Woman Convicted for Drug Offences Collapses in Benin Court

A 34-year-old convict, Tope Ayanwale, collapsed on Tuesday shortly after a Federal High Court in Benin, Edo State, sentenced her to three years’ imprisonment with an option of a N10 million fine.

Ayanwale was arraigned before Justice B. Quadiri on Charge No. FHC/B/21c/2026. She slumped moments after the judgment was delivered and was promptly attended to by court officials before being stabilised. She has since been remanded in custody to commence her sentence.

The court found her guilty of unlawful possession of 1.272 kilograms of cannabis sativa, 2.1 grams of methamphetamine, and 176 grams of tramadol.

In a related development, two other drug traffickers, Etinosa Bazuaye, 43, and Godfrey Osabuohien, 34, were on March 25 sentenced to 15 years’ imprisonment each. Bazuaye was given an option of a N6 million fine for unlawful possession of 13 grams of cocaine under Charge No. FHC/B/143c/2025, while Osabuohien was handed a N3 million fine option for possession of 15 kilograms of cannabis under Charge No. FHC/B/86c/2025.

The convictions were secured by the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency at the Federal High Court in Benin City.

Delivering his judgment, Justice Quadiri underscored the severe dangers of drug trafficking, noting its strong connection to violent crimes such as armed robbery and banditry. He stressed the importance of stiff penalties to deter potential offenders and protect society.

In response, the Edo State Commander of the NDLEA, Mitchell Ofoyeju, commended the judiciary for what he described as a firm and decisive ruling. He stated that the convictions reflect the agency’s intensified efforts under its Chairman/Chief Executive Officer, Brig. Gen. Mohamed Buba Marwa (retd.), to dismantle drug networks and ensure prosecution of offenders.

“The conviction of Tope Ayanwale sends a clear message that Edo State is hostile territory for drug traffickers,” Ofoyeju said.

He added that the agency would sustain its offensive against drug-related crimes and urged the public to support its operations by providing credible information. Ofoyeju reaffirmed the NDLEA’s commitment to ridding the state and the country of illicit drugs, noting that the command has recorded several convictions and destroyed hectares of cannabis farms across Edo State.