In a surprising development, a 101-year-old woman was taken into custody by the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) for alleged involvement in drug trafficking. Authorities also discovered cocaine concealed within edible cassava flour, commonly known as fufu.
The incident occurred on Saturday, August 15, in Ilisan, Ogun State, when NDLEA officers apprehended Esther Ogunmabo. The elderly woman was found in possession of small sachets containing skunk, a potent strain of cannabis weighing approximately 90 grams. Ogunmabo claimed she sells the drugs to local residents.
Following her store’s destruction by fire, she reportedly turned to selling illegal substances. She revealed that her daughter, residing in Lagos, supplies her with the drugs every four days, which she then sells in small portions. Despite her age, Brigadier General Mohamed Buba Marwa (Rtd), Chairman and Chief Executive of NDLEA, ordered that she be granted bail and referred for counseling. Meanwhile, her daughter has been detained for questioning.
In a related operation, on Friday, August 21, NDLEA agents in Akwa Ibom State intercepted a wooden boat transporting illegal drugs to fishing communities in Cameroon. Acting on credible intelligence, officers stopped the vessel as it headed toward ports in Ine Isu, Ine Mbah, and Ine Ikot Itie Udung.
Three suspects were arrested onboard: Otobong Eyoh Etukudoh, 33, with 1.120 kg of skunk; Etima Effiong Eekpo, 29, with 42.060 kg of skunk; and Kingsley Effiong John, 27, who was found with 435 grams of skunk and 20 grams of cocaine—carefully concealed inside a large wrap of fufu. The combined weight of the drugs recovered was approximately 42.622 kg.
It is truly disturbing to see how circumstances have evolved, even to the extent of a centenarian becoming involved in illegal drug activities. This situation prompts questions about whether she was coerced or exploited due to her age and vulnerability. Such incidents highlight pressing concerns about exploitation, justice, and the societal factors that enable such crimes.
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Rose Ajieh
