OGUN STATE, NIGERIA — August 23, 2026: A 101-year-old great-grandmother has been arrested by operatives of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) for allegedly dealing in cannabis in Ilisan, Ogun State.
The suspect, identified as Esther Ogunmabo, was arrested on Saturday, August 15, with 90 grammes of skunk, a strain of cannabis, packaged in small retail sachets. According to the NDLEA, she told investigators that she sold the substance in small quantities to local customers.
Fire destroyed her provisions business
The centenarian reportedly explained that she turned to the illicit drug trade after a fire destroyed her provisions shop, leaving her looking for another source of income.
She allegedly told NDLEA operatives that one of her daughters, who lives in Lagos, supplied the cannabis to her approximately every four days. She would then divide it into smaller quantities for sale.
The disclosure has drawn attention because of the woman's exceptionally advanced age and the alleged involvement of a close family member in supplying the drugs.
NDLEA orders bail and counselling
Despite the arrest, NDLEA Chairman and Chief Executive Officer, Brig. Gen. Mohamed Buba Marwa (rtd.), reportedly directed that Ogunmabo be granted bail and receive counselling because of her age.
Her daughter was also arrested in connection with the alleged drug supply operation.
The case highlights the complex social and economic circumstances that can sometimes surround drug offences, while also underscoring the NDLEA's continued campaign against the distribution of illicit substances across Nigerian communities.
Wider drug crackdown
The arrest was announced as part of a broader series of NDLEA operations across Nigeria. The agency reported major drug seizures in several states, including large quantities of cannabis, tramadol, methamphetamine and other controlled substances.
The NDLEA also reported the seizure of more than N4.4 billion worth of cannabis indica, popularly known as “Loud,” from two containers intercepted at the Apapa and Lekki ports in Lagos.
The agency said it is combining enforcement operations with its War Against Drug Abuse (WADA) sensitisation programmes in schools, workplaces, places of worship and communities.
The unusual arrest of a 101-year-old woman has nevertheless become one of the most striking developments in the latest nationwide drug-control operations, raising questions about poverty, family involvement, vulnerability among elderly people and the reach of Nigeria's illicit drug trade.
The allegations against the suspects have not been tested in court, and an arrest does not by itself establish guilt.
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