BENIN CITY-A mild drama unfolded this morning at the Federal High in Benin City, theEdo State capital, sitting before Justice B O. Quadiri after a forty- four year old drug convit collapsed at the court room before litigants. The convict was identified as Tope Ayanwale. She was sentence to three year imprisonment or to pay a fine of ten million (N10,000, 000.00). She momentarily collapsed upon hearing of the fine and that attracted sympathisers to rush towards the dock to promptly attend to her.
Two other drug traffickers were also sentenced to fifteen-year jail terms each. The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), Edo State Command, secured the convictions at the Federal High Court sitting in Benin City for unlawful possession of various quantities of illicit drugs. Tope was arraigned before the Federal High Court, Benin, presided over by Honourable Justice B. O. Quadiri, on charge No. FHC/B/21c/2026. 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, 2027. Two other drug traffickers, Etinosa Bazuaye, 43 years, and Godfrey Osabuohien, 34 years, were also convicted by Honourable Justice Chuka Obiozor on March 24 and 25, respectively.
Etinosa, 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 six million naira fine, while Godfrey, 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 three million naira fine.
In his ruling, Justice Quadiri sentenced Ayanwale to three calendar years’ imprisonment, with an option of a fine of ten million naira (N10,000,000). Upon hearing the sentence, the convict, Tope Ayanwale, collapsed in the courtroom and required immediate medical attention before being stabilised. She has since been taken into custody to begin her sentence.
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 Dr 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,” Dr Mitchell said. “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.”
Mitchell assured the public of its unwavering commitment to rid the state and the nation of the scourge of illicit drugs.