Physically-challenged woman, six others jailed 93 Years for drug offences in Edo

A Federal High Court sitting in Benin City, Edo State, has sentenced a physically-challenged woman, Rita Idehen, alongside six other individuals, to a combined 93 years in prison for various drug-related crimes.

The convictions, secured in July 2025, involved seven separate cases, six handled by Hon. Justice Prof. Chuka Obiozor and one by Hon. Justice J. B. O. Quadiri.

According to the Edo State Commander of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), Mitchell Ofoyeju, the convictions stemmed from 15 drug cases filed in July, out of which seven resulted in sentencing—comprising two women and five men. Meanwhile, 113 other cases remain pending as of July 31.

Ofoyeju stressed that physical disability offers no protection against 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 urged Nigerians to support the agency’s anti-drug efforts led by Brigadier General Mohamed Buba-Marwa (retd), adding that “stern judgments will help deter future offenders and ensure public safety.”

Rita Idehen, a native of Oredo Local Government Area, was convicted for possessing and dealing in 2.5kg of cannabis sativa, 1.8 grams of Loud, and 2.2 grams of Swinol. She was handed a 15-year sentence with an option of a N3 million fine under charge number FHC/B/114C/2022.

Risikatu Tijani, from Osogbo, Osun State, was convicted for possessing 8.701kg of cannabis and 42 grams of methamphetamine. She was sentenced to 17 years in prison or a N4 million fine under charge number FHC/B/94C/2024.

Friday Robert, from Owan West LGA, got 15 years or a N3 million fine for unlawful possession and transportation of 22kg of cannabis sativa (FHC/B/187C/2022). His motorcycle, used in the offence, was forfeited to the Federal Government.

Etimesy Stephen, from Ndokwa West, Delta State, received 15 years or a N1.5 million fine for cultivating nearly 0.6 hectares of cannabis (FHC/B/44C/2025).

Salami Philip Timothy, from Etsako West, was convicted for possessing cannabis, Tramadol, Swinol, Danabol, and codeine syrup. He was sentenced to 15 years or a N3 million fine under charge FHC/B/18C/2024.

Christopher Tanko, from Kagarko, Kaduna State, was sentenced to 15 years or a N5 million fine for possessing cannabis, methamphetamine, cocaine, Rohypnol, and Tramadol (FHC/B/152C/2024).

Henry Bitrus Okoye, from Esan South East LGA, received a one-year sentence or a N1 million fine for being in possession of 1.068kg of cannabis sativa.

The NDLEA continues to push for tough sanctions as a deterrent against drug trafficking and abuse across the country.