

“This is a legal issue and the Agency has windows of opportunities to explore legally in advancing its course,” Mr. Ofoyeju said.

“NDLEA will not violate court orders or take law into its hands in enforcing its statutory responsibilities.”