NDLEA reportedly shoots two at Lagos party

NDLEA reportedly shoots two at Lagos party

 

Officials of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) have been accused of shooting two persons at a night party in Lagos.

The officials, numbering about 30 and led by one Chima, were said to have stormed a birthday party venue around 10:30pm on Friday at Festac Link Bridge canal, where they fired sporadically.

Sources said that residents initially thought they were armed robbers because of the mode of their arrival only to later discover that they were NDLEA officials.

Those hit by the gunshots were identified as Ewejo and David, who, it was learnt, were rushed to the hospital after the operatives allegedly fled the scene to cover up their crime.

It was gathered that Ewejo got hit on his right stomach and left unconscious, while David got hit on the leg.

A witness, who gave his name as Kingsley, said they were surprised when the contacted the police and were told by the DPO that he was unaware of any security operation in the area.

He urged the government to intervene and stop the NDLEA from indiscriminate raids, shooting of unarmed civilians, noting that there was no hesitation nor struggle with the operatives.

“They came in gun-blazing. At first, people took cover thinking armed robbers have come. But it was later we knew they were NDLEA officials. It was those sporadic gunshots they released that hit the victims.

“I have been hearing complaints about how NDLEA just break into people’s homes late nights in the guise of stung operation but I never knew they could just open fire like that. Something needs to be done urgently,” he lamented.

It was reported that there have been several other complaints from residents about the NDLEA, with many taking to social media to relive their experiences.

The agency had engaged in series of drug raids targeting celebrities and other young people in different parts of the State.

One of those who accused operatives of agency of breaking into his house was artist, Akintunde Abiodun Timileyin alias TI Blaze, who alleged that his Road Manager and Manager were whisked away during the early Sunday morning raid of his apartment.

Sharing a video of his apartment in disarray, the singer said: “NDLEA bumped into my apartment this morning and scattered everywhere. They said I sang about Canadian loud (drug). They also arrested my manager and road manager. They took them away in their Hilux.”

Reacting to TI Blaze’s post, comedian, Adebowale Adedayo alias Mr. Macaroni, described it as harassment.

He wrote: “I have seen at least five different videos today of security operatives harassing Nigerians. ( NPF, EFCC, NDLEA ).

“It’s exhausting really. Especially because when you talk, there are people on standby to accuse you of supporting fraud or drugs.

“The oppression is too much. What is more disturbing is that our security operatives know that there are zero consequences for these actions. So why should they stop?

“We appreciate the good ones among our officers but this harassment and intimidation of the people has to come to an end. Please.”

Contacted for reaction, the spokesman for NDLEA in Lagos, Mallum Musa, said he was unaware of the Friday night’s operation that led to the shooting of the two men, promising to make enquiries and revert.

On the case of TI Blaze, Musa confirmed two suspects and exhibits recovered were in their custody.

He said: “For every raid embarked on, there is usually actionable intelligence. We do not just break into people privacy. The two suspects and exhibits are in custody, let him come to our office to claim them.”

Lagos Police spokesman, SP Benjamin Hundeyin, confirmed that two persons were shot on Friday night at a party venue, adding that investigations into circumstances that led to the shooting had commenced.