Three Men Deny Drug Charges After Lagos Raid

Three men arrested during a Lagos State Taskforce operation in Cele, Itire, and Ilasamaja have pleaded not guilty to charges involving alleged drug trading and public disturbances. The defendants, identified as Bello Musa, 18; Abubakar Musa, 27; and Agboola Fuad, 24, were arraigned on November 12, 2026. Their case has been adjourned until December 9, 2026, for further proceedings.

The Lagos State Taskforce disclosed the arrests and arraignment in a statement issued by its Director of Public Affairs, Gbadeyan Abdulraheem. The agency alleges that the three counts against the defendants concern possession and sale of illicit drugs, inciting members of the public against officers carrying out lawful duties, and conduct likely to breach the peace. The defendants' addresses were also provided: Bello Musa and Abubakar Musa reside at No. 23, Adebayo Street, Cele-Ijesha, while Fuad lives at No. 4, Sewage Street, Abaranje, Ijegun.

Taskforce chairman, Chief Superintendent of Police Adetayo Akerele, supervised the early-morning operation. Officers visited locations identified as centres of suspected drug trading and public disorder. The taskforce alleged that the defendants sold and distributed substances described as marijuana, Colorado, and Indian hemp around Cele Bus Stop, Itire, and Ilasamaja. The alleged buyers included adults and underage persons.

The statement also attributed recurring street fights, youth violence, and cult-related disturbances in the affected neighbourhoods to illicit drug activities. These claims form part of the agency's account of the operation. Akerele thanked a whistleblower and residents who supplied information and cooperated with officers at Itire. He emphasized the importance of public participation in efforts to improve neighbourhood safety.

Akerele urged residents to report suspicious activities and maintain communication with security personnel. He cautioned young people against drug-related activities, street violence, and cultism, warning that involvement in such activities could damage their prospects and disrupt community life. The chairman assured that the taskforce would continue enforcement operations against suspected drug trading and other offences.

The taskforce is working with relevant security and regulatory agencies to pursue legal action against people found to have violated applicable laws. The agency's efforts aim to address the root causes of neighbourhood disturbances and improve overall safety. Residents are encouraged to cooperate with law enforcement to achieve these goals.

The case against the three defendants will continue on December 9, 2026. The taskforce's operation demonstrates its commitment to tackling illicit drug activities and promoting public safety in Lagos.

Key points

• The defendants face charges of possession and sale of illicit drugs, inciting public disturbances, and conduct likely to breach the peace.
• The taskforce alleges that the defendants' activities contributed to recurring street fights, youth violence, and cult-related disturbances in the affected neighbourhoods.
• The agency encourages public participation in its efforts to improve neighbourhood safety, urging residents to report suspicious activities.