Nigerian artiste, Azeez Fashola aka Naira Marley, who is popularly referred to as “Igbo labi,” (loosely translated as “marijuana born”) has called on Nigerian youths to shun drug abuse, during his visit to the Chairman, National Drug Law Enforcement Agency, Brigadier General Buba Marwa, on Thursday.
In a video obtained by our correspondent, the “Jo Soapy” crooner who is widely known to promote drug use among other social vices in his songs and music videos, made the declaration at the headquarters of the NDLEA in Abuja, adding that drug abuse is dangerous to people’s health.
“It’s your boy Naira Marley, I’ll like to urge my fans – Marlians and all Nigerian youths to stop doing drugs because it’s not good for your well-being. Stop substance abuse of any form; I’ve keyed into this campaign to support the NDLEA to stop drugs on the streets. It’s not good, it makes you go back to doing crime,” Naira Marley said.
Reacting to the development, the spokesperson for the NDLEA, Femi Babafemi, said, “See who’s on board @ndlea_nigeria War Against Drug Abuse advocacy campaign; it’s your favourite, Naira Marley.”
The reports that in February, 2022, operatives of the NDLEA arrested two of his associates, singers Oniyide Azeez aka Zinoleesky, and his colleague Ilerioluwa Oladimeji aka Mohbad after a midnight raid on their residence in Lagos.
Both artistes became household names after they featured Naira Marley in their songs and made cameo appearances in his videos.
The arrest was made public after videos surfaced online showing officials of the agency in a scuffle with the two artistes. The suspects streamed the moment the NDLEA rounded them up and proceeded to cuff them on their respective Instagram pages.
Confirming the arrests in February, 2022, the NDLEA spokesperson said the anti-narcotics agency recovered cannabis and Molly during the raid.
“Our men raided an area in Idado Estate where Bịara Market boys stay. As a result, some quantities of cannabis sativa and Molly were recovered from their apartment and car. Six persons were arrested in all. Two females and four males,” Babafemi said.
