A total of seven convicted drug offenders, including a physically-challenged woman, have been sentenced to a cumulative 93 years in prison by the Federal High Court in Benin City, Edo State, for various drug-related crimes.
The convictions, which took place in July 2025, followed multiple rulings delivered by Justices Prof. Chuka Obiozor and J. B. O. Quadri. Six of the judgments were handed down by Justice Obiozor, while Justice Quadri delivered one.
State Commander of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) in Edo, Mitchell Ofoyeju, disclosed that out of 15 drug cases charged within the month, seven led to convictions—comprising two women and five men—while 113 other cases remain pending as of July 31.
Commending the court’s decisions, Ofoyeju emphasized that physical disability does not exempt anyone from facing the law.
“These convictions send a clear message that physical challenges do not provide immunity from strict liability crimes like drug trafficking,” he stated. “When punishment is certain, it becomes a strong deterrent.”
Breakdown of 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 2.5 kg of cannabis sativa, 1.8 grams of Loud, and 2.2 grams of Swinol. She received a 15-year sentence with the option of a ₦3 million fine.
Risikatu Tijani, from Osogbo LGA, Osun State, was found guilty under charge number FHC/B/94C/2024 of possessing 8.7 kg of cannabis and 42 grams of methamphetamine. She was sentenced to 17 years in prison, with an option of a ₦4 million fine.
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Friday Robert, from Owan West LGA, was convicted under charge number FHC/B/187C/2022 for unlawful possession and transportation of 22 kg of cannabis. He received a 15-year sentence with an option of ₦3 million fine. His motorcycle, used to transport the drugs (reg. no. 371QB Edo), was forfeited to the federal government.
Etimesy Stephen, from Ndokwa West LGA, Delta State, was sentenced under charge number FHC/B/44C/2025 for cultivating 0.6 hectares of cannabis. He was given 15 years’ imprisonment or a ₦1.5 million fine.
Salami Philip Timothy, from Etsako West LGA, Edo State, was convicted under charge number FHC/B/18C/2024 for unlawful possession of various drugs, including cannabis, tramadol, Swinol, Danabol, and codeine-based syrup. He was handed 15 years in prison or a ₦3 million fine.
Christopher Tanko, from Kagarko LGA, Kaduna State, was sentenced under charge number FHC/B/152C/2024 to 15 years in prison or a ₦5 million fine for unlawful possession of cannabis, methamphetamine, cocaine, Rohypnol, and tramadol.
Henry Bitrus Okoye, from Esan South East LGA, Edo State, was convicted of possessing 1.068 kg of cannabis under charge number FHC/B/—. He received a one-year prison sentence or the option of a ₦1 million fine.
The NDLEA has reiterated its commitment to a drug-free society and called for public support in the agency’s ongoing war against drug abuse and trafficking, under the leadership of Brig. Gen. Mohamed Buba Marwa (Rtd).
