Tuesday, August 5, 2025 - An Edo State High Court sitting in Benin has sentenced a physically challenged woman, Rita Idehen, alongside six others to varied jail terms for offences relating to drug trafficking and possession.
The convictions were secured by the Edo State Command of the
National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) in the month of July 2025.
The rulings were handed down in separate judgments, with six
delivered by Justice Chuka A. Obiozor and one by Justice J. B. O. Quadiri.
NDLEA’s Edo State Commander, Mitchell Ofoyeju, confirmed the
convictions, stating that fifteen cases were concluded during the month.
Of these, seven led to successful convictions comprising two
women and five men while 113 cases remain pending as of July 31, 2025.
While reacting to the development, Ofoyeju commended the
judiciary for the judgments, saying the penalties serve as a strong warning to
would-be offenders.
“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,” he said.
He further emphasised the ongoing crackdown under the
leadership of Brigadier General Mohamed Buba Marwa, asserting that “stern
judgements will undoubtedly help to deter future offenders and ensure public
safety.”
Among those convicted was 35-year-old Idehen, who hails from
Oredo local government area of Edo State.
Arraigned under charge number FHC/B/114C/2022, Idehen was
found guilty on two counts of unlawful possession and dealing in illicit
substances including 2.5 kilograms of Cannabis Sativa, 1.8 grams of Loud, and
2.2 grams of Swinol.
She was sentenced to 15 years imprisonment, with an option
of a N3 million fine.
In a separate case, Risikatu Tijani, from Osogbo local
government area of Osun State, faced charge number FHC/B/94C/2024.
She was arrested in possession of 8.701 kilograms of
Cannabis Sativa and 42 grams of methamphetamine. Found guilty of unlawful
possession and trafficking, she received a 17 years jail term, with the option
of a N4 million fine.
Another convict, Friday Robert, a native of Owan West local
government area of Edo State, was sentenced in case FHC/B/187C/2022.
He was caught transporting 22 kilograms of Cannabis Sativa.
The court sentenced him to 15 years imprisonment and also ordered the
forfeiture of the motorcycle used in the transport, bearing registration number
371QB Edo, to the Federal Government. He also has the option of paying a N3
million as fine.
Another convict, Etimesy Stephen from Ndokwa West local
government area of Delta State was convicted for cultivating 0.597884 hectares
of Cannabis Sativa under charge number FHC/B/44C/2025.
He received a 15-year sentence with an option of N1.5
million as fine.
For his part, Salami Philip Timothy, from Etsako West local
government area of Edo State was convicted in charge number FHC/B/18C/2024.
He was found in unlawful possession of a variety of drugs,
including Cannabis Sativa, Tramadol, Swinol, Danabol, and codeine-based syrup.
He received a sentence of 15 years or an alternative fine of ₦3 million.
Also convicted was Christopher Tanko, a resident of Kagarko
local government area in Kaduna State who was charged under FHC/B/152C/2024 for
unlawful possession of Cannabis Sativa, methamphetamine, cocaine, Rohypnol, and
Tramadol.
The court sentenced him to 15 years imprisonment with an
option of a N5 million fine.
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