2nd June, 2015
The Nigerian National Drug Law Enforcement Agency, NDLEA, has served Prince Buruji Kashamu, the senator-elect from Ogun State a notice of application for extradition to the United States.
In an application made to the Chief Judge, Federal High Court, Abuja in suit number FHC/ABJ/CS/479/2015, the office of the Attorney General of the Federation is seeking the extradition of Buruji Kashamu to answer alleged drug trafficking charges.
This is in line with the Extradition Act CAP, E25 Laws of the Federation of Nigeria 2004 (as modified by Extradition Act Modification Order, 2014).
The notice of the suit was officially served on Kashamu by the NDLEA on 1st of June 2015, according to the spokesman, Mitchell Ofoyeju.
The agency had attempted to arrest Buruji in his Lagos home on 23 May, but after laying siege on the house for several days, a Federal High Court in Lagos ordered the agency to lift the siege.
NDLEA’s fresh move has elicited the commendation of the House of Representatives Committee on Drugs, Narcotics and Financial Crimes.
In a letter to the NDLEA, the committee’s chairman, Jagaba Adams Jagaba states that the Agency’s action will go a long way in building the confidence of the international community in our country.
Honourable Jagaba while commending the gallantry of officers and men of the anti-narcotic agency observed that the action of the NDLEA has sent a strong signal that Nigeria believes in the rule of law.
“This action has sounded a warning that no longer shall any Nigerian be considered to be above the law, no matter how highly placed. It equally points to the fact that no matter how long it takes, the law would catch up with all that has a case to answer. The Agency has shown that it can work without discrimination” he stated.
The letter further enjoined the Agency not to succumb to blackmail. “Let me at this juncture, therefore, encourage you not to falter in the face of blackmail. Your detractors will engage in all forms of antics including blackmail to distract you but you must never be deterred.
Instead, with every form of distraction, you should be spurred to maintain the dignity of the Agency and do the needful in the interest of
Nigerians and humanity,” Jagaba stated.