---
title: "101-year-old woman arrested for selling cannabis in Nigeria"
publication: "MediaBias News"
url: "https://mediabias.news/politics/101-year-old-woman-arrested-for-selling-cannabis-in-nigeria"
api: "https://mediabias.news/api/v1/stories/101-year-old-woman-arrested-for-selling-cannabis-in-nigeria"
markdown: "https://mediabias.news/politics/101-year-old-woman-arrested-for-selling-cannabis-in-nigeria.md"
audio: "https://mediabias.news/api/audio/101-year-old-woman-arrested-for-selling-cannabis-in-nigeria"
category: "Politics"
area: "Africa"
published: "2026-08-25T12:46:23.075Z"
source_reported: "2026-08-25T11:37:00.000Z"
updated: "2026-08-25T12:46:23.075Z"
trust_score: 42
critic_score: 60
hype_score: 41
assessment_type: "coverage-and-source-reporting-analysis"
fact_check_status: "not-performed"
coverage_measured: "2026-08-25T12:45:39.859414+00:00"
---

# 101-year-old woman arrested for selling cannabis in Nigeria

*Esther Ogunmabo allegedly found with small packages of cannabis in Ogun State.*

**Scores for the source reporting** (0-100, assessing the original journalism this article was written from, not this write-up): 

- Trust 42 of 100, higher is better. The central claim is attributed to the NDLEA spokesperson, and multiple outlets corroborate the arrest and drug seizure.
- Craft 60 of 100, higher is better. The reporting is clear and holds together, but lacks quotes from affected parties and details on what happens next.
- Hype 41 of 100, lower is better. The headline focuses on the age of the arrested individual, creating a sensationalized narrative around the drug bust.

Scored by MediaBias News; method at https://mediabias.news/methodology.

**The short version**

- A 101-year-old woman, Esther Ogunmabo, was arrested in Ogun State, Nigeria, for allegedly selling cannabis.
- NDLEA spokesperson Femi Babafemi confirmed the arrest and stated Ogunmabo claimed she began selling drugs after a fire destroyed her shop.
- In a separate operation, NDLEA seized 42.622kg of illicit drugs, including cocaine hidden in fufu, from three men on a boat bound for Cameroon.
- The NDLEA also reported seizing N4.4 billion worth of illicit drugs nationwide in recent operations.

The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) arrested a 101-year-old woman, Esther Ogunmabo, in Ogun State, Nigeria, for allegedly selling cannabis. NDLEA spokesperson Femi Babafemi confirmed the arrest. Ogunmabo reportedly stated that she began selling drugs after her shop was destroyed by fire. Some reports indicate she was found with 'retail sachets' or small packages of cannabis.

In a separate incident, NDLEA operatives intercepted cocaine hidden in fufu on a boat bound for Cameroon. Three men were arrested and 42.622kg of illicit drugs were seized. The agency also reported nationwide seizures of N4.4 billion worth of illicit drugs in recent operations.

## Disagreement on quantity of cannabis

Some reports state Esther Ogunmabo was found with 90 grams of skunk, a strain of cannabis. Other reports mention she was found with 'retail sachets' or small packages of cannabis without specifying an amount. One report states she had 20 grammes of cocaine concealed inside a large wrap of edible cassava flour, along with 435 grammes of skunk.

## What the coverage left out

None of the left-rated digests mention the specific quantity of cannabis found with Esther Ogunmabo, other than 'retail sachets' or small packages. None of the centre-rated digests mention the specific quantity of cannabis found with Esther Ogunmabo, other than 'retail sachets' or small packages. None of the right-rated digests mention the specific quantity of cannabis found with Esther Ogunmabo, other than 'retail sachets' or small packages.

## Who covered it

Shares of the 20 covering outlets with a published leaning rating:

- Left: 40% (8)
- Centre: 25% (5)
- Right: 35% (7)

33 of 53 covering outlets carried no usable leaning rating and were excluded from those percentages. Coverage measured 2026-08-25T12:45:39.859414+00:00.

**Coverage watch:** developing. Checked 1 time; 0 checks found a material change. Most recently checked 2026-08-25T13:00:22.680Z.

## How the sides framed it

### Left

- Left-rated reports led with the arrest of the 101-year-old woman, Esther Ogunmabo, for allegedly selling drugs. Multiple reports from this side mentioned she was found with 'retail sachets' or small packages of cannabis. The claim that she started selling drugs after her shop was destroyed by fire was also frequently included. Some left-rated reports also mentioned the separate seizure of cocaine hidden in fufu on a boat bound for Cameroon, and the nationwide seizure of N4.4 billion worth of illicit drugs.

### Centre

- Centre-rated reports focused on the arrest of the 101-year-old great-grandmother, Esther Ogunmabo, for allegedly selling cannabis. These reports noted she was found with 'retail sachets' of cannabis and that she claimed to have started selling drugs after her shop was destroyed by fire. The separate incident involving the seizure of cocaine hidden in fufu on a boat bound for Cameroon was also mentioned.

### Right

- Right-rated reports highlighted the arrest of the 101-year-old woman, described as a great-grandmother, for alleged drug dealing. These reports included her claim that she began selling drugs after her shop was destroyed by fire. Some right-rated reports also mentioned that she was found with small packages of cannabis. One report mentioned the seizure of 90 grams of skunk, a cannabis variety.

## Factuality profile of the covering outlets

These are published factuality ratings of the outlets, not a verdict on whether this story or its claims are true.

- mixed: 7
- high: 12
- unknown: 33
- veryHigh: 1

## Verification scope

This page compares coverage and scores the source reporting. It is not a ClaimReview verdict on whether the underlying event or claim is true.

## Original reporting this was written from

- [Daily Express](https://express.co.uk/news/world/2242278/shock-woman-101-arrested-cannabis) — Great-grandmother, 101, arrested over alleged drug dealing
- [Globo](https://oglobo.globo.com/mundo/epoca/noticia/2026/08/25/mulher-de-101-anos-e-presa-por-trafico-de-drogas-apos-vender-maconha-para-vizinhos-na-nigeria-entenda.ghtml) — 101-Year-Old Woman Is Arrested for Drug Trafficking After Selling Marijuana to Neighbors in Nigeria; Understand
- [Noticias ao Minuto](https://noticiasaominuto.com/mundo/3041069/mulher-de-101-anos-foi-detida-na-nigeria-por-vender-canabis) — 101-Year-Old Woman Detained in Nigeria for Selling Cannabis: Details
- [SIC Notícias](https://sicnoticias.pt/mundo/2026-08-25-nigeria-mulher-de-101-anos-detida-por-vender-canabis-centenaria-alega-fazer-negocio-com-vizinhos-e-moradores-locais-021abf19) — 101 Years Old: Woman Arrested for Selling Cannabis, Centenary Claims to Do Business with "Local Neighbors and Residents"
- [Agi.it](https://agi.it/estero/news/2026-08-25/nigeria-cannabis-38688942) — Nigeria, Sold Cannabis to Neighbors: Arrested at 101
- [EL ESPAÑOL](https://elespanol.com/mundo/africa/20260825/detenida-bisabuela-anos-vender-droga-suministraba-hija-vecinos-nigeria/1003744362113_0.html) — A 101-Year-Old Great-Grandmother Arrested for Selling the Drug Her Daughter Supplied to Her Neighbors in Nigeria
- [diariodenavarra.es](https://diariodenavarra.es/noticias/actualidad/internacional/2026/08/25/detenida-nigeria-bisabuela-101-anos-venta-ilegal-cannabis-832732-29.html) — Detained in Nigeria a 101-Year-Old Great-Grandmother for Illegal Sale of Cannabis
- [De Telegraaf](https://telegraaf.nl/buitenland/overgrootmoeder-101-opgepakt-in-nigeria-vanwege-verkoop-cannabis/160465561.html) — Great-Grandmother (101) Arrested in Nigeria for Selling Cannabis
- [Haberler](https://haberler.com/haberler/nijeryada-101-yasindaki-kadin-uyusturucu-satarken-20173696-haberi) — A 101-Year-Old Woman Was Caught Selling Drugs in Nigeria.
- [Irish Independent](https://independent.ie/world-news/police-arrest-great-grandmother-101-for-allegedly-dealing-drugs/a/160454734.html) — Police arrest great-grandmother (101) for allegedly dealing drugs
- [Origo](https://origo.hu/nagyvilag/2026/08/drogkereskedelemmel-gyanusitjak-a-101-eves-dedanyat) — Drokkereskedelemmel Gyanusíták at 101 Years' Worth
- [Stuff](https://stuff.co.nz/world-news/361024486/police-arrest-101yearold-greatgrandmother-dealing-drugs) — Police arrest 101-year-old great-grandmother for dealing drugs
- [The Independent](https://independent.co.uk/news/world/africa/police-grandmother-drug-dealing-nigeria-b3038499.html) — Police arrest 101-year-old great-grandmother for selling drugs in sachets
- [The Independent (US)](https://the-independent.com/news/world/africa/police-grandmother-drug-dealing-nigeria-b3038499.html) — Police arrest 101-year-old great-grandmother for selling drugs in sachets
- [Flying Eze](https://flyingeze.com/gran-arrested-dealing-drugs-bags-skunk) — 101-Year-Old Great-Grandmother Arrested for Selling Skunk Cannabis...
- [NU](https://nu.nl/buitenland/6407430/101-jarige-vrouw-in-nigeria-gearresteerd-voor-handel-in-cannabis.html) — 101-Year-Old Woman in Nigeria Arrested for Cannabis Trafficking
- [Unknown](https://news.walla.co.il/item/3862928) — Grandma Is a Dealer: Police in Nigeria Arrest 101-Year-Old Woman on Suspicion of Drug Trafficking
- [ohtuleht.ee](https://ohtuleht.ee/1165288/kanepimammi-voimud-vahistasid-101aastase-nigeeria-narkoarika) — CANNABIS MOM: Authorities Arrest 101-Year-Old Nigerian Drug Lord
- [Hot News](https://hotnews.ro/strabunica-in-varsta-de-101-de-ani-arestata-pentru-vanzarea-de-canabis-in-nigeria-2332194) — "The 101-Year-Old Grandmother Who Was Arrested for Selling Envelopes of 90 Grams of Cannabis - HotNews.ro
- [BBC News](https://bbc.com/news/articles/c93e5gyejgdo) — Nigeria drug arrests: '101-year-old great-grandmother' detained for selling cannabis
- [QUICK NEWS AFRICA](https://quicknews-africa.net/ndlea-arrests-101-year-old-woman-in-ogun) — NDLEA Arrests 101-Year-Old Woman In Ogun
- [The Telegraph](https://telegraph.co.uk/world-news/2026/08/24/police-arrest-101-year-old-great-grandmother-dealing-drugs) — Police arrest 101-year-old great-grandmother for dealing drugs
- [Kanyi Daily](https://kanyidaily.com/2026/08/101-year-old-woman-released-after-arrest-for-selling-cannabis-in-ogun.html) — 101-Year-Old Woman Released After Arrest For Selling Cannabis In Ogun
- [allAfrica](https://allafrica.com/stories/202608240123.html) — Nigeria: NDLEA Intercepts Cocaine Hidden in Fufu On Boat Bound for Cameroon
- [mediatalkafrica.com](https://mediatalkafrica.com/299487/ndlea-arrests-101-year-old-seizes-n4-4b-drugs-nationwide) — NDLEA Arrests 101-Year-Old, Seizes N4.4B Drugs Nationwide
- [Daily Trust](https://dailytrust.com/ndlea-arrests-101-year-old-woman-for-allegedly-selling-drug) — NDLEA arrests 101-year-old woman for allegedly selling drug
- [VMT News](https://vmtnews.ng/101-year-old-great-grandma-arrested-as-ndlea-intercepts-cocaine-in-fufu) — 101-year-old great grandma arrested as NDLEA intercepts cocaine in fufu
- [GistReel](https://gistreel.com/101-year-old-grandmother-arrested-for-selling-cannabis-in-ogun) — 101-year-old grandmother arrested for selling cannabis in Ogun
- [NewsTimes.com.ng](https://newstimes.com.ng/2026/08/101-year-old-great-grandmother-arrested-for-selling-drugs) — 101-year-old great-grandmother arrested for selling drugs - NewsTmes.com.ng
- [Nairametrics](https://nairametrics.com/2026/08/23/ndlea-arrests-101-year-old-great-grandmother-intercepts-n4-4-billion-worth-of-illicit-drugs) — NDLEA arrests 101-year-old great-grandmother, intercepts N4.4 billion worth of illicit drugs
- [National Accord Newspaper](https://nationalaccordnewspaper.com/101-year-old-great-grandmother-arrested-as-ndlea-intercepts-cocaine-hidden-in-fufu) — 101-Year old great-grandmother arrested as NDLEA intercepts cocaine hidden in fufu
- [TheSightNews](https://thesightnews.com/2026/08/23/ndlea-arrests-101-year-old-great-grandma-intercepts-cocaine-in-fufu) — NDLEA Arrests 101-year-old Great Grandma, Intercepts Cocaine in Fufu
- [National Daily Newspaper](https://nationaldailyng.com/101-year-old-dealer-n4-4bn-thai-loud-seizure-exposes-nigerias-evolving-drug-trade) — 101-year-old dealer, N4.4bn Thai loud seizure exposes Nigeria’s evolving drug trade
- [Freedom Online](https://freedomonline.com.ng/101-year-old-great-grandma-arrested-as-ndlea-intercepts-cocaine-in-fufu) — 101-year-old great grandma arrested as NDLEA intercepts cocaine in fufu
- [Per Second News](https://persecondnews.com/2026/08/23/centenarian-woman-arrested-with-cannabis-as-ndlea-uncovers-first-thailand-maritime-drug-route) — Centenarian Woman Arrested With Cannabis As NDLEA Uncovers First Thailand Maritime Drug Route
- [NewsmakersNG](https://newsmakerslive.org/101-year-old-great-grandmother-arrested-as-ndlea-finds-cocaine-hidden-in-fufu-seizes-n4-4bn-drugs) — 101-Year-Old Great-Grandmother Arrested as NDLEA Finds Cocaine Hidden in Fufu, Seizes N4.4bn Drugs
- [P.M. News Nigeria](https://pmnewsnigeria.com/2026/08/23/101-year-old-great-grandma-busted-for-drug-trade-as-ndlea-seizes-n4-4bn-thai-loud) — 101-Year-old great grandma busted for drug trade as NDLEA seizes N4.4bn Thai Loud
- [Legit.ng - Nigeria news.](https://legit.ng/nigeria/1726783-ndlea-arrests-101-year-great-grandmother-selling-illicit-drugs) — NDLEA arrests 101-year-old great-grandmother for selling illicit drugs
- [Naija News - Nigeria News](https://naijanews.com/2026/08/23/ndlea-arrests-101-year-old-woman-cocaine) — NDLEA Arrests 101-Year-Old Woman, Seizes ₦4.4bn Worth Of Cocaine Rapped In 'Fufu'
- [akelicious.net](https://akelicious.net/101-year-old-woman-arrested-by-ndlea-for-selling-cannabis-in-ogun) — 101-Year-Old Woman Arrested by NDLEA for Selling Cannabis in Ogun — Akelicious
- [Sahara Reporters](https://saharareporters.com/2026/08/23/101-year-old-woman-arrested-cannabis-supplied-daughter-nigerias-ndlea-recovers-cocaine) — 101-Year-Old Woman Arrested With Cannabis ‘Supplied By Daughter’ As Nigeria’s NDLEA Recovers Cocaine Concealed In Fufu
- [Premium Times Nigeria](https://premiumtimesng.com/news/top-news/904879-ndlea-arrests-101-year-old-woman-for-selling-cannabis-in-ogun.html) — NDLEA arrests 101-year-old woman for selling cannabis in Ogun
- [Vanguard News](https://vanguardngr.com/2026/08/101-year-old-woman-arrested-for-selling-cannabis-in-ogun) — 101-year-old woman arrested for selling cannabis in Ogun
- [Nigerian News. Latest Nigeria News. Your online Nigerian Newspaper.](https://nigerianeye.com/2026/08/101-year-old-great-grandmother-arrested.html) — ‘101-year-old’ great-grandmother arrested for selling cannabis in Ogun
- [The Whistler Nigeria](https://thewhistler.ng/101-year-old-woman-arrested-as-ndlea-intercepts-cocaine-hidden-in-fufu) — 101-Year-Old Woman Arrested As NDLEA Intercepts Cocaine Hidden In Fufu
- [securitynewsalert.com](https://securitynewsalert.com/101-year-old-great-grandma-arrested-as-ndlea-intercepts-cocaine-in-fufu) — 101-Year-Old Great Grandma Arrested As NDLEA Intercepts Cocaine In Fufu - Security News Alert
- [reportersatlarge.com](https://reportersatlarge.com/101-year-old-great-grandma-arrested-ndlea) — 101-Year-Old Great-Grandma Arrested for Selling Illicit Drugs
- [The Podium Media](https://thepodiummedia.com/101-year-old-great-grandma-arrested-for-selling-drugs-in-sachets) — 101-year-old Great-grandma Arrested for Selling Drugs in Sachets
- [CoreTV News](https://coretvnews.com/2026/08/23/ndlea-arrests-101-year-old-great-grandma-intercepts-cocaine-in-fufu) — NDLEA Arrests 101-year-old great-grandma, intercepts cocaine in fufu
- [The Guardian Nigeria](https://guardian.ng/news/nigeria/metro/101-year-old-grandmother-arrested-with-cannabis-as-ndlea-intercepts-cocaine-filled-fufu) — 101-year-old grandmother arrested with cannabis as NDLEA intercepts cocaine-filled fufu
- [Punch Newspapers](https://punchng.com/101-year-old-great-grandma-arrested-for-selling-drugs-in-sachets) — 101-year-old great-grandma arrested for selling drugs in sachets
- [Dateline Nigeria](https://dateline.ng/ndlea-intercepts-cocaine-concealed-in-fufu-arrests-suspect) — NDLEA intercepts cocaine concealed in fufu, arrests suspect
- [Daily Post Nigeria](https://dailypost.ng/2026/08/23/ndlea-arrests-101-year-old-woman-retailing-cannabis-recover-cocaine-concealed-inside-fufu) — NDLEA arrests 101-year-old woman retailing cannabis, recover cocaine concealed inside fufu

## Questions

**Who was arrested in Nigeria for selling cannabis?**

A 101-year-old woman named Esther Ogunmabo was arrested in Ogun State, Nigeria, for allegedly selling cannabis. She reportedly claimed to have started selling drugs after her shop was destroyed by fire.

**What other drug-related incidents were reported?**

In a separate operation, Nigerian authorities intercepted cocaine hidden in fufu on a boat bound for Cameroon, seizing 42.622kg of illicit drugs and arresting three men. The NDLEA also reported nationwide seizures of N4.4 billion worth of illicit drugs.

**What did Esther Ogunmabo claim about her alleged drug dealing?**

Esther Ogunmabo reportedly told authorities that she began selling cannabis after a fire destroyed her shop. Some reports indicate she was found with small packages or 'retail sachets' of the drug.

---

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