The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) has arrested Prophet Adefolusho Aanu Olasele, popularly known as Abbas Ajakaiye, founder of The Turn of Mercy Church, over allegations that he coordinated multiple drug consignments from Ghana to Nigeria.
Olasele, who had reportedly been in hiding for months, was taken into custody on Sunday, August 3, 2025, at his church in Okun Ajah, Lekki, Lagos. NDLEA spokesperson Femi Babafemi said officers waited until the conclusion of the Sunday service before making the arrest.
The cleric allegedly fled to Ghana in June to avoid capture after being linked to two cannabis seizures: 200kg recovered at Okun Ajah Beach on June 4 and 700kg found in his delivery van on July 6.
Babafemi stated that Olasele admitted to transporting the cannabis via waterways from Ghana. He also noted that the suspect had previously evaded arrest on two occasions.
Other Drug Enforcement Operations
- Lagos: On Thursday, August 7, NDLEA operatives raided an apartment in Parkview Estate, Ikoyi, arresting Benjamin Ukoh and seizing 32 pouches of Canadian Loud cannabis weighing 15.63kg.
- Nasarawa: On Saturday, August 9, officers intercepted 3,093kg of skunk from suspects Emmanuel Asoquo Johnny (51), Okem Raphael (33), and Chekwube Odo (25) in New Karu.
- Kano: On Friday, August 8, Nura Yahaya (29) was caught in the Geza area of Kumbotso with 639 blocks of skunk weighing 359kg. Two days earlier, Umar Adamu Umar (27) was arrested along the Zaria-Kano road with 9kg of Colorado, a synthetic cannabis strain.
- Gombe: On Friday, August 8, a raid on an uncompleted building in Tudun Wadan Pantami uncovered 550,266 opioid pills, leading to the arrest of Usama Isah. The following day, Ibrahim Adamu (23) was stopped along Potiskum road, Bajoga, with 50,000 tramadol capsules.
- Edo: On Wednesday, August 6, NDLEA officers intercepted a Toyota Hiace bus from Onitsha to Isanlu, Kogi, at Ewu Junction. Inside were 23,940 tramadol capsules, 1,100 tablets, and 400 pentazocine ampoules. The driver, Taiye Jethro, was arrested.
NDLEA Chairman Brig. Gen. Buba Marwa (Rtd) commended the operatives involved and encouraged personnel to maintain a balanced approach in tackling drug-related crimes across the country.
