MID WEST BAR FORUM
CONDEMNS UNRULY CONDUCT OF NDLEA OFFICIALS AND DEATH OF A SUSPECT AT FEDERAL HIGH COURT 1, BENIN

The Mid West Bar Forum has received with grave concern the disturbing report of the unfortunate incident that occurred at the Federal High Court 1, Benin, on the 30th and 31st of March, 2026, involving officials of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) and the tragic death of a suspect in their custody.

We strongly and unequivocally condemn the actions of the NDLEA officials who, despite the visibly deteriorating health condition of the suspect, proceeded to arraign her in court and subsequently re-presented her the following day. It is both inhumane and unacceptable that a suspect in such a fragile state was neither accorded proper medical attention nor treated with the dignity guaranteed under the law.

Even more alarming is the reported attempt by NDLEA officials to abandon the deceased after her collapse, and the subsequent act of brandishing and cocking firearms at legal practitioners within the courtroom. Such conduct is not only unprofessional but constitutes a grave affront to the sanctity of the court and the safety of its officers.

The Mid West Bar Forum aligns itself fully with the position of the NBA Benin Human Rights Committee in condemning:
1. The prolonged detention of suspects, particularly those in ill health, without due consideration for bail or medical care.
2. The reckless and dangerous conduct of NDLEA officials who allegedly threatened lawyers with firearms within the court premises.

We call on the relevant authorities to immediately investigate this incident and ensure that all officers found culpable are held accountable in accordance with the law.

The Forum assures the legal community and the general public that it will work closely with the Human Rights Committee of the NBA Benin Branch to thoroughly pursue this matter to its logical conclusion. We remain committed to upholding the rule of law, protecting the rights of citizens, and ensuring that justice is neither delayed nor denied.

Justice must not only be done but must be seen to be done.

Signed:
Chairman
Mid West Bar Forum

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