A Federal High Court in Benin City, Edo State, has sentenced a physically-challenged woman, Rita Idehen, along with six others, to a total of 93 years in prison for various drug-related offences.
The convictions, which were secured in July 2025, were spread across seven separate cases—six adjudicated by Justice Professor Chuka Obiozor and one by Justice J. B. O. Quadiri.
Edo State Commander of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), Mitchell Ofoyeju, disclosed that out of 15 cases filed in July, seven resulted in convictions. The convicted individuals include two women and five men, while 113 other cases remain pending as of July 31.
Speaking on the outcome, Ofoyeju stressed that disability does not exempt anyone from facing the law. “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,” he said.
He added that the NDLEA, under the leadership of Brig. Gen. Mohamed Buba-Marwa (retd), remains committed to curbing drug abuse and trafficking. “Stern judgements will undoubtedly help to deter future offenders and ensure public safety,” he said.
Rita Idehen, from Oredo Local Government Area, was sentenced to 15 years or a N3 million fine for unlawful possession and dealing in cannabis sativa (2.5 kg), Loud (1.8 grams), and Swinol (2.2 grams) under charge number FHC/B/114C/2022.
Another convict, Risikatu Tijani from Osogbo LGA in Osun State, was found guilty of possessing 8.701 kg of cannabis and 42 grams of methamphetamine. She received a 17-year sentence with an option of a N4 million fine.
Friday Robert, from Owan West LGA, was sentenced to 15 years or a N3 million fine for possession and transportation of 22 kg of cannabis sativa. His motorcycle, used in the offence, was forfeited to the Federal Government.
Etimesy Stephen, from Ndokwa West LGA of Delta State, was convicted for cultivating 0.597884 hectares of cannabis. He was sentenced to 15 years or a N1.5 million fine.
Salami Philip Timothy, from Etsako West LGA, received a 15-year sentence or a N3 million fine for possession of cannabis sativa, Tramadol, Swinol, Danabol, and codeine-based syrup.
Christopher Tanko, from Kagarko LGA in Kaduna State, was sentenced to 15 years or a N5 million fine for possession of various illicit drugs including cannabis, methamphetamine, cocaine, Rohypnol, and Tramadol.
Meanwhile, Henry Bitrus Okoye, from Esan South East LGA, was sentenced to one year or a N1 million fine for possessing 1.068 kg of cannabis sativa.
The NDLEA reiterated its call for public support in its nationwide campaign against drug abuse and trafficking.
