NIS Public Relations Officer Kenneth Udo confirmed the suspension in a statement issued on Wednesday. Udo stated that the service became aware of the officer’s alleged involvement in drug trafficking through media reports. “The officer in question has since been subjected to internal processes and placed under suspension,” Udo said. He emphasized that the NIS supports the legal proceedings and will await the court’s judgment before issuing further comments.
The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) had earlier arraigned Akomolafe before Justice Daniel Osiagor for allegedly trafficking eight kilograms of methamphetamine and 7.60 kilograms of cannabis sativa. Akomolafe, alongside three others—Babatunde Olufemi, a staff member of the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN), Nwadozie Amaechi, and Nwosu Cyril—faced nine counts related to conspiracy, unlawful possession, importation, and dealing in prohibited substances.
Prosecution counsel Abu Ibrahim informed the court that the defendants, reportedly part of a drug syndicate, were apprehended on May 21, 2024, while attempting to smuggle the drugs out of the airport. The prosecution also noted that the syndicate included members based in South Africa.
While the other three defendants pleaded guilty, Akomolafe denied the charges. His defense attorney, Benson Ndakara, requested bail, which was granted by Justice Osiagor in the sum of N10 million, with a requirement for a surety who must be a Civil Servant of Assistant Director rank. The court convicted Olufemi, Amaechi, and Cyril, sentencing them to four years each with an option of a N2 million fine per count.
The NIS reiterated its commitment to upholding discipline and maintaining a zero-tolerance stance on criminal activities within its ranks. The service vowed to take necessary actions against any officer found in violation of its operational ideals.
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