NDLEA Serves Fugitive, Kashamu Extradition Notice

Source: thewillnigeria.com

SAN FRANCISCO, June 02, (THEWILL) – The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) says it has served the Senator-elect representing Ogun East, Mr. Buruji Kashamu, 56, a notice of extradition to the United States on narcotics related charges.

The embattled powerful politician, who was elected on the platform of the erstwhile ruling party, Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), had locked himself up in the bathroom at his residence when officials of the NDLEA raided his Lekki, Lagos home one early Saturday morning about a week ago to arrest him. Before then, he had sought court protection to stop his extradition.

The NDLEA in a statement by its Head of Public Affairs, Mr. Mitchell Ofoyeju, said Kashamu was served on June 1, in suit number FHC/ABJ/CS/479/2015 and a copy of the document presented to the Chief Judge of the Federal High Court.

The NDLEA said it took the measure to show its respect for the rule of law.

“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 June 1, 2015,” the statement said.

The statement further stated that members of House of Representatives, in a letter signed by the Chairman House Committee on Drugs, Narcotics and Financial Crimes, Jagaba Jagaba, commended the development after receiving a copy of the notice.

“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,” Jagaba said, according to the statement.