The Federal High Court sitting in Benin City, the Edo State capital, on Wednesday sentenced a 29-year-old woman, Owoeye Tobi, to 10 years’ imprisonment with hard labour for unlawful possession of various narcotic drugs.
Tobi was arrested in February 2025 by operatives of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), Edo State Command.
The presiding judge, Justice B. O. Quadiri, in his judgment in the suit marked FHC/B/16c/2025, found Tobi guilty on five separate counts bordering on the unlawful possession of illegal drugs, including Cannabis Sativa (commonly known as Indian hemp), Heroin, Cocaine, Tramadol capsules, and Methamphetamine.
The convict was found in possession of 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 judgment, Justice Quadiri stated:
“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 naira on each count.”
This brings the total to 10 years in prison or a cumulative fine of 25 million naira, should the convict opt for the financial penalty. However, the sentences are to run concurrently, meaning the total time to be served in prison custody is two years, or a single fine of five million naira.
ALSO READ: Electrician, 10 others jailed for internet fraud in Kwara
Tobi, a native of Osun State, was apprehended by NDLEA officials during a routine operation in the state.
Her conviction, according to the NDLEA, underscores the agency’s ongoing efforts 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 judgment, describing it as a significant step in the fight against drug trafficking.
“I am pleased with the judgment. 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 the penalty is not only certain but commensurate, they will be dissuaded. The ruling is a welcome development and highly commendable. We will continue to work collaboratively with law enforcement agencies, the judiciary, and community organisations to address the drug problem,” Ofoyeju said.
WATCH TOP VIDEOS FROM NIGERIAN TRIBUNE TV
- Let’s Talk About SELF-AWARENESS
- Is Your Confidence Mistaken for Pride? Let’s talk about it
- Is Etiquette About Perfection…Or Just Not Being Rude?
- Top Psychologist Reveal 3 Signs You’re Struggling With Imposter Syndrome
- Do You Pick Up Work-Related Calls at Midnight or Never? Let’s Talk About Boundaries
and then