The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) has announced a pastor, Adefolusho Olasele, alias Abbas Ajakaiye, the founder and General Overseer of The Turn of Mercy Church, for his alleged involvement in a cross-border drug trafficking operation.
The arrest marks a significant breakthrough in the agency’s efforts to curb the flow of illicit drugs into Nigeria.
Olasele, a prominent pastor based in Lagos, was nabbed following intelligence-led operations that linked him to multiple shipments of illegal narcotics from Ghana to Nigeria.
According to NDLEA spokesperson, Femi Babafemi, the suspect had been on the agency’s wanted list for months due to his alleged role in coordinating the smuggling of large quantities of illicit substances, including cannabis and other controlled drugs, across West African borders.
The NDLEA’s investigation revealed that Olasele allegedly exploited his position as a religious leader to facilitate the trafficking network, using his influence to evade suspicion.
Operatives tracked his activities over several months, culminating in his arrest on Saturday, August 9, 2025, at an undisclosed location in Lagos.
“Olasele’s arrest is a testament to the NDLEA’s commitment to dismantling drug trafficking syndicates, regardless of the status of those involved,”
Babafemi stated during a press briefing. “We will continue to pursue all leads to ensure that those fueling the drug trade face justice.”
Preliminary investigations suggest that the pastor worked with a network of couriers and intermediaries to transport drugs through porous border routes between Ghana and Nigeria.
The NDLEA has seized significant quantities of illicit substances linked to the suspect, and forensic analysis is underway to determine the full scope of the operation.
Olasele is currently in custody and is expected to face charges related to drug trafficking and money laundering. The NDLEA has also launched a manhunt for other members of the syndicate, with ongoing efforts to disrupt their operations.
