Friday, March 29, 2024

‘NDLEA not harassing Patience Jonathan’

The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) has described allegations of harassment by the wife of former president, Mrs. Patience Jonathan, as spurious and misleading, stating that it has no case against the former First Lady.
The anti-narcotic body noted that though everybody is equal before the law, it was rather surprising that the Agency was mentioned in her petition when she was not being investigated.

Mrs. Jonathan in a petition presented before the House of representative by a lawmaker from Rivers State, Mr. Gogo Bright-Tamuno, on behalf of her lawyer, Granville Abibo, alleged that NDLEA and other agencies were constantly harassing her.
The Speaker, Yakubu Dogara, who presided over the session admitted the petition and referred it to the Committee on Public Petitions for hearing.

Speaking with The Point’s Correspondent was Ofoyeju Mitchell,Head, Public Affairs of the NDLEA, explained that, “NDLEA as a reputable agency of government does not harass, rather, it takes appropriate action against anyone or group of persons who contravene the NDLEA Act Cap N30 Laws of the Federation of Nigeria 2001. This is done through painstaking investigation, arrest and prosecution of suspected drug traffickers. All operations are conducted in compliance with the rule of law and global best practices.

“The Agency reiterated its commitment to ridding the country of narcotic drugs and psychotropic substances. “The NDLEA remains committed to the fight against drug cultivation, trafficking and abuse. It will not harass but those who violate the provisions of the Act, no matter their status shall not go unpunished”.

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