According to Mitchell Ofoyeju, the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) Commander in Edo State, 15 cases were filed in July, of which seven, involving two women and five men resulted in convictions. As of July 31, 2025, there were still 113 cases pending.

The convictions, obtained in July, were the result of seven separate cases, six of which were presided over by Hon. Justice Prof. Chuka Obiozor and one by Hon. Justice J. B. O. Quadiri.

“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,” Ofoyeju said, emphasising that disability does not absolve anyone of criminal responsibility. Anyone who commits a crime under any pretense should be ready to pay the price.

He said, “Everyone must pitch in to support the NDLEA’s efforts, which are led by Brig. Gen. Mohamed Buba-Marwa (retd).” Strict rulings will surely contribute to public safety and prevent future offenders.

Under case number FHC/B/114C/2022, Rita Idehen of the Oredo Local Government Area was found guilty on two counts of unlawfully possessing and dealing in cannabis sativa (2.5 kilograms), Loud (1.8 grams), and Swinol (2.2 grams). She received a sentence of 15 years in prison and a fine of N3 million.

Under charge number FHC/B/94C/2024, Risikatu Tijani, of Osogbo LGA in Osun State, was convicted of possessing 42 grams of methamphetamine and 8.701 kg of cannabis. She received a 17 year sentence with an N4 million fine as an alternative.

On Friday, Robert from Owan West LGA was charged with illegally possessing and carrying 22 kilograms of cannabis sativa under charge number FHC/B/187C/2022. He was fined N3 million or sentenced to 15 years in prison.  The Federal Government received his motorcycle, registration 371QB Edo, which was utilized in the crime.

Etimesy Stephen, a resident of Delta State’s Ndokwa West LGA, was found guilty of growing 0.597884 hectares of cannabis under charge number FHC/B/44C/2025. He received a sentence of 15 years in prison and a fine of N1.5 million.

Under case number FHC/B/18C/2024, Salami Philip Timothy of Etsako West LGA was found guilty of carrying many prohibited narcotics, including codeine based syrup, cannabis sativa, Tramadol, Swinol, and Danabol. He was fined N3 million or sentenced to 15 years in prison.

Under charge number FHC/B/152C/2024, Christopher Tanko, a resident of Kagarko LGA in Kaduna State, was found guilty of possessing cocaine, methamphetamine, cannabis, Rohypnol, and Tramadol. He received a sentence of 15 years in prison and a fine of N5 million.  Henry Bitrus Okoye of Edo State’s Esan South East LGA was found guilty of possessing 1.068 kilograms of cannabis sativa and given a one-year prison term or a fine of N1 million.