A 52-year-old woman, Titilayo Akindele, has died after collapsing in a courtroom at the Federal High Court in Benin City, Edo State, where she had been taken for arraignment over alleged drug-related offences.
Ms Akindele had been charged by the Edo State command of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA). She was brought to court by NDLEA operatives on Tuesday, but reportedly slumped before her case could be called and was later confirmed dead.
According to a report by Edo Broadcasting Service (EBS) Television, she had been arrested at her residence in Benin in January 2026. Her family claims she had remained in custody since then without being formally arraigned, despite reportedly falling ill.
Her son, Samuel Akinsola, told EBS that his mother had earlier been taken to court on Monday, but was returned to custody because officials allegedly failed to present her medical report.
He said she had repeatedly complained of weakness and told officers she had “no strength anymore”.
He further alleged that she was made to appear in court again despite her condition.
Scenes of grief were witnessed in the courtroom as family members broke down in tears following her death. Her body was later taken away in a hospital vehicle.
In response, the NDLEA denied claims that Ms Akindele was unfit when she was brought to court. The Edo State Commander of the agency, Mitchell Ofoyeju, said she appeared well and walked into the courtroom unaided.
“It is not true what they are saying. She was fit and walked into the court herself,” he said. “She came down from the vehicle and entered the courtroom without assistance. What happened is unfortunate, but it is not a matter for blame.”
Mr Ofoyeju added that Ms Akindele had initially been arrested by the Edo State task force before being handed over to the NDLEA over allegations of selling “Loud”, a strain of cannabis.
He also explained that when she collapsed, officers had to manage the situation carefully as a crowd gathered, while ensuring that other suspects in custody did not escape amid the confusion.
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