Physically-Challenged Woman, Six Others Sentenced To 93 Years For Drug Trafficking In Edo

A physically-challenged woman, Rita Idehen, alongside six other convicts, will spend a combined 93 years behind bars after their convictions for various drug-related offences by the Federal High Court in Benin City, Edo State.

Delivering six of the rulings, Justice Prof. Chuka Obiozor, and Justice J. B. O. Quadiri presiding over one case, handed down stern sentences throughout July, targeting individuals who were found guilty of trafficking cannabis, methamphetamine, cocaine, and other illicit substances.

Edo State NDLEA Commander, Mitchell Ofoyeju, confirmed that seven convictions (two females and five males) were secured out of 15 prosecuted cases, with 113 more cases pending as of July 31, 2025. He lauded the judgments as a clear message that physical disability is no shield against the law.

“Physical challenge is no excuse for engaging in criminality,” Ofoyeju said. “These convictions reaffirm that crime under any guise will face swift and decisive justice. Stern sentences like these are vital deterrents.”

Breakdown of Sentences:

Rita Idehen (Oredo LGA, Edo State): Convicted for unlawful possession and dealing in cannabis (2.5kg), Loud (1.8g), and Swinol (2.2g). Sentenced to 15 years imprisonment or a ₦3 million fine.

Risikatu Tijani (Osogbo LGA, Osun State): Found with 8.701kg of cannabis and 42g of methamphetamine. Sentenced to 17 years imprisonment or a ₦4 million fine.

Friday Robert (Owan West LGA, Edo State): Convicted for unlawful possession and transportation of 22kg of cannabis. Sentenced to 15 years imprisonment or a ₦3 million fine. His motorcycle was also forfeited to the Federal Government.

Etimesy Stephen (Ndokwa West LGA, Delta State): Convicted for cultivating 0.597884 hectares of cannabis. Sentenced to 15 years imprisonment or a ₦1.5 million fine.

Salami Philip Timothy (Etsako West LGA, Edo State): Sentenced to 15 years imprisonment or a ₦3 million fine for unlawful possession of cannabis, Tramadol, Swinol, Danabol, and codeine-based syrup.

Christopher Tanko (Kagarko LGA, Kaduna State): Found guilty of unlawful possession of cannabis, methamphetamine, cocaine, Rohypnol, and Tramadol. Sentenced to 15 years imprisonment or a ₦5 million fine.

Henry Bitrus Okoye (Esan South East LGA, Edo State): Sentenced to one-year imprisonment or a ₦1 million fine for unlawful possession of 1.068kg of cannabis sativa.

Ofoyeju emphasized that the NDLEA, under the leadership of Brig. Gen. Mohamed Buba Marwa (retd.), remains relentless in its fight against drug trafficking and will continue to push for tough sentences to deter offenders.

“These are landmark convictions. They reaffirm that crime, regardless of physical ability, social status, or community influence, will be met with resolute legal consequences,” he concluded.