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 unusual arrest was made on Saturday, August 15, 2026, when NDLEA operatives found 90 grams of skunk, a strain of cannabis, packaged in small retail sachets in the possession of Esther Ogunmabo.
The centenarian reportedly admitted selling the illicit substance to residents in the community.
During interrogation, Ogunmabo told investigators that she turned to the illegal trade after her provisions shop was destroyed by fire.
She further disclosed that one of her daughters, who lives in Lagos, allegedly supplies her with cannabis every four days, which she then sells in small quantities to customers.
The case has, however, taken an unusual turn following the intervention of the NDLEA Chairman and Chief Executive Officer, Brigadier General Mohamed Buba Marwa (Rtd.).
Marwa directed that the 101-year-old suspect be granted bail and placed on counselling, taking into consideration her advanced age.
Her daughter, identified as the alleged supplier of the cannabis, has meanwhile been arrested for further investigation.
The development underscores the agency’s continued efforts to track drug distribution networks beyond major trafficking routes, while also highlighting the complex social circumstances that can draw vulnerable members of communities into the illicit drug trade.
NDLEA says investigations into the case are ongoing.