By Esther Ososanya
NDLEA operatives have captured Prophet Adefolusho Aanu Olasele, also known as Abbas Ajakaiye, the founder and General Overseer of The Turn of Mercy Church. The preacher allegedly ran several cannabis shipments from Ghana into Nigeria.
According to NDLEA’s Director of Media and Advocacy, Femi Babafemi, the arrest took place on Sunday, August 3, 2025, at the suspect’s church in Okun Ajah, Ogombo Road, Lekki.
Officers monitored the premises all day. Once the Sunday service ended, they moved quickly and arrested him before he could leave.
Olasele had escaped two earlier attempts to capture him in June. He then fled to Ghana after NDLEA linked him to two cannabis seizures: 200 kg found at Okun Ajah Beach on June 4 and 700 kg intercepted from his delivery van on July 6.
During questioning, he admitted to ferrying the drugs by boat from Ghana to Nigeria.
Nationwide Raids Catch More Suspects
The Lagos arrest formed part of a wider NDLEA crackdown between August 6 and 9. During these operations, several high-profile seizures took place:
- Lagos: On August 7, agents raided Kishi House in Parkview Estate, Ikoyi, arresting Benjamin Udo Ukoh. They recovered 15.63 kg of Canadian Loud.
- Nasarawa: On August 9, officers stopped Emmanuel Asoquo Johnny (51), Okem Raphael (33), and Chekwube Odo (25) in New Karu with 3,093 kg of skunk.
- Kano: From August 6 to 8, NDLEA intercepted 359 kg of skunk, 9 kg of Colorado, 20,000 tramadol pills, and 200 diazepam ampoules from suspects including Nura Yahaya (29), Umar Adamu Umar (27), and Usman Musa (30).
- Gombe: On August 8, a raid in Tudun Wadan Pantami uncovered 550,000 opioid pills. Usama Isah was arrested. The next day, Ibrahim Adamu (23) was caught with 50,000 tramadol capsules in Bajoga.
- Edo: On August 6, operatives intercepted a Toyota Hiace bus at Ewu Junction. They found 23,940 tramadol capsules, 1,100 tablets, and 400 pentazocine ampoules. Taiye Jethro was detained.
READ ALSO: NDLEA, Education Ministry Target Campus Drug Use
NDLEA Chairman, Brig. Gen. Mohamed Buba Marwa (Rtd), praised the Lagos, Nasarawa, Kano, Gombe, and Edo Commands for “outstanding results”.
He also urged them to keep using a balanced approach combining tough interdiction with community sensitisation.
In the past week alone, WADA teams visited schools, military units, trade groups, correctional centres, and state assemblies to warn communities about drug dangers and curb abuse before it starts.
Esther Ososanya is an investigative journalist with Pinnacle Daily, reporting across health, business, environment, metro, Fct and crime. Known for her bold, empathetic storytelling, she uncovers hidden truths, challenges broken systems, and gives voice to overlooked Nigerians. Her work drives national conversations and demands accountability one powerful story at a time.
