No Joke! 101yr Old Great-Grandmother Arrested For Selling Marijuana

By Swift Reporter

A 101-year-old Nigerian woman has been arrested for allegedly selling cannabis in Ogun State, in a case that has attracted widespread attention because of her advanced age.

Esther Ogunmabo, described by authorities as a great-grandmother, was arrested on Saturday in the south-western state, according to the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA).

The agency said Ogunmabo was found in possession of 90 grams of cannabis, locally referred to as “skunk,” packaged in small sachets that she allegedly sold to customers in her community.

NDLEA spokesman Femi Babafemi said the elderly woman told investigators that she became involved in the drug trade after a fire destroyed her provisions shop, leaving her without her previous source of income.

According to the agency, one of Ogunmabo’s daughters, who lives in Lagos, allegedly supplied her with the cannabis every four days. The 101-year-old is accused of selling the substance in smaller quantities to local customers.

Her daughter has also been arrested in connection with the case.

Despite the allegations, NDLEA Chairman Mohamed Marwa directed that Ogunmabo be released on bail and receive counselling because of her advanced age.

Her release does not necessarily bring the case to an end, as she could still face criminal charges.

The unusual arrest came as Nigerian authorities reported a series of major drug seizures as part of an intensified crackdown on the trafficking of illicit substances.

In Akwa Ibom State, NDLEA operatives acting on intelligence intercepted a wooden boat on the high seas last Friday as it headed towards Cameroon.

Three people aboard the vessel were arrested, while more than 42kg of suspected narcotics were recovered.

The agency also announced what it described as a significant breakthrough involving the international drug trade, reporting its first-ever seizure of illicit drugs believed to have been shipped from Thailand.

The developments highlight the scale of Nigeria’s ongoing battle against drug trafficking, both within communities and along the country’s extensive maritime routes.

While Ogunmabo’s case has attracted particular attention because of her age, authorities said the arrest forms part of broader efforts to disrupt the distribution and trafficking of illegal drugs across the country.