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There was mild drama at the Federal High Court sitting in Benin City when a 34-year-old female drug trafficker, identified as Tope Ayanwale, collapsed after being convicted and sentenced to three years’ imprisonment with an option of a N10 million fine.
DAILY POST reports that the convict was sentenced by Justice B.O. Quadri in suit No. FHC/B/21c/2026.
The Federal High Court, presided over by Justice Chuka Obiozor, also sentenced two other suspects to 15 years’ imprisonment each, with an option of fines of N6 million and N3 million, respectively.
The convicts, Etinosa Bazuaye and Godfrey Osabuohien, were sentenced on March 24 and 25, 2026, respectively.
The convictions were secured by the Edo State Command of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), which instituted cases of unlawful possession of various quantities of illicit drugs against the convicts.
Ayanwale was found guilty of unlawful possession of 1.272 kilograms of Cannabis Sativa, 2.1 grams of methamphetamine, and 176 grams of tramadol by Justice Quadri.
Upon hearing the sentence, the convict, Tope Ayanwale, collapsed in the courtroom and was immediately stabilised after receiving medical attention.
Shortly after being stabilised, she was taken into custody to begin her jail term.
In another judgment, Justice Chuka Obiozor also found Etinosa Bazuaye and Godfrey Osabuohien guilty of unlawful possession of 13 grams of cocaine and 15 kilograms of cannabis.
In his remarks, Justice Quadri underscored the grave societal dangers posed by 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 imposed on those involved in the drug trade to serve as a potent deterrent and to protect society from the devastating consequences of substance abuse.
Reacting to the convictions, the Edo State Commander of the NDLEA, Dr. Mitchell Ofoyeju, commended the judiciary for the landmark judgment.
Ofoyeju said the judgment aligned with the renewed vigour of the agency under the leadership of Chairman/Chief Executive Officer Brig. Gen. Mohamed Buba Marwa (Rtd.) to dismantle drug trafficking networks and prosecute offenders to the full extent of the law.
According to him, the conviction of Tope Ayanwale sends an unequivocal message that 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,” he said.
He urged the public to continue providing useful information to aid their operations.
He also assured the public of the agency’s unwavering commitment to rid the state and the nation of the scourge of illicit drugs.
Drama as 34-year-old drug trafficker collapses as court hands down 3-year jail term
