A physically-challenged woman from Edo State, Rita Idehen, has been sentenced to 15 years in prison by the Federal High Court in Benin City for drug trafficking. Idehen was among seven convicts who together received a total of 93 years’ imprisonment for various drug-related offences in July.
The case has drawn particular attention due to Idehen’s disability, sparking conversations around crime, vulnerability, and accountability. Despite her physical condition, the court found her guilty 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 was given the option of a ₦3 million fine in lieu of her sentence.
Hailing from Oredo Local Government Area of Edo State, Idehen’s conviction is part of a wider crackdown on drug offences by the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) in the state.
While commenting on the conviction, NDLEA Edo State Commander, Mitchell Ofoyeju, stated that “physical challenge is not an alibi in criminal cases,” stressing that all individuals, regardless of disability, will be held accountable under the law.
“These convictions send a strong message—you cannot hide under the canopy of being physically challenged to commit strict liability criminal offences like drug trafficking,” Ofoyeju said. “The certainty of punishment remains one of the most effective deterrents to crime.”
Ofoyeju disclosed that, as of July 31, 2025, the command had filed 15 cases, secured seven convictions—two of whom were women—and had 113 cases pending.
Another female convict, Risikatu Tijani, from Osogbo Local Government Area of Osun State, was sentenced to 17 years’ imprisonment with an option of a ₦4 million fine for unlawful possession and trafficking of 8.701 kg of cannabis and 42 grams of methamphetamine.
Five other male convicts also received sentences ranging from one to 15 years, some with fines as optional penalties. Their offences included cultivation, possession, and trafficking of cannabis, methamphetamine, cocaine, tramadol, and other controlled substances.
The NDLEA commended the judiciary for the timely convictions, describing them as crucial steps toward deterring drug-related crimes and ensuring public safety. The agency reiterated its commitment to drug law enforcement under the leadership of Brigadier General Mohamed Buba Marwa (retd), calling on all stakeholders to support the ongoing war against illicit drugs.
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