Prophet Adefolusho Aanu Olasele, also known as Abbas Ajakaiye and founder of The Turn of Mercy Church, has been arrested by the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) for allegedly masterminding multiple illicit drug shipments into Nigeria.
According to NDLEA spokesman Femi Babafemi, the cleric was apprehended on Sunday, August 3, 2025, at his church in Okun Ajah, Ogombo Road, Lekki, Lagos. Operatives reportedly waited from morning until the end of the evening service before moving in on him as he stepped out of the premises.
The arrest followed months of evasion, during which the suspect fled to Ghana after twice escaping NDLEA operatives. His name had been linked to two major seizures of Ghana Loud, a potent strain of cannabis, trafficked into Nigeria via the waterways.
The first seizure, weighing 200kg, was made on June 4, 2025, at Okun Ajah beach, while a second consignment of 700kg was recovered from his delivery van on July 6, 2025.
During interrogation, Olasele reportedly confessed to transporting the consignments from Ghana to Nigeria, admitting that he went into hiding in the neighbouring country after narrowly escaping arrest on two previous occasions.
The NDLEA has vowed to prosecute him to the fullest extent of the law as investigations continue into his network and other possible accomplices.
Sources within the enforcement agency say the arrest is the culmination of a targeted intelligence operation that tracked the movement of the consignments and the network behind them. Investigators reportedly used a combination of surveillance, informant tips and physical follow-ups to identify key routes and associates allegedly involved in the smuggling chain.
NDLEA officials indicated that, in addition to the seized drugs, several items believed to be connected to the trafficking activity — including mobile phones, documents, and a delivery vehicle — were taken into custody for forensic examination. Agency representatives have said these items will form part of the evidence to be presented in court.
Legal observers note that the accused faces severe penalties if convicted, with charges expected to include large-scale drug trafficking and related offences. The NDLEA confirmed that Olasele will be charged following completion of initial interrogations and processing, and that efforts are underway to identify and detain other suspects named during questioning.
Members of The Turn of Mercy Church and neighbours expressed shock at the arrest, telling local reporters that the cleric had been a visible figure in the Lekki community. A few congregants were quoted as saying they were unaware of any illicit activity, while others said they would await formal filings from the authorities before drawing conclusions.
The NDLEA has appealed to the public for assistance, asking anyone with information about the trafficking network or additional consignments to come forward. The agency reiterated that ongoing investigations may lead to further arrests and that it remains committed to disrupting the routes being exploited to traffic narcotics into the country.
As the matter moves through the criminal justice system, observers say the case will likely prompt renewed scrutiny of maritime and cross-border enforcement measures, and may lead to calls for greater coordination with neighbouring countries to stem the flow of contraband via coastal channels.
The NDLEA confirmed that more information will be released in due course as formal charges are filed and as the probe into the alleged network advances.