The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency has described as diversionary and inconsequential reports of a court order directing its men to vacate the residence of Senator-elect, Buruji Kashamu, and requesting both the Attorney General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Bello Adoke, and the Chairman/Chief Executive Officer of the NDLEA, Ahmadu Giade, to appear in court.
The NDLEA said it does not believe that any court will issue an order preventing a government agency from performing its statutory responsibilities in a lawful manner.
The Agency said it has therefore refused to be distracted and will continue to maintain presence at the residence.
It said it is advisable that Kashamu respects the law by submitting himself to the due process of the law.
A statement by the spokesman of the NDLEA, Mitchel Ofoyeju, added: “The NDLEA wishes to reiterate that his rights like that of other citizens shall be respected and the due process of law followed in this case. The Agency is prepared to further increase her public rating and goodwill in the areas of suspect handling, respect for human rights and the rule of law.
“We are prepared to explore all legal means in handling this case to a logical conclusion. The Nigerian Government has received a formal request from the United States Government for the extradition of Prince Buriji Kashamu. It also has a provisional Warrant of Arrest on him contrary to claims by his attorneys.
“According to official record, Kashamu has been a target of both the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) and Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) of the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) for over 20 years and was further indicted by the Grand Jury in the Northern District of Illinois, United States on heroin trafficking charges.”