Woman Collapses and Dies During Drug Case Court Appearance in Benin City
A tragic incident unfolded at the Federal High Court in Benin City, Edo State, on Tuesday, March 31, 2026, when a 52-year-old woman collapsed and died during her arraignment for alleged involvement in the illicit drugs trade.
The deceased, identified as Titilayo Akindele, was brought to court by operatives of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) for her scheduled arraignment. According to reports, Akindele collapsed in the courtroom before her case could be called, and she was pronounced dead shortly afterward.
Allegations of Medical Negligence Against NDLEA
Serious allegations have emerged regarding the circumstances leading to Akindele's death. Family members and sources claim that the NDLEA failed to provide adequate medical care while Akindele was in custody prior to her court appearance.
Samuel Akinsola, the deceased's son, revealed disturbing details about his mother's final days. He stated that his mother had been complaining to NDLEA operatives about her deteriorating health, specifically telling them she had "no strength anymore." Despite these complaints, Akinsola alleges that agency personnel forced his mother to attend court proceedings.
Further compounding the situation, Akinsola disclosed that NDLEA operatives had brought his mother to court on Monday, March 30, 2026, but were forced to return her to custody because officers had forgotten to bring her medical report to court. This oversight meant the arraignment could not proceed as scheduled.
NDLEA Commander Denies Negligence Claims
In response to the allegations, the NDLEA commander in Edo State, Mitchell Ofoyeju, strongly denied any negligence on the part of the agency. Ofoyeju asserted that Akindele was physically fit for her court appearance and personally walked to the vehicle, traveled to court, and disembarked without assistance.
"It is not true what they are saying. She was arraigned in court. There was no issue that she was not physically fit," Ofoyeju stated. "She personally walked to the car, got to the court, and came down herself. What happened is not something you can start trading blame."
The commander's statement directly contradicts the family's account of events, creating conflicting narratives about the circumstances surrounding Akindele's death.
Background of the Case
Titilayo Akindele was arrested by the Edo command of the NDLEA over alleged involvement in the illicit drugs trade. According to reports from TheCable, NDLEA operatives arrested her at her residence in Benin in January 2026.
The case adds to a series of high-profile drug enforcement actions by the NDLEA across Nigeria. In recent months, the agency has made several significant arrests, including:
- A 74-year-old man arrested at Abuja airport with 11 kilograms of illicit drugs en route to London
- Maryam Olalowo arrested for drug dealing linked to her husband, who previously served prison time for similar offenses
- A former councilor in Lagos State arrested with 40 kilograms of skunk
- A 32-year-old businessman caught with 1,000 concealed pills of tapentadol in Abuja
The NDLEA has been intensifying its operations against drug trafficking across Nigeria, with numerous arrests and seizures reported in various states. However, Akindele's death raises serious questions about the treatment of suspects in custody and the medical protocols followed by law enforcement agencies during legal proceedings.
The incident has sparked concerns about the welfare of detainees and the responsibility of law enforcement agencies to ensure proper medical care for individuals in their custody, regardless of the charges against them.
As investigations continue into the exact cause of Akindele's death, the case highlights the complex challenges facing Nigeria's drug enforcement efforts and the need for transparent procedures when dealing with suspects who may have health issues.
