NDLEA says Esther Ogunmabo turned to illicit drug trade after fire destroyed her provisions shop; agency orders counselling and bail for centenarian while her alleged supplier is arrested.

A 101-year-old great-grandmother, Esther Ogunmabo, has been arrested by operatives of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) for allegedly selling cannabis in small sachets to residents of Ilisan, Ogun State.

Ogunmabo was arrested on Saturday, August 15, 2026, with 90 grammes of skunk, a strain of cannabis, packaged in retail quantities, according to the anti-narcotics agency.

The arrest has drawn attention because of the suspect’s advanced age and the unusual circumstances she reportedly gave for becoming involved in the illicit drug trade.

In a statement issued on Sunday, NDLEA spokesman, Femi Babafemi, said the centenarian told investigators that she turned to selling illicit drugs after a fire destroyed her provisions shop.

According to Babafemi, Ogunmabo also disclosed that one of her daughters, who lives in Lagos, allegedly arranged for the cannabis to be supplied to her every four days.

The 101-year-old reportedly said she subsequently sold the substance in small quantities to people in her community.

“Operatives of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency have recorded significant breakthroughs across the country’s land and maritime borders, including the arrest of a 101-year-old great-grandmother for dealing in illicit drugs,” Babafemi said.

He added that the suspect was found with retail sachets of skunk weighing 90 grammes and claimed that she sold the substance to local residents.

NDLEA orders counselling for centenarian

Following her arrest, NDLEA Chairman and Chief Executive Officer, Brig. Gen. Buba Marwa (retd.), directed that Ogunmabo be granted bail and placed under counselling, taking into consideration her advanced age.

The agency said the centenarian’s daughter, who was allegedly responsible for supplying her with the cannabis, had also been arrested.

The NDLEA did not disclose the identity of the daughter or provide further details about the circumstances surrounding her arrest.

The case highlights the agency’s continued efforts to disrupt drug trafficking and retail distribution networks, including operations involving small-scale sellers and suppliers.

While the NDLEA has not disclosed whether Ogunmabo will face prosecution after the counselling process, the agency’s decision to grant her bail reflects the special consideration being given to her because of her age.

The development also raises broader concerns about the circumstances that can push vulnerable members of society into illicit activities, particularly after the loss of a source of livelihood.

For Ogunmabo, the NDLEA said the turning point came after the fire destroyed the provisions shop she depended on before she allegedly began selling cannabis in small quantities.

The agency said its operations continued across the country, including at land and maritime borders, as it intensifies efforts to prevent the circulation of illicit drugs.