By Mike Odeh James
Leaders of the Unemployed Youths of Nigeria (UYAN) have called on Nigerian authorities to fully disclose the details surrounding the recent seizure of illicit drugs reportedly worth billions of Naira. The drugs were allegedly linked to the younger brother of Chief Ayiri Emami, a prominent Niger Delta businessman and political figure.
In a strongly worded joint statement issued on Tuesday, the National Political Adviser of UYAN, Comrade Chuba Okpuzor, and the Delta State Chairperson of the organisation, Comrade Gbenga Fajoye, expressed deep concern over what they described as an apparent attempt to shroud the case in secrecy.
“We are alarmed and outraged by the disturbing revelations that the younger brother of a well-known figure in the Niger Delta, Chief Ayiri Emami, was apprehended by security operatives in connection with a massive drug seizure,” Comrade Chuba stated. “Even more troubling are reports suggesting that Chief Ayiri or his proxies attempted to bribe security personnel to suppress this investigation.”
The case has sparked outrage across social and political circles in Delta State and beyond, not only for its scale but for what appears to be an effort to downplay the matter, possibly due to the high-profile individuals involved. Security operatives are said to have rejected bribe offers, showing rare integrity that UYAN commended.
“This is a moment where transparency must take precedence over status or connections,” said Comrade Gbenga Fajoye. “The Nigerian youth are the primary victims of this kind of criminality. They are often trapped in cycles of addiction, poverty, and criminal exploitation because of the unchecked activities of drug barons.”
Fajoye added that the issue extends far beyond a single incident, noting that hard drugs have become the silent drivers of widespread insecurity across the country. “We are already battling ritual killings, cybercrime, kidnapping, terrorism, and violent cultism among our youth. Hard drugs are a common factor in most of these vices,” he said.
The youth leaders urged security agencies to release the full details of their investigation to the public and avoid treating the suspect as a “sacred calf” protected by elite interests.
“This is not the time for silence or secrecy. Nigerians deserve to know the facts. The authorities must either confirm or dispel the reports regarding the attempt to bribe officers and the involvement of such a powerful individual’s family in a drug cartel,” Chuba stressed.
He warned that any failure to act decisively could further erode public trust in Nigeria’s justice system, which many already view as compromised by selective enforcement and double standards.
“When drug barons are shielded because of their social standing or political connections, it sends a dangerous message to the rest of society—that the law is only meant for the poor and powerless,” he said. “We cannot continue to run a society where the rich commit crimes with impunity while young people are jailed or even killed for petty offenses.”
The UYAN leaders linked the prevalence of hard drugs to the alarming spike in insecurity across Nigeria, arguing that substance abuse has become a gateway to other major crimes.
“There is a clear connection between the abuse of hard drugs and the rise in violent crimes such as terrorism, banditry, and ritual killings,” Comrade Fajoye emphasized. “Drug-fueled violence is consuming entire communities, and until we deal with the root—drug importation and trafficking by powerful figures—nothing will change.”
The youth leaders also praised the security operatives involved for their integrity and bravery in rejecting the alleged bribe, calling it a “rare and commendable act of patriotism.” They urged the federal government to reward and publicly acknowledge the officers involved as a way of encouraging such professionalism within the ranks.
“We must institutionalise a culture of accountability and reward officers who do the right thing,” Chuba added. “These officers stood their ground under tremendous pressure. Their courage deserves national recognition.”
UYAN also appealed to civil society organisations, the media, and well-meaning Nigerians to raise their voices and demand full disclosure of the investigation, including the identities of all individuals implicated and the current status of the case.
“Our silence will only embolden the criminals,” said Comrade Fajoye. “If we keep quiet now, tomorrow it could be another youth whose life is destroyed by these drugs. This must not be swept under the rug.”
As public pressure continues to mount, many Nigerians are watching to see how the case unfolds and whether the government will respond with the transparency and decisiveness that this moment demands.
“It’s time to send a message that no one is above the law,” Comrade Chuba concluded. “Let this be the turning point where justice is not just done but seen to be done.”
The drug bust, its links to prominent individuals, and the government’s response—or lack thereof—may prove to be a litmus test for President Bola Tinubu’s administration’s willingness to fight corruption and drug trafficking at all levels, including within elite circles.
As of the time of publication, the relevant security agencies have not issued an official statement confirming or denying the incident. Repeated attempts to reach Chief Ayiri Emami or his representatives were unsuccessful.
Dan Zaki Media 