Ekiti community arrests, hands over suspects to NDLEA over plantation of Indian hemp

Local vigilante operatives in Ikere-Ekiti, the administrative centre of Ikere Local Government Area in Ekiti State, have arrested six suspects in connection with the cultivation of Indian hemp and handed them over to the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA).

The suspects were apprehended in a forest within the community following intelligence gathered by the local security network. The arrest comes as part of ongoing efforts to combat drug-related activities in the area.

Speaking during the parade of the suspects at his palace, the Ogoga of Ikere-Ekiti, Oba Samuel Adu, said the palace acted on a tip-off indicating that unfamiliar individuals were cultivating suspicious crops deep in the forest.

“Ever since the unfortunate robbery incident last year, we established our own internal security network. We waited until we were certain of their activity before moving in to make the arrests,” the monarch explained.

While reaffirming his commitment to supporting security agencies, Oba Adu expressed disappointment over what he described as compromised elements within the NDLEA. He alleged that some officers tipped off the prime suspect, a man identified simply as Henry, believed to reside in Akure.

“I find it painful that some officers are already compromised. There have been times when we provided actionable intelligence to security agencies, yet suspects were warned in advance, leading to no arrests. These individuals now roam freely as if they are above the law,” the traditional ruler lamented.

He further decried the rise in drug abuse among youths in the community, urging security agencies to work closely with local leaders to curb the menace.

In response, NDLEA’s commander of the narcotics squad, Sunday Aina, praised the traditional ruler’s proactive role and vowed to intensify the agency’s crackdown on drug activities.

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“Drug trafficking is a global crisis that has found its way into our communities. I assure Kabiyesi and the people of Ikere that we will not relent until we bring it under control,” Aina said.

Chairman of Ikere Local Government, Olu Adamolekun, also condemned the incident, stating that the council would brief Governor Biodun Abayomi Oyebanji and sustain surveillance efforts to flush out criminal elements.

“We are a hospitable people in Ikere. Anyone wishing to live among us must abandon illegal activities, particularly those involving our forests,” Adamolekun warned.

The six suspects, who reportedly confessed to cultivating the hemp, identified two individuals said to have recruited them for the operation. They have been handed over to the NDLEA for further investigation and possible prosecution.

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