Court Jails Physically-Challenged Woman, Six Others for Drug Offenses in Edo

A Federal High Court sitting in Benin City, Edo State, has sentenced seven individuals — including a physically-challenged woman, Rita Idehen — to a total of 93 years imprisonment for various drug-related offences.

The convictions, handed down in July, were secured in seven separate cases — six of which were presided over by Hon. Justice Prof. Chuka Obiozor, and one by Hon. Justice J. B. O. Quadri.

Confirming the development, the Commander of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) in Edo State, Mitchell Ofoyeju, revealed that the court proceedings followed the filing of 15 drug-related cases in July alone, out of which seven — involving two women and five men — resulted in convictions. A further 113 cases are still pending as of July 31, 2025.

“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 crimes under any guise should prepare to face the consequences,” Ofoyeju stated.

He added, “All hands must be on deck in support of the NDLEA’s efforts championed by Brig. General Mohamed Buba-Marwa (retd). Stern judgements will undoubtedly help to deter future offenders and ensure public safety.”

Details of the Convictions:

● Rita Idehen, a physically-challenged woman from Oredo LGA, was convicted under charge number FHC/B/114C/2022 for unlawful possession and dealing in cannabis sativa (2.5 kg), Loud (1.8 grams), and Swinol (2.2 grams). She was sentenced to 15 years in prison or a fine of N3 million.

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

● Friday Robert, of Owan West LGA, was found guilty under charge number FHC/B/187C/2022 for transporting 22 kg of cannabis sativa. He received 15 years imprisonment or a N3 million fine. His motorcycle, registered 371QB Edo, used in the crime, was forfeited to the Federal Government.

● Etimesy Stephen, from Ndokwa West LGA, Delta State, was convicted under charge number FHC/B/44C/2025 for cultivating 0.597884 hectares of cannabis. He was sentenced to 15 years in prison or a N1.5 million fine.

● Salami Philip Timothy, from Etsako West LGA, was convicted under charge number FHC/B/18C/2024 for possession of multiple illicit substances including cannabis sativa, Tramadol, Swinol, Danabol, and codeine-based syrup. He was sentenced to 15 years or a N3 million fine.

● Henry Bitrus Okoye, from Esan South East LGA, Edo State, was found guilty of possessing 1.068 kg of cannabis sativa. He received one year in prison or a N1 million fine.

The NDLEA said the convictions demonstrate its commitment to ensuring that all drug offenders — regardless of status or physical condition — face justice under the law.