By Choice Ebuwa
Some legal practitioners and human rights advocates in Edo State have asked the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) to take full responsibility for the death of a 52-year-old suspect, Titilayo Akindele, in court, accusing the agency of negligence.
Reacting to the incident, Charles Igiebor, a legal practitioner and former Welfare Secretary of the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) from 2020 to 2022, described the situation as “most troubling,” alleging that the deceased had repeatedly complained of ill health while in NDLEA custody but was denied medical attention.
According to Igiebor, tensions escalated after Akindele’s death, as NDLEA officials allegedly threatened to leave her corpse in the courtroom. He further claimed that lawyers present at the scene began protesting the development, prompting threats from NDLEA operatives who allegedly warned they would shoot the protesting lawyers.
“This incident is nothing short of a murder case,” Igiebor stated, insisting that NDLEA officials should face murder charges over the woman’s death.
Also reacting, Barrister Kola Idokpayi, a human rights advocate based in Edo State, condemned the agency’s actions, noting that the deceased had spent three months in NDLEA custody, a duration he described as a violation of her fundamental human right and a contravention of the law.
He emphasized that Akindele remained innocent in the eyes of the law, as she had not been convicted by any court.
“The actions of the NDLEA are unlawful,” Idokpayi said, further alleging that the agency had previously demanded a sum of ₦5 million from the suspect’s family.
He held the NDLEA liable for the woman’s death and called on the Federal Government to urgently intervene. “The Federal Government must wake up to its responsibilities. The NDLEA needs to properly regulate and discipline its officials,” he added.
Recall that the Edo Commander of the NDLEA, Mitchell Ofoyeju, had denied allegations of negligence on the part of his men as the cause of the death.
Ofoyeju said there was nothing to suggest that the deceased was not physically fit to stand trial.
He 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 over.
“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.
Describing the incident as unfortunate, Ofoyeju also condoled with 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,” he added.
