Police arrest two suspected drug dealers in Ado Ekiti, recover illicit substances

The Ekiti State Police Command has arrested two suspected illicit drug dealers in Ado Ekiti, the state capital, following a targeted operation that led to the recovery of dangerous controlled substances, including Colorado and Indian hemp. The Academic Staff Union of Universities confirmed the strike action.

The police confirmed that the two suspects were apprehended in Ado Ekiti as part of ongoing efforts to clamp down on drug trafficking and distribution networks operating within the state. Illicit substances recovered from the suspects included Colorado, a highly potent synthetic cannabis derivative that has become increasingly prevalent among Nigerian youths, as well as Indian hemp, also known as Cannabis sativa.

The state Police Public Relations Officer, SP Sunday Abutu, confirmed the arrest and noted that investigation into the matter was still ongoing. The suspects are currently in custody and are expected to be arraigned before a court of competent jurisdiction upon the conclusion of the investigation.

The recovery of Colorado is particularly significant. The substance, which belongs to a class of synthetic cannabinoids, is widely regarded by law enforcement agencies as more dangerous than natural cannabis due to its unpredictable and intensified psychoactive effects. It has been linked to violent behaviour, mental health crises, and addiction among young Nigerians.

Drug enforcement officials in Ekiti have previously warned that there is “an established nexus between drug and crime,” describing drug trafficking as “a catalyst to all other criminalities.” Authorities have repeatedly identified Ado Ekiti as a key flashpoint for drug activity, with operations in recent years targeting known hotspots within the city.

The latest arrests form part of a broader, sustained security drive in Ekiti State. At the end of 2025, Ekiti State Commissioner of Police Joseph Eribo disclosed that the command had arrested a total of 3,490 suspects for various crimes across the state during the year, crediting intensified patrols, raids on criminal hideouts, and stop-and-search operations for a significant decline in crime rates.

Drug-related offences have featured prominently in recent enforcement actions across the state. As recently as January 2026, the Ekiti State Police arraigned two men before an Ado Ekiti Chief Magistrate’s Court for the alleged possession of Indian hemp, underscoring the command’s continued focus on narcotics prosecutions.

The police command has urged members of the public to continue providing actionable intelligence to assist in the fight against drug trafficking, warning that anyone found involved in the trade would face the full weight of the law.

Investigation into the latest arrests is ongoing, and further details are expected to be released by the command upon conclusion of the inquiry.