Cashew Industry Scandal: Police Nabs Former NCAN Leader, Ojo Ajanaku

Operatives of the police on Monday arrested the former President of the National Cashew Association of Nigeria (NCAN), Mr. Ojo Ajanaku, in Garki, Abuja, over alleged economic sabotage and abuse of office.

Mr. Ajanaku, who has been at the centre of leadership controversies within NCAN, is facing multiple allegations including disobedience of court orders, misrepresentation of the cashew sector, and actions said to have undermined government policy directives.

His arrest comes after years of dispute over his refusal to comply with a 2019 court judgment which limited his tenure as NCAN president to November 2022. Security and judicial sources told our correspondent that his continued stay in office beyond the court-ordered deadline, coupled with failure to conduct elections, plunged the association into prolonged crisis and destabilized one of Nigeria’s most vital non-oil export industries.

According to filings seen by our reporter, the former NCAN president is also accused of frustrating cashew policy implementation, misinforming stakeholders about the state of the industry, and engaging in practices viewed as harmful to Nigeria’s agricultural and economic interests.

Mr. Katangora Garba, the prosecuting counsel, is expected to press charges in the coming hearings, seeking full accountability for Mr. Ajanaku’s alleged infractions.

Officials familiar with the case, who requested anonymity, described the arrest as a signal that law enforcement agencies are ready to enforce accountability and protect strategic sectors of the economy from acts of sabotage.

Mr. Ajanaku is expected to remain in police custody pending further court proceedings.

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