The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) has arrested an 85-year-old grandmother, Grace Ehimeka, popularly known as Mama Grace, for possession of 179kg of cannabis in Edo State.
Edo NDLEA Commander, Mitchell Ofoyeju, confirmed the arrest in a statement released in Benin on Monday.
He revealed that Ehimeka was apprehended alongside five other suspected traffickers during coordinated raids across Owan East Local Government Area and other communities.
The operations led to the seizure of 407.39kg of cannabis, 546g of loud, 114g of tramadol, 4g of diazepam, and 3g of Swinol.
Suspects ArrestedGrace Ehimeka (85) – caught with 179kg of cannabis in Warake community.
Ali Garba (57) – arrested in Ivbiaro with 5.85kg of cannabis.
Habib Braimoh (45) – found with 100g of cannabis.
Musa Mubid (35) – seized with 2kg of cannabis, 309g of seeds, and assorted drugs.
Ayo Aigberadion (53) – arrested in Ewe/Irue with 220.8kg of cannabis.Hope Okoro (35) – caught in Auchi with 237g of loud.
NDLEA’s WarningCommander Ofoyeju stressed that age is no excuse for criminality:
“The NDLEA Act is clear: you cannot hide under the canopy of old age and perpetrate acts that violate the law. This is a bad example for her children and grandchildren.”
Ehimeka admitted ownership of the drugs, pleading for forgiveness:“I am a widow and started selling cannabis over two years ago just to survive. If you give me another chance, I will never sell cannabis again.”
The NDLEA said the arrests highlight its intensified efforts to curb drug trafficking and abuse in Edo State.
The agency urged residents to provide timely intelligence to support the fight against illicit drugs.