A woman who had reportedly been held for over three months by the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) in Edo State died inside a courtroom at the Federal High Court in Benin City while awaiting arraignment, sparking outrage among legal practitioners and observers.
According to sources, the woman was arrested in January 2026 at her residence on Ewosa Street, Ogida Quarters, Benin City, and remained in custody without formal arraignment for about three months. Reports indicate she developed serious health complications during detention and repeatedly requested medical attention, which sources allege was inadequately provided.
On Tuesday, she was brought to court for arraignment but reportedly appeared critically ill. Witnesses said she collapsed inside the courtroom and was later confirmed dead, prompting confusion and protests from lawyers present.
The incident raised questions about the prolonged detention without trial and treatment of suspects in custody. Some observers suggested her deteriorating condition may have been linked to harsh treatment or possible mistreatment while detained.
Legal practitioners in the courtroom expressed concern over the handling of the case, questioning why she had been held for months without charges or arraignment.
As of reporting, the NDLEA has not issued an official statement regarding her detention or death, and efforts to reach the agency’s spokesman were unsuccessful.
