Wanted Pastor Arrested in Lagos Over Cross-Border Drug Smuggling

Published on August 10, 2025

The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) has arrested Prophet Adefolusho Aanu Olasele, popularly known as Abbas Ajakaiye, the founder and General Overseer of The Turn of Mercy Church, over his alleged role in trafficking large consignments of cannabis from Ghana into Nigeria.

Olasele, who had been on the run since June 2025, was apprehended on Sunday, August 3, at his church in Okun Ajah, Lekki, Lagos. NDLEA spokesman, Femi Babafemi, confirmed the arrest, stating:

“He was arrested at his church after the Sunday service, as he was leaving the premises. He had been a wanted suspect in connection with two major seizures of Ghana Loud , a strong strain of cannabis smuggled into Nigeria through the waterways.”

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According to Babafemi, the pastor was linked to 200kg of cannabis seized at Okun Ajah Beach on June 4 and another 700kg recovered from his delivery van on July 6. He reportedly fled to Ghana after evading arrest twice.

During interrogation, Olasele allegedly confessed to his role in ferrying the illicit consignments into Nigeria.

“I was using the waterways to bring the cannabis from Ghana,” the suspect was quoted as saying. “I had planned to expand my business before I was caught.”

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The NDLEA said the arrest was part of a broader clampdown on drug trafficking operations across the country. In Lagos, 15.63kg of Canadian Loud was seized from an apartment in Parkview Estate, Ikoyi, leading to the arrest of Benjamin Ukoh.

In Nasarawa State, operatives recovered 3,093kg of skunk from three suspects in New Karu. In Kano, 359kg of skunk was seized from Nura Yahaya in Kumbotso, while Umar Adamu Umar was caught along the Zaria-Kano road with 9kg of Colorado.

Gombe State recorded a major haul of 550,266 opioid pills in Tudun Wadan Pantami, with Usama Isah arrested, while Ibrahim Adamu was intercepted in Bajoga, Funakaye LGA, with 50,000 tramadol capsules.

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In Edo State, NDLEA operatives intercepted a Toyota Hiace bus at Ewu junction in Esan Central LGA, recovering tramadol, tablets, and pentazocine ampoules from driver Taiye Jethro.

NDLEA Chairman, Brig. Gen. Buba Marwa (retd), praised the officers for their efforts, saying:

“This is yet another demonstration of our resolve to dismantle criminal drug networks in Nigeria. The Agency will not relent in tracking and prosecuting anyone involved in illicit drug trafficking, no matter how long they hide.”

-PUNCH

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