Court Jails Physically-challenged Woman Over Drug Trafficking

A physically-challenged woman, Rita Idehen, 36, has bagged 15-year prison sentence for unlawful possession and dealing in cannabis sativa 2.5 kg, Loud 1.8 grams, and Swinol 2.2 grams.

The convict was sentenced by a Federal High Court sitting in Benin City, Edo state, having been found guilty of a two-count charges marked: FHC/B/114C/2022, and instituted by the State Command of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA).

The judgement was delivered by Justice (Prof) Chuka A. Obiozor and Justice J. B. O. Quadiri.

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The Court however, handed the convict an option of a #3 million naira fine.

Similarly, the NDLEA also secured the convictions and sentencing of six others for offences bordering on drug-related crimes in the month of July 2025.

The cases were also delivered by Justice (Prof) Chuka A. Obiozor and Justice J. B. O. Quadiri.

The convicts are: Risikatu Tijani, Friday Robert, Etimesy Stephen, Salami Philip Timothy, Christopher Tanko and Henry Bitrus Okoye.

They were however given an option of fine raging from #5 million and #1 million respectively.

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The Edo state commander of the NDLEA, Mitchell Ofoyeju, lauded the convictions, adding, “one of the greatest deterrents of crime is the certainty of stern punishment.”

Ofoyeju noted, “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 crime under any guise should prepare to face the consequences. Stern judgements will undoubtedly help to deter future offenders and ensure public safety.”

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He added that 113 cases are pending in courts as of July 31, 2025.

Source: Blue Print