TheCable

Six days after men of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) laid siege to the Lagos residence of Buruji Kashamu, senator-elect of the Ogun east senatorial district, they have complied with the directive of the court compelling them to leave the place.

The officers had arrived Kashmau’s home with the intention of arresting and extraditing him to the United States to face charges bordering around drug-related offences.

After a federal high court sitting in Ikoyi, Lagos, granted Kashamu’s prayers for an order restraining his extradition to the US, they refused to leave.

Austin Oniyokor, media aide to Kashamu, confirmed that men of the NDLEA have left.

“After six long nightmarish days and nights that the agents of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) laid siege to the Lagos residence of senator-elect, Prince Buruji Kashamu, despite valid and subsisting court orders directing them to vacate the place, we are pleased to announce that they have left the facility. They left at exactly 7:45pm,” he said in a statement.

“But this was after the agency displayed a high level of brigandage and lawlessness that is only fit for a failed state.

“However, we thank the almighty God for His infinite mercies. He is the one who thwarts the plans of the crafty, so that their hands achieve no success.

“We also salute the judiciary for once again rising to the occasion and proving yet that it is truly the last hope of the common man and the oppressed. We are grateful that the judiciary has again affirmed Prince Buruji Kashamu’s innocence of the charges against him, thus turning for good what was meant for evil.

“Our appreciation also goes to the media, civil society groups, student bodies and all well-meaning Nigerians for their prayers, support and solidarity during the period.

“After attending to his health, Prince Kashamu will address the media, Nigerians and the whole world on his ordeal and the intricate web of political intrigues behind the wicked attempt to abduct him for no just cause using the instrument and machinery of state. Until then, we hope we can truly say the siege is over!”

Kashamu had filed a suit against the inspector-general of police, NDLEA, state security service, attorney-general of the federation and minister of justice, Nigeria customs, Nigeria security and civil defence corps, and Nigeria immigration service, saying his fundamental human rights had been breached.

He sought and order restraining his arrest by any of the aforementioned security agencies. He also sought orders against Ex-president Olusegun Obasanjo, whom he said was bent on frustrating his inauguration as senator next month.