Wheelchair drug Queen, six others slammed with 93-year cumulative jail term in Edo

By Jethro Ibileke

A 35-year-old physically challenged woman, Rita Idehen, and six others have been sentenced to a cumulative 93 years in prison for various drug-related offences in Edo State.

The convictions were secured by the Edo State Command of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) in separate cases prosecuted before two Federal High Courts in Benin City, presided over by Justices Chuka A. Obiozor and J.B.O. Quadri.

The convicted individuals include four men and three women: Rita Idehen, Risikatu Tijani, Friday Robert, Etimesy Stephen, Salami Philip Timothy, Christopher Tanko, and Henry Bitrus Okoye.

Rita Idehen, who appeared before Justice Obiozor in charge number FHC/B/114C/2022, was found guilty of unlawful possession and dealing in multiple banned substances—2.5kg of cannabis sativa, 1.8 grams of Loud, and 2.2 grams of Swinol. She was sentenced to 15 years in prison, with an option of a ₦3 million fine.

Similarly, 48-year-old Risikatu Tijani from Osogbo Local Government Area of Osun State was convicted for possession and dealing in illicit drugs. She received a 17-year prison sentence, with an option of a ₦4 million fine.

Fifty-year-old Friday Robert, from Owan West Local Government Area of Edo State, was convicted of unlawful possession and transportation of 22kg of cannabis sativa. He was sentenced to 15 years imprisonment or a ₦3 million fine. His motorcycle, registered as 371QB Edo and used to convey the drugs, was forfeited to the Federal Government.

Etimesy Stephen, 55, of Ndokwa West LGA in Delta State, was found guilty of cultivating 0.597884 hectares of cannabis and sentenced to 15 years imprisonment, with an option of a ₦1.5 million fine.

In a separate charge (FHC/B/18C/2024), 35-year-old Salami Philip Timothy was jailed for 15 years or fined ₦3 million for unlawful possession of multiple controlled substances including cannabis sativa, tramadol, Swinol, Danabol, and codeine-based syrup.

Christopher Tanko, 28, from Kagarko LGA of Kaduna State, was convicted under charge number FHC/B/152C/2024 for unlawful possession of cannabis, methamphetamine, cocaine, Rohypnol, and tramadol. He was sentenced to 15 years imprisonment with an option of a ₦5 million fine.

The youngest among the convicts, 22-year-old Henry Bitrus Okoye from Esan South East LGA in Edo State, was sentenced to one year imprisonment or a ₦1 million fine for unlawful possession of 1.068kg of cannabis sativa.

Commenting on the outcome of the cases, Edo State NDLEA Commander, Mitchell Ofoyeju, revealed that a total of 15 cases were filed, with seven convictions, comprising five male and two female, secured as of 31 July 2025. He added that 113 drug-related cases are still pending in court.

Ofoyeju lauded the verdicts, stressing that physical disability does not exempt anyone from prosecution.

“Those who commit crimes under any guise should prepare to face the consequences. Stern judgements will undoubtedly help deter future offenders and safeguard public health and safety,” he stated.