Tragedy in Benin City as 52 Year Old Drug Suspect Collapses and Dies During Federal High Court Trial

A 52 year old woman collapsed and died during her NDLEA trial at the Benin City Federal High Court, sparking allegations of medical neglect by family members.

By: AXL Media

Published: Apr 1, 2026, 5:55 AM EDT

Source: The information in this article was sourced from Daily Post Nigeria

Fatal Medical Emergency During Judicial Proceedings

A 52 year old woman identified as Titilayo Akindele collapsed and died during her trial at the Federal High Court sitting in Benin City, Edo State. The incident, which occurred on Tuesday, March 31, 2026, sparked widespread pandemonium within the courtroom as lawyers, family members, and observers reacted in shock. Akindele was appearing in court to answer to charges brought against her by the Edo State Command of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency. According to eyewitness accounts, the proceedings were abruptly interrupted when the defendant lost consciousness while waiting for her case to be called, leading to a frantic but ultimately unsuccessful effort to secure immediate medical intervention.

Family Alleges Persistent Neglect During Detention

The son of the deceased, Samuel Akinsola, has raised serious allegations regarding the treatment of his mother while in the custody of the NDLEA. Speaking through tears following the incident, Akinsola claimed that his mother had repeatedly complained of deteriorating health throughout her detention period. He alleged that the family had made multiple pleas for her to be granted bail or provided with professional medical attention, all of which were reportedly denied. Furthermore, Akinsola noted that officials failed to produce requested medical reports during a court appearance on Monday, March 30, which necessitated the adjournment to the day she ultimately passed away.

Conflicting Accounts of Immediate Emergency Response

In the immediate aftermath of the collapse, tensions flared between the deceased's family and the NDLEA operatives present in the courtroom. Eyewitnesses and legal practitioners at the scene accused the anti-drug officers of failing to render prompt medical assistance and allegedly attempting to abandon the body within the court premises. Conversely, the NDLEA maintained that their primary responsibility during the chaos was to secure other accused persons to prevent potential escapes amidst the burgeoning crowd. Eventually, operatives from the Edo State Police Command arrived with an ambulance from Edo Central Hospital to evacuate the remains to the mortuary.