Bernice Larryoboh
The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) has vowed to arrest and prosecute the controversial artiste, Azeez Fashola, popularly known as Naira Marley, if he is caught with drugs regardless of their partnership.
This was disclosed by the Director, Media and Advocacy for the NDLEA, Femi Babafemi, following reactions by Nigerians on social media to berate the engagement of the singer and songwriter, as an advocate for NDLEA to campaign against drug abuse in the country.
Babafemi explained that the agency purposely enlisted Naira Marley for its drug abuse advocacy because of the young followers ‘Marlians’ that look up to him as a role model, adding that it doesn’t stop the agency from arresting and prosecuting him if caught with drugs.
NEWSTODAYNG recalled that the agency had announced partnership with Naira Marley to campaign against the usage and possession of illegal substances and hard drugs.
However, justifying the agency’s choice, he said, “It is an advocacy engagement with him. It’s what we do as part of the responsibilities of the agency to promote advocacy messages that would discourage people from substance ab¥s£. It is about the message.
“Don’t forget that he has a lot of young followers— Marlians— that look up to him. The idea is for the leader of the movement (Marlians) to come out and ask people to stop substance ab¥s£, and live a new life.”
“Last year, we arrested some of his artists (Zinoleesky and Mohbad). That is to show that we are not closing our eyes. If the same Naira Marley is caught with illicit s¥bstanc£s tomorrow, he will face sanctions.”
