Major Drug Trafficking Case Convicted in Benin City
A significant drug trafficking case has been concluded in the Federal High Court sitting in Benin, Edo State. The court, presided over by Justice B. O. Quadiri and Justice Prof. C. O. Obiozor, handed down a total of 79 years in prison to a 49-year-old drug baron, Alaba Monday, and 10 others.
The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) Edo State Commander, Mitchell Ofoyeju, revealed this information in a statement. According to Ofoyeju, the convicted individuals included nine males and two females. In addition to Alaba Monday, other convicts were Okpiaesi Abraham (52), Atari Israel (45), Emmanuel Nwosu (46), and Samuel Samson (26).
Other individuals sentenced include Daniel Peter (20), Margaret Amuludu (40), Abel Edah (31), Bella Fedrick (29), Lucky Aligbe (50), and Benson Uponi (65).
Key Convictions and Sentences
Among the most notable cases was the conviction of Alaba Monday, who was caught with 115 kilograms of cannabis. He received a 15-year sentence along with a fine of N3 million. Another key figure, Lucky Aligbe, was sentenced to 25 years for unlawful possession of drugs, including cannabis, tramadol, swinol, and diazepam.
The presiding judge, Hon. B. O. Quadiri, emphasized that the severity of the sentences was due to the quantity and types of drugs involved, as well as the previous conviction records of the offenders. The need to deter future offenses was considered paramount.
Bella Fedrick was given a two-year sentence or the option of paying a fine of N5 million for unlawful possession of 29 grams of methamphetamine. This case highlights the growing threat of synthetic drugs in communities.
Abel Edah, who was found guilty of cultivating a cannabis farm spanning 0.678 hectares, received a concurrent two-year sentence on both counts or the option of a N5 million fine for each count.
Samuel Samson and Daniel Peter were both sentenced for unlawful possession and cultivation of cannabis sativa. They each received a sentence of two years or the option of a N5 million fine.
Emmanuel Nwosu received 15 years for possessing 276 grams of cannabis with an option of N750,000. Atari Israel was also sentenced to two years’ imprisonment for unlawful possession and transportation of nine kilograms of cannabis, along with a N2.5 million fine. His navy-blue Audi station wagon was forfeited as it was linked directly to his illegal activities.
Commitment to a Drug-Free Society
Ofoyeju reaffirmed the NDLEA’s commitment to creating a drug-free society. He sent a clear message to offenders that the rule of law would prevail in the fight against narcotics.
He urged community members to remain vigilant and report any suspicious drug activities in their neighborhoods as part of a collaborative effort to combat substance abuse and trafficking.
“Drug offences are criminal, and it is only apt that the punishment is commensurate with the adverse dangers inherent in drug trafficking,” Ofoyeju noted.
Additional Cases in the Same Court
PUNCH Metro reported on August 5 that a physically-challenged female drug trafficker, Rita Idehen, and six others were sentenced to 93 years in prison after they were convicted by the Federal High Court sitting in Benin City, Edo State, and jailed for various drug-related crimes in July.
Six of the rulings were delivered by Hon. Justice Prof. Chuka Obiozor, while one was passed by Hon. Justice J. B. O. Quadiri.
A total of 15 cases were charged, with seven convictions comprising two females and five males secured. As of July 31, 2025, 113 cases were still pending.