Operatives of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) in Edo State have taken an 85-year-old woman, Grace Ehimeka—commonly known as Mama Grace—into custody after discovering 15 bags of cannabis weighing a total of 179 kilograms in her possession.
The NDLEA State Commander, Mitchel Ofuyeju, who disclosed this on Monday, said five others suspected drug traffickers were arrested during coordinated raids across the Owan East Local Government Area of the State.
He said the operations led to the recovery of 407.39kg of cannabis and other illicit substances, including 546 grams of loud, 114 grams of tramadol, four grams of diazepam, and three grams of swinol.
The suspects, identified as Grace Ehimeka, 85; Ali Garba, 57; Habib Braimoh 45; Musa Mubid, 35; Ayo Aigberadion, 53; and Hope Okoro 35, were apprehended at Warake, Ivbiaro, and Ewe Uzeba communities following credible intelligence.
He said the octogenarian, Grace Ehimeka, was apprehended on October 16, 2026, in her house at Warake community, describing her as a bad example for her children and grandchildren.
He said Ali Garuba was arrested at Ivbiaro community on October 15, with 5.85 kilograms of Cannabis Sativa, Habib Braimoh was arrested with 100 grams of cannabis.
“Also arrested in Warake community was 35-year-old Musa Mubid, who was found in possession of 2 kilograms of Cannabis sativa, 309 grams of Cannabis sativa seeds, 114 grams of ‘loud’ (a potent cannabis strain), and 135 grams of assorted pharmaceuticals, including Tramadol, Swinol, and Diazepam.
“Similarly, Ayo Aigberadion was arrested in Ewe/Irue, on October 16 with 220.8 kilograms of Cannabis Sativa, while Hope Okoro was apprehended with 237 grams of loud,” he said.
He warned that old age is no excuse for criminality and assured that the command remains committed to ridding the state of illicit drugs.
The grandmother, who admitted ownership of the drug, begged for forgiveness, saying she started selling cannabis over two years ago to survive as a widow.
“My family members have warned me to stop, but I kept postponing my decision to stop. Officers, if you give me another chance, I will never sell cannabis again,” she pleaded.
According to him, the arrests and drug seizures are part of the agency’s renewed drive to eliminate criminal elements from the state.
What You Should Know
This high-profile arrest highlights the ongoing crackdown on illicit drug trafficking by the NDLEA across local communities in Edo State, showing that law enforcement is clamping down on suppliers regardless of age.
- Positive Impact: The clampdown helps curb the spread of illicit drugs in local neighborhoods, potentially reducing youth involvement in substance abuse.
- Potential Concerns: The involvement of elderly individuals in criminal rings points to severe underlying economic pressures and poverty driving vulnerable populations into illicit trades for survival.
