A Federal High Court in Benin City, Edo State, has handed a cumulative 93-year prison sentence to a physically challenged woman, Rita Idehen, along with six other individuals, for various drug-related offences.
The convictions, delivered in July, arose from seven separate cases—six adjudicated by Hon. Justice Prof. Chuka Obiozor and one by Hon. Justice J. B. O. Quadiri.
According to the Edo State Commander of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), Mitchell Ofoyeju, a total of 15 cases were filed in July. Seven of these, involving two women and five men, led to convictions, while 113 other cases remain pending as of July 31, 2025.
Ofoyeju stressed that physical disability offers no immunity from criminal responsibility, stating, “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. Those who commit crimes under any guise should prepare to face the consequences.”
He added, “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.”
Rita Idehen, a resident of Oredo Local Government Area, was convicted on two counts of unlawful possession and dealing in cannabis sativa (2.5 kg), Loud (1.8 grams), and Swinol (2.2 grams) under charge number FHC/B/114C/2022. She received a 15-year prison sentence or a ₦3 million fine.
Risikatu Tijani, from Osogbo LGA in Osun State, was found guilty under charge number FHC/B/94C/2024 for possessing 8.701 kg of cannabis and 42 grams of methamphetamine. She was sentenced to 17 years in prison or a ₦4 million fine.
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 sativa. He received a 15-year prison sentence or a ₦3 million fine, and his motorcycle (registration 371QB Edo) used in the offence was forfeited to the Federal Government.
Etimesy Stephen, from Ndokwa West LGA in Delta State, was found guilty under charge number FHC/B/44C/2025 for cultivating 0.597884 hectares of cannabis. He was sentenced to 15 years in prison or a ₦1.5 million fine.
Salami Philip Timothy, from Etsako West LGA, was convicted under charge number FHC/B/18C/2024 for possessing multiple illegal substances, including cannabis sativa, Tramadol, Swinol, Danabol, and codeine-based syrup. He received 15 years in prison or a ₦3 million fine.
Christopher Tanko, from Kagarko LGA in Kaduna State, was convicted under charge number FHC/B/152C/2024 for possessing cannabis, methamphetamine, cocaine, Rohypnol, and Tramadol. He was sentenced to 15 years in prison or a ₦5 million fine.
Lastly, Henry Bitrus Okoye, from Esan South East LGA of Edo State, was sentenced to one year in prison or a ₦1 million fine for possession of 1.068 kg of cannabis sativa.