A 29-year-old woman, Owoeye Tobi, has been sentenced to ten years imprisonment with hard labour by a Federal High Court sitting in Benin City, Edo State, for unlawful possession of various narcotic drugs.
The conviction followed her arrest in February 2025 by operatives of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), Edo State Command, and subsequent prosecution.
Justice B. O. Quadiri, who presided over the case, delivered the ruling on case number FHC/B/16c/2025. He found Tobi guilty of five separate counts related to the unlawful possession of illegal drugs, including Cannabis Sativa, Heroin, Cocaine, tramadol capsules, and Methamphetamine.
She was found with a total of 168.1 grams of drugs, broken down as follows: 161 grams of Cannabis Sativa, 0.2 grams of Heroin, 0.7 grams of Cocaine, 2.4 grams of Tramadol, and 3.8 grams of Methamphetamine.
In his judgement, Justice Quadiri stated inter alia, “After reviewing the facts of this case, you are hereby sentenced to two calendar years’ imprisonment with hard labour on each count or to pay an option of a fine of five million on each count.” This brings the total to ten years in prison or a cumulative fine of N25 million, should the convict opt for the financial penalty.
Tobi, a native of Osun State, was apprehended by NDLEA officials during a routine operation in the state.
Her conviction underscores the ongoing effort by authorities to clamp down on the illicit drug trade within and beyond Edo State.
Reacting to the ruling, NDLEA Edo State Commander, Mitchell Ofoyeju, applauded the decision, describing it as a significant step in the fight against drug trafficking.
“I am pleased with the judgement. Drug trafficking is a criminal offence that has caused untold havoc to mankind, affecting individuals, families and society. Those who seek to inflict pain on society must not go unpunished. If drug traffickers know that penalty is not only certain but commensurate, they will be dissuaded. The ruling is a welcome development and also highly commendable. We will continue to work collaboratively with law enforcement agencies, the judiciary, and community organisations to address the drug problem,” Ofoyeju said.
