An 85-year-old woman, Grace Ehimeka, also referred to as Mama Grace, has been arrested in Edo State for allegedly possessing 15 bags of cannabis weighing a total of 179 kilograms. The arrest took place on October 16, 2026, as part of a coordinated operation by the Edo State Command of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA).

The NDLEA State Commander, Mitchel Ofuyeju, announced the arrest on October 19, revealing that Mama Grace was apprehended at her residence in the Warake community. He described her actions as a poor example for her family, stating that old age should not serve as an excuse for engaging in criminal activities.

In addition to Mama Grace, the operation led to the arrest of five other individuals suspected of drug trafficking. These include Ali Garba, 57; Habib Braimoh, 45; Musa Mubid, 35; Ayo Aigberadion, 53; and Hope Okoro, 35. The suspects were captured in various locations including Ivbiaro and Ewe Uzeba communities, following credible intelligence that prompted the raids.

During the operation, a total of 407.39 kilograms of cannabis and other illicit substances were seized. The haul included 546 grams of loud, a potent cannabis strain, 114 grams of tramadol, four grams of diazepam, and three grams of swinol. Each suspect was found with varying amounts of drugs, highlighting the extent of the drug trafficking issue in the region.

Mama Grace, in her plea for forgiveness, admitted to owning the cannabis and revealed that she had been selling it for over two years to support herself as a widow. "My family members have warned me to stop, but I kept postponing my decision to stop. Officers, if you give me another chance, I will never sell cannabis again," she said, expressing remorse for her actions.

Commander Ofuyeju emphasized the NDLEA's commitment to eradicating drug-related crimes in Edo State. He reiterated that the agency will continue its efforts to eliminate criminal elements and protect the community from the dangers of illicit drugs. The arrests and seizures are part of a broader initiative aimed at tackling drug trafficking and ensuring public safety in the region.