Group Demands Extradition Of Sen. Buruji Over Alleged Drug Charges, Takes Case To Federal High Court

Advocacy for Integrity and Economic Development (AIED), a non-governmental-organisation known for anti-corruption crusade, has approached a Federal High Court in Lagos State for an order compelling the Nigerian Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) and the Attorney General of the Federation to
arrest and extradite Senator Buruji Kashamu to the United States for drug-related charges against him.

A series of court injunctions in favour of Senator Kashamu last year prevented the anti-narcotics agency, which literally kept vigil at the Lagos residence of the Ogun East senator, from arresting and extraditing the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) chieftain.

But AIED in a fresh suit filed on Tuesday said Kashamu’s protection by the Federal Government was hampering efforts by President Muhammadu Buhari to have past indicted government officials and stashed stolen funds returned to Nigeria.

The NGO noted that non-extradition of the Ogun East senator, after a court application for his repatriation “has been frustrated till date,” was a violation of Extradition Treaty which has strained the relationship between both countries. Joined with the NDLEA and AGF as defendants in the suit number FHC/L/CS/1045/2016 are the PDP, the US Embassy and the Senate.

Also being sought is an order compelling the PDP and the Senate to notify the NDLEA and AGF of the presence of Senator Kashamu’s at the August 17 convention of the party slated for Port Harcourt, Rivers State and the Senate chambers.

“That under the laws of the United States, Senator Kashamu has been indicted with the charges of drug trafficking. That Senator Kashamu has been described by the United State Government as the kingpin of a drug cartel.

“That Senator Kashamu has over the years been avoiding entrance to the United States to avoid arrest and subsequent prosecution. Senator Kashamu absconded and remains a fugitive in United States.

“Based on the foregoing international agreement between the two countries the United States government applied to the Nigerian government for the extradition of Senator Kashamu which application has been frustrated till date.

“That the current anti-corruption crusade of the President Muhammadu Buhari-led administration is being undermined and threatened by the failure of Nigeria to live up to her international treaty obligations with the United States.

“That this failure to comply with international obligation has dissuaded the United States government from taking steps to grant the Nigerian government’s request for extradition of alleged corrupt individuals for prosecution and effective repatriation of stolen public funds,” a document
stating the particulars of the suit said.