Female Drug Trafficker Collapses in Court After Conviction in Edo
A thirty-four-year-old female drug convict, Tope Ayanwale, on March 24 reportedly collapsed in court after being sentenced to three years in jail with an option of a N10 million fine in Benin, Edo State
Tope was arraigned before the Federal High Court, Benin, presided over by Honourable Justice B. Quadiri, on charge No. FHC/B/21c/2026.
Upon hearing the sentence, Ayanwale collapsed in the courtroom and required immediate medical attention before being stabilised. She has since been taken into custody to begin her sentence.
Also, two other drug traffickers, Etinosa Bazuaye, 43 years, and Godfrey Osabuohien, 34 years were 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 kilograms of Cannabis Sativa, 2.1 grams of methamphetamine, and 176 grams of tramadol as charged on March 24, 2026.
Bazuaye, who was charged for unlawful possession of 13 grams of cocaine on charge No. FHC/B/143c/2025 was sentenced to 15 years' imprisonment with an option of a N6 million fine, while Osabuohien, who was charged in connection with 15 kilograms of cannabis on charge No. FHC/B/86c/2025, got 15 years' imprisonment with an option of a N3 million fine.
In his remarks, Justice Quadiri underscored the grave societal dangers of drug trafficking. The judge noted the established link between illicit drugs and violent criminal activities, including armed robbery and banditry.
He 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 conviction, the Edo State Commander of the NDLEA, Commander Narcotics, Mitchell Ofoyeju, commended the judiciary for the landmark judgement.
He stated that the ruling aligns 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 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 have secured several convictions in the past and have 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.
