NDLEA arrests 300-Level AAU student for alleged sale of illicit drugs in Edo

Edo NDLEA Arrests AAU Student for Alleged Sale of Illicit Drugs in Ekpoma

The Edo State Command of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) has arrested a 28-year-old student of Ambrose Alli University (AAU), Miss Esther Abumere, over her alleged involvement in the sale of banned narcotics.

The arrest was confirmed by the State Commander, Mr Mitchell Ofoyeju, during a press briefing held on Monday in Benin City as part of events marking the 2025 International Day Against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking.

According to Ofoyeju, the suspect, a 300-level undergraduate from Uromi in Esan North-East Local Government Area, was apprehended on 19 June 2025 at a supermarket located in Ekpoma, Esan West LGA, where various prohibited substances were reportedly being sold. The premises have since been sealed off by the agency.

Ofoyeju disclosed that Miss Abumere admitted to entering the illicit trade in an attempt to repay a loan she had taken from a microfinance bank.

The items recovered from the supermarket include Colorado, Canadian Loud, tramadol, swinol, rohypnol, and molly, all of which are classified as illegal substances under Nigerian law.

“This arrest sends a clear warning to drug traffickers, regardless of their disguise or background. We will track them down and ensure they face justice,” Ofoyeju said.

In a brief interview, Miss Abumere confirmed her arrest by NDLEA operatives inside the supermarket at around 5:00 p.m.

The NDLEA commander praised his officers for their vigilance and urged members of the public to assist the agency by sharing actionable intelligence on drug-related activities within their communities.