Tension Erupts As Female Drug Suspect Collapses After Being Sentenced

She was handed a three-year prison term with an option of a ₦10 million fine.

The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), Edo State Command, secured the conviction at the Federal High Court in Benin for unlawful possession of various narcotics.

Ayanwale was arraigned before Justice B. O. Quadiri on charge No. FHC/B/21c/2026 and was found guilty of possessing 1.272 kilograms of Cannabis Sativa, 2.1 grams of methamphetamine, and 176 grams of tramadol, as established on March 24, 2026.

In related cases, two other individuals were also convicted and sentenced for drug trafficking offences. Etinosa Bazuaye, 43, was sentenced to 15 years’ imprisonment with an option of a ₦6 million fine for possessing 13 grams of cocaine, while Godfrey Osabuohien, 34, received a 15-year sentence with an option of a ₦3 million fine for being in possession of 15 kilograms of cannabis.

Following the pronouncement of Ayanwale’s sentence, she collapsed in the courtroom and required urgent medical attention before being stabilised. She has since been taken into custody to begin serving her sentence.

In his judgment, Justice Quadiri emphasised the serious threat posed by drug trafficking to society, noting its connection to crimes such as armed robbery and banditry. He stressed the need for strict penalties to deter offenders and curb the growing menace.

Reacting to the convictions, the Edo State Commander of the NDLEA, Commander Narcotics Dr. Mitchell Ofoyeju, praised the court’s ruling, describing it as a strong signal against drug traffickers in the state.

He said the verdict aligns with the agency’s intensified efforts under the leadership of Brig. Gen. Mohamed Buba Marwa (Rtd) to combat drug-related crimes and bring offenders to justice.

Ofoyeju reaffirmed the NDLEA’s commitment to eliminating drug trafficking and urged the public to support its operations by providing useful information to aid enforcement efforts.