Ogun East Senator-elect, Buruji Kashamu appears to be loosing out in his battle against being extradited to the United States to answer for drug related offence, even as the Nigeria House of Representatives has thrown its support behind the National Drugs Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) that has been working round the clock to ensure that he is sent to the US.
A statement by the Head, Public Affairs of the Agency, Ofoyeju Mitchell, said that already notice for the extradition has been issued, adding that it is contained 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 Mr. Kashamu to answer alleged drug trafficking charges, in line with the Extradition Act CAP, E25 Laws of the Federation of Nigeria 2004 (as modified by Extradition Act Modification Order, 2014).
According to him, the notice of the suit was officially served on Kashamu by the NDLEA on 1st of June 2015.
This is even as the House of Representatives commended the NDLEA for the bold step taken in the extradition case involving Senator-elect.
The letter of commendation which was signed by the Chairman, House Committee on Drugs, Narcotics and Financial Crimes; Honourable Jagaba Adams Jagaba, said that the Agency’s action would go a long way in building the confidence of the international community in Nigeria.
Honourable Jagaba said that the action of the NDLEA had sent a strong signal that Nigeria believes in the rule of law, adding: “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.”
The letter asked the Agency not to succumb to blackmail.
“Let me at this juncture, therefore, encourage you not to falter in the face of blackmail. Your detractors will engage in all forms of antics including blackmail to distract you but you must never be deterred. Instead, with every form of distraction, you should be spurred to maintain the dignity of the Agency and do the needful in the interest of Nigerians and humanity,” Jagaba said. [myad]
