A physically-challenged woman, Rita Idehen, and six others have been sentenced to a combined 93 years in prison by the Federal High Court sitting in Benin City, Edo State, for various drug-related crimes.
The convictions, secured in July 2025, were the result of rulings delivered by Hon. Justice Prof. Chuka Obiozor and Hon. Justice J. B. O. Quadiri across multiple drug trafficking cases prosecuted by the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) in Edo State.
The Edo State Commander of the NDLEA, Mitchell Ofoyeju, said a total of 15 cases were charged in July, leading to seven convictions involving two females and five males, with 113 cases still pending as of July 31, 2025.
While reacting to the rulings, Ofoyeju stressed that physical disability does not exempt anyone from criminal liability.
“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,” Ofoyeju stated.
“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,” he added.
Details of Convictions:
Rita Idehen, from Oredo LGA, was convicted under charge FHC/B/114C/2022 for unlawful possession and dealing in cannabis sativa (2.5kg), Loud (1.8g), and Swinol (2.2g). She was sentenced to 15 years or a ₦3 million fine.
Risikatu Tijani, from Osogbo LGA, Osun State, was caught with 8.7kg of cannabis and 42g of methamphetamine. Under charge FHC/B/94C/2024, she received 17 years’ imprisonment or a ₦4 million fine.
Friday Robert, from Owan West LGA, was convicted for unlawful possession and transportation of 22kg of cannabis sativa (charge FHC/B/187C/2022). He was sentenced to 15 years or a ₦3 million fine, and his motorcycle (Reg: 371QB Edo) was forfeited to the Federal Government.
Etimesy Stephen, from Ndokwa West LGA, Delta State, was convicted for cultivating 0.597884 hectares of cannabis under charge FHC/B/44C/2025, receiving 15 years imprisonment or a ₦1.5 million fine.
Salami Philip Timothy, from Etsako West LGA, was jailed for 15 years or ₦3 million fine under charge FHC/B/18C/2024 for unlawful possession of multiple drugs including Tramadol, Swinol, Danabol, and codeine-based syrup.
Christopher Tanko, from Kagarko LGA, Kaduna State, was convicted for possession of cannabis, methamphetamine, cocaine, Rohypnol, and tramadol (charge FHC/B/152C/2024). He received 15 years or a ₦5 million fine.
Henry Bitrus Okoye, from Esan South East LGA, was jailed for one year or a ₦1 million fine for possession of 1.068kg of cannabis sativa.
The NDLEA says the convictions reinforce its determination to ensure no one is above the law, regardless of personal conditions or status.
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