An elderly Nigerian woman identified by authorities as 101 years old was arrested in Ogun State, southwest Nigeria, for allegedly selling cannabis, according to the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA). The suspect, Esther Ogunmabo, was taken into custody on Saturday following an operation that uncovered retail quantities of the drug at her residence.
Arrest and Seizure Details in Ogun State
According to NDLEA Director of Media and Advocacy Femi Babafemi, officers found the centennial great-grandmother in possession of 90 grams of skunk, a specific variety of cannabis. The agency stated that the suspect admitted to selling the substance directly to neighborhood residents. Investigators reported that Ogunmabo turned to the illicit trade after her local grocery store burned down in a fire.
Did you know?
Drug enforcement operations in Nigeria frequently target both large-scale maritime trafficking and local distribution networks simultaneously, as seen in concurrent high seas raids in Akwa Ibom State.
Investigation Into Supply Chain and Family Involvement
According to NDLEA findings, Ogunmabo’s supply chain extended outside her immediate neighborhood. Investigators stated that one of her daughters, who resides in Lagos, coordinated the delivery of the cannabis to her every four days. The elderly suspect allegedly broke down the bulk shipments into smaller portions for local retail sale. Following the initial arrest, authorities also took the suspect’s daughter into custody in connection with the distribution network.
Agency Response and Release on Bail
NDLEA Chief Executive Mohamed Marwa ordered that Ogunmabo be released on administrative bail and provided with psychological support services due to her advanced age. Agency representatives noted that her release on bail does not preclude future criminal charges as the investigation proceeds. The case coincided with broader enforcement actions by the agency, including the interception of a wooden boat carrying over 42 kilograms of narcotics toward Cameroon in Akwa Ibom State, alongside the agency’s first recorded seizure of illicit drugs shipped from Thailand.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why was Esther Ogunmabo arrested?
According to the NDLEA, she was arrested for allegedly selling retail quantities of cannabis, specifically 90 grams of skunk, in Ogun State.
What explanation did the suspect give to investigators?
The NDLEA stated that Ogunmabo told officials she began selling illicit drugs after an accidental fire destroyed her grocery store.
Is the suspect still in custody?
No. According to the NDLEA, she was released on bail and given psychological support due to her age, though she could still face formal criminal charges.
Was anyone else arrested in connection with this case?
Yes, the NDLEA confirmed that one of Ogunmabo’s daughters, who lives in Lagos and allegedly organized the drug supply deliveries, was also arrested.