The Edo State Civil Society Coalition for Human Rights has called for an investigation and the removal of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) Edo State Commander following the death of a female detainee who reportedly collapsed during trial at the Federal High Court in Benin City.
In a statement issued on Tuesday and signed by its Acting Coordinator General, Aghatise Raphael, the coalition described the incident as “tragic,” saying it reflects deeper systemic issues within the NDLEA in Edo State.
According to the group, the deceased had been held in NDLEA custody for about three months before being brought to court, raising concerns about prolonged detention, lack of medical attention, and possible violations of due process.
The coalition said the woman’s collapse in court suggested possible negligence and a failure in the duty of care expected from authorities responsible for detainees.
It further alleged that she remained in custody without prompt arraignment, reportedly linked to her inability to meet unlawful financial demands for release, even as her health declined.
The group also connected the incident to what it described as a recurring pattern involving the NDLEA in Edo State. It referenced the death of a 16-year-old boy, Emmanuel Monday George, during an NDLEA operation in October 2025 in Owan West Local Government Area, noting that repeated cases raise concerns about accountability and operational standards.
The coalition accused the Edo State Command of the agency, led by Mitchell Ofoyeju, of alleged misconduct, including claims of extortion and unlawful detention of suspects.
Describing the detainee’s death as a “serious institutional failure,” the group stressed that law enforcement agencies are responsible not only for arrests but also for ensuring the safety and well-being of individuals in custody.
It called for the immediate removal of the NDLEA Commander in the state pending the outcome of an independent investigation.
Among its demands, the coalition urged authorities to conduct a transparent probe into the circumstances surrounding the death, publicly release the findings, and take action against any officers found culpable.
It also called for a review of detention practices within NDLEA facilities in Edo State, alongside the implementation of proper medical screening and emergency response systems for detainees.
Citing Section 33 of the 1999 Constitution, the group emphasised the importance of protecting the right to life, warning that continued lapses could weaken public trust in law enforcement institutions.
The coalition extended condolences to the family of the deceased and pledged to continue monitoring developments while pursuing accountability.
The statement reads in part; “We are particularly disturbed by allegations that the detainee was kept in prolonged custody without timely arraignment, reportedly due to her inability to meet unlawful monetary demands for release, even as her health deteriorated. This is a gross violation of due process and an affront to justice. The Administration of Criminal Justice Act/Law (ACJA/ACJL) clearly mandates prompt arraignment and prohibits undue detention. No agency is above the Constitution or the law.
“Furthermore, this incident is not isolated. The Coalition recalls with grave concern a prior NDLEA operation in Edo North in late October 2025, which resulted in the death of a 16-year-old boy, Emmanuel Monday George, during a raid in the Okpuje-Uzeba community of Owan West Local Government Area. This pattern of fatal outcomes raises serious questions about the operational standards, rules of engagement, and accountability mechanisms within the NDLEA Edo State Command.
“The Coalition is also deeply concerned by persistent allegations and public complaints suggesting that the NDLEA Edo State Command under the leadership of Mitchell Ofoyeju has degenerated into a system where suspects are allegedly subjected to financial exploitation, with demands for large sums of money as a condition for release, rather than being processed in accordance with constitutional and legal procedures. If proven, such practices amount to a grave abuse of power, corruption, and a complete subversion of justice.
“This incident represents a serious institutional failure on the part of the NDLEA authorities and underscores what can only be described as a disturbing level of unprofessionalism and disregard for fundamental human rights and human dignity. The responsibility of any law enforcement agency does not end at arrest; it extends to ensuring the physical and mental well-being of detainees throughout the period of custody and prosecution.
“In light of the foregoing, the Coalition unequivocally demands the immediate removal of the Edo State NDLEA Commander, Mitchell Ofoyeju, pending the outcome of an independent investigation. Accountability must be seen to be done to restore public confidence.
“We strongly condemn this unacceptable occurrence and call for: An immediate, independent, and transparent investigation into the circumstances surrounding the death of the detainee; Public disclosure of the findings of such investigation to ensure accountability and public confidence.
“Appropriate disciplinary and legal sanctions against any officers found negligent or complicit in misconduct, including extortion, unlawful detention, or abuse of office; A comprehensive audit and review of operational and detention practices within NDLEA facilities in Edo State to prevent recurrence; and The institutionalization of strict medical screening and emergency response protocols to guarantee timely healthcare access for all detainees.
“As the legal maxim rightly states, “Salus populi suprema lex esto”— the welfare and safety of the people shall be the supreme law. This principle must guide all actions of state authorities, especially in the handling of persons in custody.
“The apparent failure to uphold these obligations in the present case, alongside recurring allegations of abuse and exploitation, raises serious legal and ethical questions which must not go unanswered.
“We extend our heartfelt condolences to the family of the deceased and assure the public of our unwavering commitment to ensuring that justice is served. We will continue to monitor developments closely and take all necessary advocacy steps to ensure accountability.
“The Edo State Civil Society Coalition for Human Rights remains resolute in its mandate to promote accountability, transparency, and the protection of fundamental human rights across the state,” the statement added.
