101-Year-Old Woman Arrested for Cannabis Sales in Nigeria

Esther Ogunmabo, a 101-year-old great-grandmother, has been arrested in Nigeria for allegedly selling cannabis from her home.

An elderly woman, reportedly 101 years old, has been arrested in Nigeria for alleged cannabis sales, drawing significant public attention and discussion.

The woman, identified as Esther Ogunmabo, was detained on Saturday in Ogun state, located in the south-west region of the country. The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) confirmed her arrest.

Femi Babafemi, the media director for the NDLEA, stated that Ogunmabo was found with 90 grams of cannabis, specifically a potent strain known as skunk, packaged in retail sachets, which she claimed to sell to local customers.

According to Ogunmabo, she resorted to the illicit drug trade after her provisions shop suffered destruction in a fire. She has since been released on bail, although details remain about her ongoing legal circumstances.

Authorities mentioned that one of Ogunmabo’s daughters, residing in Lagos, allegedly arranged for her cannabis supply, which was sent to her every four days. Ogunmabo is said to have sold the substance in smaller quantities in her community.

Due to her advanced age, NDLEA chief executive Mohamed Marwa instructed that she be granted bail while also recommending counselling services.

Despite her release, Ogunmabo could still face official charges related to her activities. Furthermore, her daughter has also been taken into custody in connection with the case.

Ogunmabo’s situation comes at a time when the NDLEA reported significant drug seizures along Nigeria’s maritime routes. Recently, operatives in Akwa Ibom state intercepted a wooden boat on the high seas, which was en route to Cameroon. Three individuals on board were arrested, and authorities confiscated over 42 kilograms of narcotics during the operation.

This incident marked the first significant drug shipment interception from Thailand, further emphasizing the challenges facing drug enforcement in Nigeria.