Court Sentenced Edo physically-challenged Lady to 15 years in Prison for Drugs Trafficking

 

by Yusuf Mohammed Lawan, Gombe

6th August 2025

A Federal High Court  in Benin City, Edo State has passed a 15 years sentence in prison on a female physically challenged identified as Rita Idehen alongside six of her partners in crime after being tried and found to be convicted by the court on a serious criminal charge bordering on drugs-related criminal activities in July.

The court rulings according to the reports published by the Punch Newspaper  was delivered and passed by Hon. Justice Prof. Chuka Obiozor and Hon. Justice J. B. O. Quadiri.

According to the Punch reports Idehen, hails from the Oredo Local Government Area of the state, she was arraigned under charge number FHC/B/114C/2022 and found guilty of two counts of unlawful possession and dealing in cannabis sativa (2.5 kg), Loud (1.8 grams), and Swinol (2.2 grams). She was sentenced to a 15-year prison sentence with an option of a N3m fine.

When contacted to comment on the development, the NDLEA Edo State commander, Mitchell Ofoyeju, disclosed to newsmen "that a total of 15 cases were charged against the culprits, out of which seven convictions comprising two females and five males were secured, and 113 cases were pending as of July 31, 2025

Mr. Ofoyeju cautioned that having  physical challenge in a person  is not an excuse for trial in criminal cases, stressing serving stiffer punishment to offenders when they are found guilty is one of the greatest deterrents of crime for others to ponder. 

Rita Idehen, who was accused of drugs trafficking

Opyeju stated, “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"

"Those who commit crimes under any guise should prepare to face the consequences"

“All hands must be on deck in support of the NDLEA’s efforts championed by Brig. General Mohamed Buba-Marwa (retd). Stern judgements will undoubtedly help to deter future offenders and ensure public safety.” he concluded