Drug Peddler Dies During Trial at a Benin City court, causing panic as family alleges negligence while NDLEA denies wrongdoing
A 52-year-old suspected drug peddler, Mrs Titilayo Akindele, collapsed and died on Tuesday during proceedings at the Federal High Court in Benin City, throwing the courtroom into confusion and panic.
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The tragic incident occurred while Mrs Titilayo Akindele was standing trial in a case filed by the Edo State Command of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency over alleged possession and sale of an illicit substance known as Loud.
Eyewitnesses said the situation unfolded suddenly as the court was in session, prompting family members, lawyers, and members of the public to rush out in shock.
The atmosphere quickly descended into pandemonium as efforts were made to respond to the emergency.
According to her son, Samuel Akinsola, the deceased had repeatedly complained of ill health while in detention and during court appearances.
He alleged that the family had made several appeals for medical attention and bail, which he claimed were not granted.
Samuel Akinsola further alleged that officials of the NDLEA failed to present medical reports regarding his mother’s condition during a previous court appearance, which led to the adjournment of the case to the day of her death.
Eyewitness accounts from the courtroom suggested that Mrs Titilayo Akindele collapsed while waiting for her case to be called.
Some attendees also alleged that NDLEA operatives did not immediately provide assistance, though these claims remain contested.
Responding to the incident, NDLEA State Commander Dr Mitchell Ofoyeju described the development as unfortunate but rejected allegations of negligence.
Dr Mitchell Ofoyeju maintained that the defendant had shown no visible signs of being unfit to stand trial and insisted that she had arrived at court without assistance.
Dr Mitchell Ofoyeju explained that officers were managing multiple suspects at the time of the incident and prioritised maintaining order and security within the courtroom.
He added that emergency response procedures were observed and that the agency’s primary mandate remains the protection of lives from the dangers of illicit drugs.
Following the collapse, personnel from the Edo State Police Command and NDLEA operatives arrived with an ambulance from Edo Central Hospital to evacuate the body to the mortuary.
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The incident has raised concerns among observers about the health and welfare of defendants in custody, even as investigations and discussions continue around the circumstances surrounding the sudden death.
