LAGOS, Nigeria — The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) has arrested Prophet Adefolusho Aanu Olasele, founder and General Overseer of The Turn of Mercy Church, for his alleged involvement in multiple illicit drug shipments into Nigeria.
Also known by the alias Abbas Ajakaiye, the cleric was taken into custody on Sunday, August 3, 2025, at his church premises along Okun Ajah, Ogombo Road in the Lekki area of Lagos. NDLEA operatives reportedly waited for the conclusion of the worship service before executing the arrest.
According to NDLEA spokesperson Femi Babafemi, the suspect had been on the run since June after law enforcement traced two major cannabis seizures—totalling 900 kilograms—to him.
The first seizure, involving 200kg of Ghana Loud (a highly potent strain of cannabis), occurred on June 4 at Okun Ajah beach. A second shipment, weighing 700kg, was intercepted on July 6 in a delivery van linked to him.
In his confession, Prophet Adefolusho allegedly admitted to smuggling the drugs via waterways from Ghana into Nigeria. He also admitted to fleeing to Ghana after narrowly escaping arrest on two occasions.
NDLEA authorities say the arrest underscores the increasing use of religious institutions and coastal routes in transnational drug trafficking and vowed to continue cracking down on all fronts.
