Convicted female drug trafficker collapses in court after being sentenced

By Jethro Ibileke

A 34-year-old female drug convict, Tope Ayanwale, has collapsed in court after a Judge of the Federal High Court sitting in Benin City, Edo State, Justice B. O. Quadiri, sentenced her to three calendar years in prison.

The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), Edo State Command, secured her conviction alongside others for unlawful possession of various quantities of illicit drugs.

Mrs Ayanwale who was arraigned on charge No. FHC/B/21c/2026, was found guilty of unlawful possession of 1.272 kilograms of Cannabis Sativa, 2.1 grams of methamphetamine, and 176 grams of tramadol as charged on March 24, 2027.

In his ruling, Justice Quadiri sentenced Ayanwale to three calendar years’ imprisonment, with an option of a fine of ₦10 million.

Upon hearing the sentence, the convict, Tope Ayanwale, collapsed in the courtroom and required immediate medical attention before being stabilised. She has since been taken into custody to begin her sentence.

In a related incident, two other drug traffickers, Etinosa Bazuaye (43), and Godfrey Osabuohien (34), were convicted by Honourable Justice Chuka Obiozor for 15 years each on March 24 and 25, respectively.

Etinosa, who was charged for unlawful possession of 13 grams of cocaine on charge No. FHC/B/143c/2025 was sentenced to 15 years’ imprisonment with an option of a ₦6 million fine.

On his part, Godfrey who was charged in connection with 15 kilograms of cannabis on charge No. FHC/B/86c/2025, got 15 years’ imprisonment with an option of a ₦3 million fine.

In his remarks, Justice Quadiri underscored the grave societal dangers of drug trafficking.

He noted the established link between illicit drugs and violent criminal activities, including armed robbery and banditry. He emphasised that stiffer punishments must be awarded to those involved in the drug trade to serve as a potent deterrent to others and to protect society from the devastating consequences of substance abuse.

Reacting to the conviction, the Edo State Commander of the NDLEA, Commander of Narcotics, Mitchell Ofoyeju, commended the judiciary for the landmark judgement.

“The conviction of Tope Ayanwale sends a clear and unequivocal message: 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. We urge the public to continue providing useful information to aid our operations,” he stated.

Ofoyeju assured the public of its unwavering commitment to rid the state and the nation of the scourge of illicit drugs.