•Rita Idehen
A physically-challenged female drug trafficker, Rita Idehen, and six others are to spend 93 years in prison after they were convicted by the Federal High Court sitting in Benin City, Edo State, and jailed for various drug-related crimes in July.
Six of the rulings were delivered by Hon. Justice Prof. Chuka Obiozor, while one was passed by Hon. Justice J. B. O. Quadiri, reports The PUNCH.
The NDLEA Edo State commander, Mitchell Ofoyeju, said a total of 15 cases were charged, seven convictions comprising two females and five males were secured, and 113 cases were pending as of July 31, 2025.
While applauding the convictions, Ofoyeju noted that physical challenge is not an alibi in criminal cases, adding that one of the greatest deterrents of crime is the certainty of stern punishment.
In his words, “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.
“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.”
Idehen, who hails from the Oredo Local Government Area of the state, was arraigned under charge number FHC/B/114C/2022 and found guilty of two counts of unlawful possession and dealing in cannabis sativa (2.5 kg), Loud (1.8 grams), and Swinol (2.2 grams). She was sentenced to a 15-year prison sentence with an option of a N3m fine.
Another convict, Risikatu Tijani, who hails from Osogbo Local Government Area of Osun State, was caught with 8.701 kg of cannabis and 42 grams of methamphetamine and was prosecuted under charge number FHC/B/94C/2024.
She was also found guilty of unlawful possession and dealing in illegal substances and was sentenced to 17 years’ imprisonment. She was, however, given an option of a N4m fine.
In the case of the Federal Republic of Nigeria vs. Friday Robert, who hails from Owan West Local Government Area, charge number FHC/B/187C/2022, the accused was convicted in connection with the unlawful possession and transportation of 22 kilograms of Cannabis sativa.
He received a sentence of 15 years’ jail term with an option of a N3m fine. Additionally, the motorcycle used as a means of conveyance, registered as 371QB Edo, was forfeited to the federal government.
Similarly, Etimesy Stephen, who hails from Ndokwa West Local Government Area of Delta State, was convicted under charge number FHC/B/44C/2025 for the cultivation of 0.597884 hectares of cannabis sativa. He was sentenced to 15 years imprisonment with an option of N1.5m fine.
Salami Philip Timothy, who hails from Etsako West Local Government Area of the state, was sentenced under charge number FHC/B/18C/2024 for the unlawful possession of multiple drugs, including cannabis sativa, Tramadol, Swinol, Danabol, and codeine-based syrup. He faces 15 years imprisonment or a N3m fine.
In yet another case, Christopher Tanko, who hails from Kagarko Local Government Area of Kaduna State, was convicted for unlawful possession of cannabis, methamphetamine, cocaine, Rohypnol, and tramadol in charge number FHC/B/152C/2024. He also got 15 years’ imprisonment with a N5m fine.
Henry Bitrus Okoye, who hails from Esan South East Local Government area of Edo State, was given a one-year imprisonment or a fine of N1m for the unlawful possession of 1.068 kilograms of cannabis sativa.
