A 52-year-old woman standing trial for alleged drug offences collapsed and died on Tuesday at the Federal High Court in Benin City, Edo State, in a development that stunned lawyers, court officials and onlookers.
The deceased, identified as Titilayo Akindele, had been arraigned by the Edo State Command of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) over allegations of involvement in the sale of cannabis, locally known as “Loud.”
According to accounts from the court, Akindele was brought in by NDLEA operatives for her scheduled arraignment. However, before her case could be called, she suddenly slumped within the courtroom premises. Efforts to revive her were unsuccessful, and she was pronounced dead shortly after.
The incident triggered panic and confusion, with family members, legal practitioners and members of the public reacting in shock to the unexpected turn of events.
Akindele had reportedly been arrested in January 2026 with the assistance of an informant said to be a church associate. Since her arrest, her family claims she had repeatedly complained of deteriorating health while in custody.
Her son, Samuel Akinsola, who was present at the court, alleged that his mother had consistently requested medical attention during her detention and court appearances, but those pleas were not adequately addressed. He further claimed that the family had appealed for her bail or speedy arraignment, without success.
According to him, the case had earlier been adjourned after NDLEA officials allegedly failed to present medical reports concerning her condition. The matter was then rescheduled to the following day, when the fatal incident occurred as she awaited proceedings.
Eyewitnesses, including some lawyers at the scene, said Akindele collapsed during the court sitting. In the aftermath, some accused NDLEA personnel of failing to promptly render medical assistance, though the agency has denied any wrongdoing.
Security operatives later arrived at the scene alongside an ambulance, which conveyed the body to a mortuary.
Reacting to the incident, the State Commander of the NDLEA, Dr. Mitchell Ofoyeju, described the death as unfortunate but rejected allegations of negligence. He maintained that there had been no indication the defendant was unfit to stand trial.
“She walked into the court premises on her own,” he said, adding that officers had to prioritise securing other suspects at the scene when the collapse drew a crowd.
Ofoyeju also dismissed claims that officials abandoned the deceased, stating that the agency remains committed to safeguarding lives while carrying out its mandate against illicit drugs.
The incident has raised fresh concerns about detainee welfare and access to medical care within the criminal justice system, as calls mount for a thorough review of the circumstances surrounding Akindele’s death.
