101-Year-Old Woman Arrested for Alleged Cannabis Sales in Ogun as NDLEA Recovers Cocaine Hidden in Fufu

Newslens anG reports that the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) has arrested a 101-year-old woman, Esther Ogunmabo, for allegedly selling cannabis in Ilisan, Ogun State.

According to NDLEA spokesman, Femi Babafemi, Ogunmabo was arrested on Saturday, August 15, with 90 grammes of skunk, a potent strain of cannabis, packaged in small sachets for retail sale.

The agency said the centenarian told operatives that she resorted to selling illicit drugs after a fire destroyed her provisions shop, leaving her without a means of livelihood. She reportedly disclosed that one of her daughters, who lives in Lagos, supplied her with cannabis every four days, which she allegedly sold in small quantities to residents.

Following her arrest, NDLEA Chairman and Chief Executive Officer, Brig. Gen. Mohamed Buba Marwa (retd.), directed that Ogunmabo be granted bail and placed under counselling, taking into consideration her advanced age. Her daughter was also arrested in connection with the alleged drug business.

Meanwhile, in Akwa Ibom State, NDLEA operatives intercepted a wooden boat on the high seas on Friday, August 21, allegedly while transporting illicit drugs to fishing settlements in Cameroon.

Three suspects were arrested aboard the vessel, which was reportedly heading towards Ine Isu, Ine Mbah and Ine Ikot Itie Udung fishing ports in Cameroon.

The suspects were identified as 29-year-old Etima Effiong Eekpo, who was allegedly found with 1.120kg of skunk; 33-year-old Otobong Eyoh Etukudoh, who had 42.060kg of skunk; and 27-year-old Kingsley Effiong John.

According to the NDLEA, John was found with 20 grammes of cocaine concealed inside a large wrap of edible cassava fufu, alongside 435 grammes of skunk.

The agency said a combined total of 42.622kg of illicit drugs was recovered from the three suspects during the operation.

The NDLEA said investigations into both cases are ongoing.