Naira Marley: From suspect to spokesperson – NDLEA audacious gamble

By Solomon Eragbie

To be an ambassador of any organization means you must hold yourself to the highest of standards as required not just by the organization you represent but also its customers and stakeholders and in the case of the NDLEA, Its customers are well meaning Nigerians (over 200million of them).

NDLEA…… “Shey you dey whine me ni?” The quote is coined from the famous Austin De Bull song title and is also a popular street slang which is basically a way of asking if you are being made a fool of or taken for granted. That was the exact thought that echoed through my head as I read boldly the words from the NDLEA spokesperson announcing Naira Marley as the latest addition to their anti-drug war troop known as WADA(War against drug advocacy).

The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), established on December 29, 1989, is a regulatory body tasked with drug confiscation and related operations. Its core mission includes recovering ill-gotten wealth from the proceeds of illicit drug trade, safeguarding the reputation of Nigerians, but has for many years been largely anonymous in its operations. However, the veil of anonymity was lifted with the appointment of Buba Marwa, former Military Governor of Lagos State who has over the past two years, orchestrated a transformation within the agency. Under his leadership, the NDLEA has emerged as a formidable force, dismantling drug cartels and tearing down high-profile drug syndicates.

A noteworthy accomplishment was the agency’s role in the apprehension of celebrated police officer, Abba Kyari, in a meticulously executed undercover operation. This event sent shockwaves across even the most devoted supporters of Kyari, highlighting the newfound potency of the NDLEA. This heightened effectiveness set the agency apart in the Buhari administration, earning the recognition and acclaim of the Nigerian populace.

However, recent developments have cast a shadow over the NDLEA’s methods and operational framework. On July 15, 2023, a tragic incident occurred during a raid in Asaba, Delta State. Ivan Omhonria and his younger sibling, Eromonsele were both shot in what many described as an accidental shooting by officers chasing after suspected drug carriers. Ivan, a two year old boy died from bullet wounds while his brother suffered extensive eye damage. No agency operative was prosecuted till date for that incident. Just weeks later, officers seeking a successful retreat from the Mushin area in Lagos State where they had embarked on a raid, shot sporadically and again killed two boys. One of the boys was Gafar Yusuf. Again no agency operative was held accountable.

The public reaction to these incidents was swift and widespread, with calls for enhanced oversight and stringent monitoring of the agency’s activities. It appeared to an extent that the NDLEA had heeded these concerns, though their recent move now looks like the agency has turned the gun barrel downwards towards their own foot. Azeez Fashola, popularly known as Naira Marley, found himself at the NDLEA headquarters not as a subject of inquiry, but as an ambassadorial appointee. The agency had enlisted him in their ranks to combat drug abuse—an ironic twist that has left many dumbfounded.

The agency’s spokesperson apparently overwhelmed with joy announced the impending release of Marley’s message which has now been put out, further amplifying the surreal nature of this appointment. This decision, however, raises profound questions. Is the NDLEA aware that Naira Marley is currently facing trial by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) for alleged internet fraud? Such a move seems to mock their sister agency, the EFCC, which is actively pursuing legal action against him. Moreover, Naira Marley’s public persona even raises further questions, his frequent association with substances and encouragement of questionable behaviors, seems in stark contrast to the NDLEA’s mission. Did the NDLEA put him through proper procedures before announcing him as their Flag Bearer?

The repercussions extend beyond the agency’s credibility. In the backdrop of the recent election, President Bola Tinubu’s image has been marred by allegations of a drug-related civil forfeiture of $460,000. The last thing the nation needs is for its primary drug enforcement agency to appoint an individual implicated in a fraud case as its ambassador. This appointment directly contradicts the agency’s foundational principles.

The pressing query remains: Who sanctioned this decision, and what were the intended outcomes? To sway the public? As we collectively ponder this bewildering course of action, one can’t help but echo the sentiment of many Nigerians and ask the NDLEA, “Shey you dey whine us ni?“

Solomon Eragbie is a Public Affairs Analyst.