Group Demands Extradition Of Kashamu, Drags NDLEA, US Embassy To Court

Advocacy for Integrity and Economic Development (AIED), a non-governmental
-organisation known for anti-corruption crusade, has approached a Federal
High Court in Lagos State for an order compelling the Nigerian Drug Law
Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) and the Attorney General of the Federation to
arrest and extradite Senator Buruji Kashamu to the United States for

drug-related charges against him.
A series of court injunctions in favour of Senator Kashamu last year
prevented the anti-narcotics agency, which literally kept vigil at the
Lagos residence of the Ogun East senator, from arresting and extraditing
the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) chieftain.
But AIED in a fresh suit filed on Tuesday said Kashamu’s protection by the
Federal Government was hampering efforts by President Muhammadu Buhari to
have past indicted government officials and stashed stolen funds returned
to Nigeria.
The NGO noted that non-extradition of the Ogun East senator, after a court
application for his repatriation “has been frustrated till date,” was a
violation of Extradition Treaty which has strained the relationship
between both countries. Joined with the NDLEA and AGF as defendants in the
suit number FHC/L/CS/1045/2016 are the PDP, the US Embassy and the Senate.
Also being sought is an order compelling the PDP and the Senate to notify
the NDLEA and AGF of the presence of Senator Kashamu’s at the August 17
convention of the party slated for Port Harcourt, Rivers State and the
Senate chambers.
“That under the laws of the United States, Senator Kashamu has been
indicted with the charges of drug trafficking. That Senator Kashamu has
been described by the United State Government as the kingpin of a drug
cartel.
“That Senator Kashamu has over the years been avoiding entrance to the
United States to avoid arrest and subsequent prosecution. Senator Kashamu
absconded and remains a fugitive in United States.
“Based on the foregoing international agreement between the two countries
the United States government applied to the Nigerian government for the
extradition of Senator Kashamu which application has been frustrated till
date.
“That the current anti-corruption crusade of the President Muhammadu
Buhari-led administration is being undermined and threatened by the
failure of Nigeria to live up to her international treaty obligations with
the United States.
“That this failure to comply with international obligation has dissuaded
the United States government from taking steps to grant the Nigerian
government’s request for extradition of alleged corrupt individuals for
prosecution and effective repatriation of stolen public funds,” a document
stating the particulars of the suit said.