World Bulletin / News Desk

Anti-drug agents on Saturday besieged the Lagos home of a Nigerian senator wanted by the United States for drug-related offences.

"We have a directive to arrest Kashamu Buruji so he can answer charges of his involvement in drug trafficking," an official from the Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) told Anadolu Agency on condition of anonymity.

"He has repeatedly turned down our invitation, so we are taking him," he said.

"As at 12 noon, our men are still surrounding the house where we are sure he's holed up at the moment.  Some thugs in his house are resisting our men from entering, "the official said.

He did not say if the agency plans to hand Kashamu over to the Interpol and U.S. officials.

Kashamu confirmed the bid by NDLEA to arrest him.

"This matter is before the court here but they are doing everything to circumvent the law and present it (court) with fait accompli. This is not acceptable," Kashamu told Anadolu Agency.

He did not say if he is resisting the arrest or would be giving himself up to the agency.

A media aide to Kashamu described the move to arrest the senator as a bid to score "political points".

"This latest onslaught is a confirmation of the alleged plot to illegally abduct him in spite of the pending suit against this illegality," Austin Oniyokor said in a press release.

NDLEA spokesman Mitchell Ofoyeju could not be reached for comment.

Kashamu is alleged to have been involved in an intercontinental drug trafficking ring some of whose members have been prosecuted and jailed regarding their activities.

The senator, however, denies being involved in the case, claiming that the issue was a "mistake of identity".