Woman Detained By NDLEA For Three Months D!es In Court During Arraignment In Benin City
Woman Detained By NDLEA For Three Months Dies In Court During Arraignment In Benin City
Sources told SaharaReporters on Wednesday, that the woman was reportedly arrested in January 2026 at her residence on Ewosa Street in the Ogida Quarters area of Benin City.
Awoman who was allegedly detained for over three months by operatives of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency in Edo State has died inside a courtroom while awaiting arraignment at the Federal High Court Benin City, sparking outrage among lawyers and observers.
Sources told SaharaReporters on Wednesday, that the woman was reportedly arrested in January 2026 at her residence on Ewosa Street in the Ogida Quarters area of Benin City.
According to accounts from individuals familiar with the incident, she remained in custody for about three months without being formally arraigned before a court.
The woman, whose name has yet to be obtained, was said to have developed serious health complications while in detention and had repeatedly requested medical attention, which sources alleged was not adequately provided.
On Tuesday, she was brought to court for the first time for arraignment but reportedly appeared critically ill.
“She had been in their custody for three months without proper arraignment and suddenly developed illness while in detention,” a source said. “When she was brought to court, she collapsed while waiting for her turn.”
Witnesses said the woman slumped inside the courtroom during the proceedings and was later confirmed dead, triggering confusion and protests from legal practitioners present.
The development reportedly caused an uproar, with some lawyers in the courtroom questioning why she had been held for months without being charged.
“Concerned lawyers raised the alarm against the way the woman was treated and wondered why she had been in custody for three months without arraignment,” another source said.
Some observers alleged that her deteriorating condition may have been linked to harsh treatment and torture during detention.
The incident has sparked renewed concerns about prolonged detention without trial and the welfare of suspects in custody of law enforcement agencies.
As of the time of filing this report, the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency had not issued an official statement regarding the circumstances surrounding the woman’s detention or death.
Efforts by SaharaReporters to obtain comments from NDLEA’s Spokesman Femi Babafemi were unsuccessful as his phone number was reported not available.
