Suspected drug peddler slumps, dies in court
A 52-year-old suspected drug peddler identified as Titilayo allegedly selling a substance suspected to be a hard drug has slumped and died after being arraigned on Tuesday at the Federal High Court sitting in Benin City, Edo State Capital
Penpushing reports that the female suspect was reportedly arrested by the Edo State Task Force and subsequently handed over to the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) for prosecution.
The witnesses, however, at the court blamed the agency for alleged negligence, claiming the woman appeared unwell when she was brought before the court, alleging that despite her condition, she was still presented for arraignment.
Penpushing further reports that However, the Edo State Commander of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), Mitchell Ofoyeju, denied any wrongdoing or negligence on the part of his officers.
The Commander declared that there was nothing to indicate that the deceased was unfit to stand trial, stressing that she personally walked to the car and came down herself on getting to the court
“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’,Ofoyeju said.
“She was arrested by the Edo State Task Force and transferred to the NDLEA. She was arrested for selling ‘Loud’, a slang term for high-quality, pungent-smelling cannabis’, the commander added.
“What happened was a mistaken identity. When she collapsed, it attracted a crowd and there were other suspects. The officers had to secure other accused persons to avoid them dispersing with the crowd. The crowd thought my men were running away. My men were not attacked’, he stated.
“This is unfortunate. My condolences to the family. Our desire is for any drug suspect or accused person to be well, healthy and complete their trials. Honestly, we have no idea what killed her unless an autopsy is conducted. She walked into the courtroom by herself’.
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