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NDLEA Nabs Lagos Pastor Over Cross-Border Drug Trafficking
The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) has successfully apprehended the spiritual head of The Turn of Mercy Church after an extended manhunt spanning several months. Prophet Adefolusho Aanu Olasele, who also goes by the alias Abbas Ajakaiye, was taken into custody on charges related to orchestrating international drug smuggling operations.
The arrest took place on Sunday, August 3rd, 2025, at the church premises situated in Okun Ajah, Ogombo Road, within Lagos State’s Lekki district. NDLEA personnel strategically positioned themselves early in the morning and patiently waited until the conclusion of evening worship services before apprehending the religious leader as he exited the church compound.
According to NDLEA spokesperson Femi Babafemi’s official statement released on Sunday, this arrest follows an extensive investigation that began in June 2025. The prophet had previously managed to escape custody on two separate occasions before seeking refuge in Ghana to avoid prosecution.
The investigation was triggered by the discovery of substantial quantities of “Ghana Loud,” a particular variety of cannabis, in two separate incidents. The first confiscation occurred on June 4th, 2025, when authorities seized 200 kilograms of the illegal substance at Okun Ajah beach. A month later, on July 6th, officers intercepted an additional 700 kilograms of the same drug from a delivery vehicle connected to the suspect.
During interrogation, the religious leader reportedly acknowledged his involvement in transporting these illegal shipments across waterways from Ghana into Nigerian territory. He also confirmed that he had fled to the neighboring West African nation to evade capture after his previous narrow escapes from law enforcement.