Esther Ogunmabo reportedly arrested over cannabis sales in Nigeria

Key facts

BBC Africa reported that Esther Ogunmabo was arrested in Nigeria.

She was described in the report as a 101-year-old great-grandmother.

Ogunmabo is accused of selling cannabis packaged in what the report called retail sachets.

The substance was identified as skunk, a strain of cannabis.

The available evidence does not specify where in Nigeria the arrest occurred or whether formal charges have been filed.

Why it matters

The allegation concerns the retail sale of cannabis in Nigeria and is especially notable because of the reported age of the accused. However, the limited information available leaves important questions unanswered, including the circumstances of the arrest, the quantity allegedly recovered and whether the case has proceeded to formal charges.

A Nigerian woman described as a 101-year-old great-grandmother has reportedly been arrested over allegations that she sold cannabis in small retail packages.

BBC Africa identified the woman as Esther Ogunmabo and said she was accused of selling “retail sachets” of skunk, a strain of cannabis. The report did not provide further evidence about the alleged transactions or state how much cannabis was involved.

It is not yet clear where in Nigeria Ogunmabo was arrested, which authority detained her or when the arrest took place. The supplied report also does not say whether she remains in custody, has appeared before a court or has been formally charged.

No response from Ogunmabo or a legal representative was included in the available evidence. Her reported age and status as a great-grandmother have also not been independently documented in the supplied material.

The allegation remains unproven on the information available. Further official details would be needed to establish the circumstances of the arrest, the evidence against Ogunmabo and the next legal steps in the case.