Justices Chuka Oboizor and J.B.O. Quadiri of the Federal High Court sitting in Benin City have jointly sentenced a physically challenged woman, Rita Idehen, and six others, to a total of 93 years in jail for various drug offences.
Idehen, who is from the Oredo Local Council of Edo State, was found guilty of unlawful possession and dealing in Cannabis sativa (2.5 kg), Loud 1.8 grammes, and Swinol (2.2 grammes). She was arraigned by the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) and sentenced to a 15-year jail term with an option of N3 million fine.
Another convict, Risikatu Tijani, from Osogbo Local Council in Osun State, was caught with 8.701 kg of cannabis and 42 grammes of methamphetamine. She was arraigned and found guilty of unlawful possession and dealing in illegal substances, and sentenced to 17 years imprisonment, with an option of N4 million fine.
In the case of the Federal Republic of Nigeria vs. Friday Robert, from Owan West Local Council of Edo State, the accused was convicted in connection with the unlawful possession and transportation of 22 kilogrammes of Cannabis sativa. He was sentenced to 15 years imprisonment with an option of N3 million fine.
Additionally, the motorcycle used for conveyance, registered as 371QB Edo, was forfeited to the Federal Government. Similarly, Etimesy Stephen, from Ndokwa West Local Council of Delta State, was convicted for the cultivation of 0.597884 hectares of cannabis sativa. He was sentenced to 15 years imprisonment with an option of N1.5 million fine.
Salami Philip Timothy, from Etsako West Local Council of Edo State, was sentenced to jail for unlawful possession of multiple drugs, including cannabis sativa, tramadol, swinol, danabol, and codeine-based syrup. He faces 15 years imprisonment or N3 million fine.
In another case, Christopher Tanko, from Kagarko Local Council of Kaduna State, was convicted of unlawful possession of cannabis, methamphetamine, cocaine, rohypnol, and tramadol in charge number FHC/B/152C/2024.
He was sentenced to 15 years imprisonment with an option of a N5 million fine. Henry Bitrus Okoye, from Esan South East Local Council of Edo State, was sentenced to a year imprisonment or a fine of N1 million for unlawful possession of 1.068 kilogrammes of cannabis sativa.
Reacting, NDLEA Edo State commander, Mitchell Ofoyeju, said a total of 15 cases were charged, with seven convictions, comprising two females and five males secured, and 113 cases pending as of July 31, 2025.
Mitchell, while applauding the convictions, noted that physical challenge is not an alibi in criminal cases, adding that one of the greatest deterrents of crime is the certainty of stern punishment.
He said: “These convictions have sent a strong warning that you cannot hide under the canopy of being physically challenged to commit strict liability criminal offences like drug trafficking. Those who commit crime under any guise should prepare to face the consequences. All hands must be on deck in support of the NDLEA’s efforts championed by Brig.-Gen. Mohamed Buba Marwa. Stern judgments will undoubtedly help to deter future offenders and ensure public safety.”
