A 29-year-old woman identified as Owoeye Tobi has been handed a 10-year prison sentence with hard labour by the Federal High Court in Benin City, Edo State, after being found guilty of possessing multiple illicit drugs.
Her conviction comes after her arrest by officials of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), Edo State Command, in February 2025.
Justice B. O. Quadiri, who presided over the case numbered FHC/B/16c/2025, convicted Tobi on five counts involving the unlawful possession of narcotic substances. The drugs included Cannabis sativa, heroin, cocaine, tramadol, and methamphetamine.
The total quantity of the substances seized from Tobi was 168.1 grams—comprising 161 grams of cannabis sativa, 0.2 grams of heroin, 0.7 grams of cocaine, 2.4 grams of tramadol, and 3.8 grams of methamphetamine.
In his sentencing, Justice Quadiri ruled:
“After reviewing the facts of this case, you are hereby sentenced to two calendar years’ imprisonment with hard labour on each count or to pay an option of a fine of N5m on each count.”
This means Tobi faces a cumulative 10-year term behind bars or may pay a total fine of N25 million in lieu of imprisonment.
The convict, originally from Osun State, was arrested by NDLEA agents during a routine patrol operation within the state.
Speaking on the court’s decision, the NDLEA Commander in Edo State, Mitchell Ofoyeju, commended the ruling and its implications for the ongoing war against drug trafficking.
“I am pleased with the judgment. Drug trafficking is a criminal offence that has caused untold havoc to mankind, affecting individuals, families, and society. Those who seek to inflict pain on society must not go unpunished.”
“If drug traffickers know that the penalty is not only certain but also commensurate, they will be dissuaded. The ruling is a welcome development and also highly commendable.”
“We will continue to work collaboratively with law enforcement agencies, the judiciary, and community organisations to address the drug problem,” Ofoyeju added.
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