NDLEA drug convictions Edo State: Seven people, including a disabled woman, jailed for 93 years in Benin City over drug trafficking and possession offences
NDLEA drug convictions Edo State: Seven individuals, including a physically challenged woman, have been sentenced to a total of 93 years in prison for drug-related offences in Benin City, Edo State.
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The convictions, announced by the Edo State Command of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), were secured in separate trials before Justices Chuka A. Obiozor and J.B.O. Quadri at the Federal High Courts.
Among the convicted is 35-year-old Rita Idehen, found guilty of possessing and dealing in multiple banned substances. She received 15 years imprisonment or a ₦3 million fine.
Risikatu Tijani (48), Friday Robert (50), and Etimesy Stephen (55) were each sentenced to between 15 to 17 years, with varying fines and forfeitures. Robert’s motorcycle, used to transport 22kg of cannabis, was seized by the Federal Government.
Salami Philip Timothy (35) and Christopher Tanko (28) were jailed for possessing a cocktail of controlled drugs, including tramadol, codeine syrup, and methamphetamine. Both received 15-year terms with steep fines.
The youngest offender, Henry Bitrus Okoye (22), was handed a 1-year sentence or a ₦1 million fine for cannabis possession.
NDLEA Commander Mitchell Ofoyeju confirmed the convictions and stated that 113 drug cases remain pending. He emphasized that disability offers no legal shield from prosecution.
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“These rulings send a strong message. Drug crime, regardless of who commits it, will be punished,” Ofoyeju asserted.
Quadri Olaitan is a journalist and contributor to Freelanews.com, covering news, public affairs, and human-interest stories.
