A 101-year-old woman has been arrested in Nigeria for allegedly selling cannabis, in a case that has attracted widespread attention.
The woman, identified as Esther Ogunmabo, was arrested on Saturday in Ogun State, south-west Nigeria, according to the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA).
The NDLEA’s media director, Femi Babafemi, said the centenarian was allegedly found with 90 grams of cannabis, packaged in small quantities for retail sale.
According to the agency, Ogunmabo told investigators that she had turned to the illegal drug trade after her provisions shop was destroyed by fire. She has since been released on bail.
The NDLEA also alleged that one of her daughters, who lives in Lagos, arranged for cannabis to be supplied to her every four days, after which Ogunmabo allegedly sold it in smaller quantities to people in her community.
Her daughter has also been arrested.
Given Ogunmabo’s advanced age, NDLEA Chief Executive Mohamed Marwa directed that she be granted bail and provided with counselling.
Other Drug Seizures
The arrest came as the NDLEA reported other major drug seizures along Nigeria’s maritime routes.
In Akwa Ibom State, operatives acting on intelligence intercepted a wooden boat on the high seas that was reportedly heading towards Cameroon. Three people were arrested, with more than 42 kilograms of narcotics recovered.
The agency also announced what it described as its first-ever seizure of illicit drugs shipped from Thailand.
The case involving the 101-year-old woman has sparked debate about poverty, vulnerability and exploitation of elderly people in illegal drug networks, particularly where family members may be involved.
