NDLEA suspect dies after collapsing during Court arraignment in Edo
A 52-year-old woman, Titilayo Akindele, arrested over alleged involvement in illicit drug trade, has died after collapsing in a courtroom at the Federal High Court in Benin City, Edo State.
The suspect was brought before the court on Tuesday by operatives of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) for arraignment when the incident occurred.
According to reports, Akindele slumped before her case could be called, prompting panic in the courtroom. She was later confirmed dead.
Family members alleged that she had been in poor health while in custody since her arrest in January 2026 and claimed that authorities failed to provide adequate medical attention.
Her son, Samuel Akinsola, said the deceased had earlier complained of weakness and was returned to custody a day before due to the absence of her medical report in court.
He further alleged that despite her condition, she was forced to appear in court.
However, the NDLEA dismissed the claims, insisting that the suspect was physically fit prior to the incident.
Mitchell Ofoyeju, the NDLEA commander in Edo State, stated that Akindele walked into the courtroom unaided and showed no visible signs of distress.
“She personally walked to the car, got to the court and came down herself. What happened is not something you can start trading blame,” he said.
The agency added that the suspect had initially been arrested by the Edo State task force before being handed over to the NDLEA for prosecution over alleged sale of cannabis.
The incident has sparked reactions, with calls for a thorough investigation into the circumstances surrounding her death.
