There was commotion at the Federal High Court, Benin City, Edo State Tuesday March 24, 2026, as a 34-year-old female drug convict, Tope Ayanwale, reportedly collapsed after a three-year jail term with an option of N10 million fine was pronounced by the judge.
Newsmata.com.ng reports that Ayanwale was dragged before the court presided over by Justice Babatunde Olaide Quadri, in suit No. FHC/B/21c/2026.
An immediate medical attention was however provided to stabilise her after which she was taken into custody to begin her sentence.
Two other drug traffickers, Etinosa Bazuaye, 43 years, and Godfrey Osabuohien, 34 years, were similarly sentenced to 15-year jail terms each on March 25.
The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency, Edo State Command, secured the convictions at the Federal High Court sitting in Benin City for unlawful possession of various quantities of illicit drugs.
The court found Ayanwale guilty of unlawful possession of 1.272 kilogrammes of Cannabis Sativa, 2.1 grammes of methamphetamine, and 176 grammes of tramadol as charged on March 24, 2026.
Bazuaye, who was charged with unlawful possession of 13 grammes of cocaine in charge No. FHC/B/143c/2025, was sentenced to 15 years’ imprisonment with an option of a six million Naira fine, while Osabuohien, who was charged in connection with 15 kilogrammes of cannabis in charge No. FHC/B/86c/2025, got 15 years’ imprisonment with an option of a three million Naira million fine.
Delivering his judgement, Justice Quadiri underscored the grave societal dangers of drug trafficking, noting the established link between illicit drugs and violent criminal activities, including armed robbery and banditry.
The judge emphasised that stiffer punishments must be awarded to those involved in the drug trade to serve as a potent deterrent to others and to protect society from the devastating consequences of substance abuse.
Reacting to the convictions, the Edo State Commander of the NDLEA, Commander Narcotics, Mitchell Ofoyeju, commended the judiciary for the landmark judgement.
He said the ruling aligned with the renewed vigour of the agency under the leadership of Chairman/Chief Executive Officer Brig. Gen. Mohamed Buba Marwa (RTD) is to dismantle drug trafficking networks and prosecute offenders to the full extent of the law.
“The conviction of Tope Ayanwale sends a clear and unequivocal message: Edo State is a hostile territory for drug traffickers and barons.
“We appreciate the judiciary’s firm stance as highlighted by His Lordship, that illicit drugs fuel insecurity and societal decay. The NDLEA will continue its relentless offensive against all elements of the drug supply chain. We urge the public to continue providing useful information to aid our operations.”
Ofoyeju assured the public of NDLEA’s unwavering commitment to rid the state and the nation of the scourge of illicit drugs.
The Edo NDLEA has secured several convictions in the past and taken the fight to the streets where drugs are being sold.
The agency has also destroyed several hectares of lands used to cultivate cannabis in the state.