Tragedy as Woman Arrested for Selling Illicit Drugs Collapses, Dies in Court
- 52-year-old Titilayo Akindele collapsed and died in court during a drug trade arraignment
- The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) allegedly failed to provide medical care while Akindele was in custody prior to her death
- Edo NDLEA commander denies allegations of negligence, asserting Akindele was fit for court appearance
Legit.ng journalist Adekunle Dada has over 8 years of experience covering metro, government policy, and international issues
Benin City, Edo State - 52-year-old Titilayo Akindele collapsed and died in a courtroom at the federal high court in Benin City, Edo State.
The deceased was arrested over alleged involvement in the illicit drugs trade by the Edo command of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA).
On Tuesday, NDLEA operatives brought the woman to the court for arraignment.
Akindele was said to have collapsed and died in the court before her case was called for arraignment on Tuesday, March 31, 2026.
As reported by TheCable, NDLEA operatives arrested him at his residence in Benin in January 2026.
The NDLEA allegedly refused to arraign the suspect or release her despite falling sick in custody.
According to the deceased’s son, the NDLEA operatives brought his mother to court on Monday, March 30, 2026, but she was returned to custody because officers forgot to bring her medical report to court.
Samuel Akinsola said his mother had been complaining to the NDLEA operatives that she had “no strength anymore,” but they forced his mother to court on Tuesday.
Reacting to the allegation, the NDLEA commander in Edo, Mitchell Ofoyeju, said:
“It is not true what they are saying. She was arraigned in court. There was no issue that she was not physically fit.
“She personally walked to the car, got to the court, and came down herself. What happened is not something you can start trading blame.”
UK-bound 74-year-old grandpa arrested with illicit drugs
Recall that 74-year-old Ikwuakalom Nwakoro Emeka was arrested at Abuja airport with 11 kilograms of illicit drugs en route to London in the United Kingdom.
The operatives of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) also arrested Maryam Olalowo for drug dealing linked to her husband, Ibrahim Olalowo Olatunji.
The NDLEA Director, Media & Advocacy, Femi Babafemi, says Ibrahim Olalowo previously served two and a half years for similar drug offences in 2015.
Read more stories on NDLEA arrest:
- NDLEA Finally Nets Wanted Drug Kingpin After 13 Years, Photo Surfaces
- NDLEA Arrests Wanted Drug Kingpin 12 Years After Killing 3 Officers
- Court Delivers Judgement On DCP Abba Kyari’s Case over NDLEA Asset Declaration
- Pretty Mike Loses Lagos Nightclub after Late-Night NDLEA Raid: "His Hard-Earned Sweat Gone."
NDLEA arrests former Lagos councilor with illicit drugs
Meanwhile, Legit.ng also arrested a former councillor, Sheleru Olalekan, for alleged drug dealing in the Ibeju-Lekki area of Lagos State;
NDLEA operatives seized 40 kilograms of skunk from Sheleru's residence during an NDLEA operation.
A 32-year-old businessman, Emeka Hyginus Okwor, was also caught with 1,000 concealed pills of tapentadol in Abuja.
Source: Legit.ng
