Physically Challenged Woman Bags 15 Years Imprisonment for Drug Trafficking

A Federal High Court sitting in Benin City, Edo State, has sentenced a 35-year-old physically challenged woman, Rita Idehen, and six others to various prison terms for drug-related offences.

The convictions followed separate cases brought before the court by the Edo State Command of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA). The rulings were delivered in July 2025 by Justices Chuka A. Obiozor and J. B. O. Quadiri.

Rita Idehen, a resident of Oredo Local Government Area, was convicted on a two-count charge of unlawful possession of 2.5kg of Cannabis Sativa, 1.8 grams of Loud, and 2.2 grams of Swinol. She was sentenced to 15 years in prison, with an option of a ₦3 million fine.

In a similar ruling, 48-year-old Risikatu Tijani from Osogbo, Osun State, was sentenced to 17 years imprisonment or a ₦4 million fine after she was found guilty of possessing 8.701kg of cannabis and 42 grams of methamphetamine.

Another convict, 50-year-old Friday Robert from Owan West LGA of Edo State, received a 15-year sentence for unlawful possession and transportation of 22kg of Cannabis Sativa. He was given the option to pay a ₦3 million fine. The motorcycle used to transport the drugs, registered as 371QB Edo, was forfeited to the Federal Government.

Etimesy Stephen, 55, from Ndokwa West LGA of Delta State, was also jailed for 15 years or offered the option of a ₦1.5 million fine. He was convicted for cultivating nearly 0.6 hectares of Cannabis Sativa.

Salami Philip Timothy, 35, was sentenced to 15 years or a ₦3 million fine for unlawful possession of a variety of drugs, including Cannabis Sativa, Tramadol, Swinol, Danabol, and codeine-based syrup.

The court also sentenced 28-year-old Christopher Tanko from Kagarko LGA in Kaduna State to 15 years or a ₦5 million fine. Tanko was found guilty of unlawful possession of cannabis, methamphetamine, cocaine, Rohypnol, and Tramadol.

Lastly, Henry Bitrus Okoye, 22, from Esan South East LGA of Edo State, received a one-year sentence or a ₦1 million fine for unlawful possession of 1.068kg of Cannabis Sativa.

Commenting on the outcome, NDLEA Edo State Commander Mitchell Ofoyeju confirmed that a total of 15 drug-related cases were filed, with seven convictions secured—comprising two females and five males. As of July 31, 2025, 113 cases remain pending.

Ofoyeju emphasized that physical disability offers no shield from justice in criminal matters. He said, “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. Stern judgements will undoubtedly help to deter future offenders and ensure public safety.”