Edo Court Jails Physically-Challenged Woman, Six Others 93 Years for Drug Offences
A Federal High Court sitting in Benin City, Edo State, has sentenced a physically-challenged woman, Rita Idehen, alongside six others, to a cumulative 93 years in prison over various drug-related crimes.
The convictions were secured in July across seven separate cases—six presided over by Justice Professor Chuka Obiozor and one by Justice J.B.O. Quadri.
Edo State Commander of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), Mitchell Ofoyeju, disclosed that a total of 15 drug-related cases were filed within the month, with seven resulting in successful convictions involving five men and two women. He added that 113 other cases remain pending as of July 31, 2025.
Ofoyeju emphasized that physical disability does not shield offenders from justice.
“These convictions send a strong message: being physically challenged is not a license to commit strict liability offences like drug trafficking. Anyone involved in such crimes should be prepared to face the consequences,” he said.
He also called for collective support in the NDLEA’s fight against drug trafficking under the leadership of Brig. Gen. Mohamed Buba Marwa (retd.), noting that tough court rulings are crucial in deterring offenders and safeguarding society.
COMMENTS