By: Manoah Kikekon
BADAGRY, LAGOS — In a swift and decisive reaction to a burgeoning scandal, the Onigbanko of Igbanko Land, HRM Oba Sheriff Adeshina Bello, has officially dissociated himself and his traditional cabinet from a suspect intercepted with illicit drugs along the Lagos-Badagry Expressway.
The disclaimer follows the circulation of a viral video showing one Mr. Ogabi Olubukola Joseph in the custody of law enforcement agents. In the footage, the suspect reportedly identified himself as the Baale of Mushin-Gbanko, a title the monarch insists is entirely fraudulent and unrecognized within his domain.
In a formal statement released on Tuesday, May 5, 2026, the Onigbanko clarified that the suspect has no official or personal ties to the palace or the community's leadership structure.
"I wish to announce to the general public and disassociate myself and the entire Onigbanko Cabinet from the video currently making the rounds involving one Ogabi Olubukola Joseph," the monarch stated. "The said self-acclaimed Baale is neither known to Onigbanko nor has any personal or official dealing with him."
Oba Bello further emphasized that his throne stands for discipline and the rule of law, maintaining that his administration has zero tolerance for criminal activities.
"The Onigbanko states categorically that he is a law-abiding citizen. His cabinet does not condone drug trafficking or harbour drug barons. The public is enjoined never to associate Mr. Ogabi Olubukola Joseph with Onigbanko."
While the traditional institution moves to protect its integrity, the incident has highlighted a brewing procedural row between the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) and the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA).
Sources within the NDLEA revealed to News Peddlers that while the suspect was intercepted by Customs officers of Seme Command at Agbara earlier this week, a formal handover of the suspect, the vehicle, and the full quantity of seized drugs has yet to occur.
"Nigeria Customs Service has not officially handed over the suspect to the NDLEA," a source disclosed.
"In the past, there have been cases where proper handing over isn't done. They may release the suspect and the vehicle after some time and only hand over a portion of the drugs, which is not proper and hinders our ability to investigate the wider network."
The NDLEA source stressed that the delay in transferring the case file impacts the agency's ability to track down other members of the drug syndicate.
"If every suspect and exhibit is handed over to NDLEA in time, it will help us investigate and arrest other people involved. That is our job," the source added.