By Chinasaokwu Helen Okoro
A physically-challenged woman, Rita Idehen, along with six other individuals, has been sentenced to a combined 93 years in prison by the Federal High Court in Benin City, Edo State, for various drug-related offences.
Six of the convictions were handed down by Justice Professor Chuka Obiozor, while the seventh ruling was delivered by Justice J. B. O. Quadri.
According to the Edo State Commander of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), Mitchell Ofoyeju, a total of 15 cases were prosecuted in July 2025, resulting in seven convictions—comprising two females and five males. As of July 31, 2025, 113 cases remained pending.
Commending the recent convictions, Ofoyeju emphasized that physical disability is not a legal excuse for criminal acts. He stated, “These convictions send a strong message that being physically challenged is not a shield against accountability in drug-related offences. Crime, regardless of the perpetrator’s status, must be punished accordingly.”
He also called for collective support for the NDLEA’s efforts, led by Brigadier General Mohamed Buba Marwa (retd), asserting that strict sentencing plays a crucial role in deterring drug crimes and ensuring public safety.
Individual Convictions
Rita Idehen, from Oredo LGA, Edo State, was convicted under charge number FHC/B/114C/2022 for unlawful possession and dealing in 2.5 kg of cannabis sativa, 1.8 grams of Loud, and 2.2 grams of Swinol. She received a 15-year prison sentence with an option of a ₦3 million fine.
Risikatu Tijani, from Osogbo LGA, Osun State, was convicted under charge number FHC/B/94C/2024 for possession of 8.701 kg of cannabis and 42 grams of methamphetamine. She was sentenced to 17 years in prison with the option of a ₦4 million fine.
Friday Robert, from Owan West LGA, Edo State, was found guilty under charge number FHC/B/187C/2022 for unlawful possession and transportation of 22 kg of cannabis sativa. He received a 15-year sentence or a ₦3 million fine. His motorcycle, with registration number 371QB Edo, was forfeited to the Federal Government.
Etimesy Stephen, from Ndokwa West LGA, Delta State, was convicted under charge number FHC/B/44C/2025 for cultivating 0.597884 hectares of cannabis sativa. He was sentenced to 15 years’ imprisonment with an option of a ₦1.5 million fine.
Salami Philip Timothy, from Etsako West LGA, Edo State, was sentenced under charge number FHC/B/18C/2024 for unlawful possession of multiple drugs, including cannabis sativa, Tramadol, Swinol, Danabol, and codeine syrup. He received 15 years in prison or a ₦3 million fine.
Christopher Tanko, from Kagarko LGA, Kaduna State, was convicted under charge number FHC/B/152C/2024 for unlawful possession of cannabis, methamphetamine, cocaine, Rohypnol, and Tramadol. He was sentenced to 15 years’ imprisonment with the option of a ₦5 million fine.
Henry Bitrus Okoye, from Esan South East LGA, Edo State, was sentenced to one year in prison or a ₦1 million fine under charge number FHC/B/– for unlawful possession of 1.068 kg of cannabis sativa.
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