WOMAN SLUMPS, DIES AFTER ARRAIGNMENT IN BENIN COURT

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By Aishat Momoh. O.

A 52-year-old woman identified as Titilayo has died shortly after being arraigned at the Federal High Court in Benin City.

The deceased was reportedly arrested by the Edo State Task Force and later handed over to the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) for prosecution over alleged involvement in the sale of a substance suspected to be a hard drug.

Eyewitnesses at the court alleged that the woman appeared visibly unwell before her arraignment, accusing officials of negligence for proceeding with the trial despite her condition.

However, the Edo State Commander of the NDLEA, Mitchell Ofoyeju, dismissed the claims, insisting that there was no indication that the suspect was unfit to stand trial.

According to him, the woman walked into the courtroom unaided and showed no signs of distress prior to the proceedings. He explained that after her arraignment, she suddenly collapsed, drawing attention from a crowd present at the court premises.

Ofoyeju further clarified that officers were focused on securing other suspects at the scene to prevent them from escaping amid the confusion, denying allegations that officials abandoned the situation.

He described the incident as unfortunate and extended condolences to the family of the deceased, noting that the actual cause of death could only be determined through an autopsy.

The incident has sparked concerns among observers, with calls for a thorough investigation into the circumstances surrounding her death.