101-Year-Old Woman Arrested Over Cannabis as NDLEA Intercepts Cocaine Hidden in Fufu

Operatives of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) have arrested a 101-year-old woman for alleged cannabis trafficking, intercepted cocaine concealed in edible cassava flour popularly known as fufu, and seized illicit drugs worth more than N4.4 billion in separate operations across Nigeria.

The agency said the centenarian, identified as Esther Ogunmabo, was arrested on August 15, 2026, at Ilisan in Ogun State, with 90 grammes of skunk, a strain of cannabis.

According to the NDLEA, Ogunmabo admitted selling the substance in retail quantities, explaining that she ventured into drug dealing after her provisions shop was destroyed by fire.

She reportedly told operatives that one of her daughters, who is based in Lagos, supplied her with cannabis every four days.

Following her arrest, NDLEA Chairman, Brig. Gen. Mohamed Buba Marwa (Rtd), directed that the elderly woman be granted bail and placed on counselling because of her advanced age. Her daughter was, however, arrested in connection with the case.

In Akwa Ibom State, NDLEA operatives on August 21 intercepted a wooden boat allegedly transporting illicit drugs towards fishing settlements in Cameroon.

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Three suspects were arrested, while 42.622kg of narcotics was recovered.

The seizure included skunk and 20 grammes of cocaine cleverly concealed inside a large wrap of edible cassava fufu.

The operation was among several interdiction efforts carried out by the agency across the country.