The Edo State Command of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) has come under criticism following allegations that it denied the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) Benin Human Rights Committee access to its detention facility, where it is reportedly holding over 50 suspects.
Civil society group, Edo Civil Society Organisations (EDOCSO), condemned the development, describing the conduct of NDLEA officials as unprofessional and a violation of fundamental human rights.
According to reports cited by the group, a woman who had been in NDLEA custody since January 2026 was brought before the Federal High Court in Benin City on March 30 in a visibly ill condition after allegedly being detained for three months without arraignment. The woman was said to have repeatedly requested medical attention, which was not provided.
EDOCSO further alleged that the woman was re-arraigned the following day, March 31, during which she reportedly collapsed and died inside the courtroom. The group claimed that NDLEA officials attempted to abandon the scene following the incident.
The organisation described the घटना as indicative of a broader pattern of unlawful detention and abuse of power by security agencies, warning that such practices undermine the rule of law and erode citizens’ rights.
Citing Sections 35 and 36 of the 1999 Constitution, EDOCSO stressed that all citizens are entitled to personal liberty, prompt arraignment before a competent court, and a fair hearing within a reasonable time. It argued that prolonged detention without trial constitutes a direct violation of constitutional provisions.
The group called on the Chairman of the NDLEA, Mohamed Buba Marwa, to order a comprehensive and transparent investigation into the circumstances surrounding the woman’s death.
EDOCSO also demanded accountability for the alleged denial of access to legal representatives and vowed to closely monitor developments, pledging to pursue the matter to its logical conclusion.
