A Tragic Story of Loss and Struggle
Samuel Akindele, the son of Titilayo Funke Akindele, a 52-year-old woman from Ondo State who passed away during proceedings at the Edo State High Court over alleged drug-related offenses, shares his story with DANIEL AYANTOYE. He discusses his mother’s arrest, the circumstances surrounding her death, and his ongoing efforts to seek justice.
Who Was His Mother?
Samuel lives in Oluku, while his mother resided in the Egosa area of Edo State. His father, who had been supporting the family, fell ill and passed away in 2017 when they were living in Ondo State. It was his mother who later moved the family to Benin. She came from Ifon, while his father was from Iju in Ondo State. She had five children, including Samuel, but at the time of her passing, she was living alone with her youngest sibling, who is around 10 years old, while Samuel is 24.
What Are the Jobs of the Family?
Samuel and his siblings do not have formal jobs. They rely on daily hustles to make ends meet. Life has been tough, but like their mother, they believe that one day things will improve.
The Arrest and Circumstances Leading to Her Death
His mother was arrested around the second or third week of January, accused of possessing Indian hemp. She did not have a formal job; she was simply trying to survive while caring for her youngest sibling. Samuel believes she may have turned to selling it because she had no other means of support. She didn’t even have a shop.
Where Was He When She Was Arrested?
Samuel was in Benin at the time but not at the location of the arrest. He heard about it the next day and went to the office of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA). They demanded N5 million for her bail, which the family could not afford. Samuel questioned why such a large sum was required if they had the money.
Health Issues and Medical Negligence
Samuel confirmed that his mother was sick during her custody. She told them she wasn’t feeling well, and they eventually took her for a check-up, but it was too late. The family never saw the medical report. On the day of the court session, the judge asked for a doctor's report, but the NDLEA lawyer claimed they had forgotten it in the office. The judge instructed them to bring it the following day.
The next day, his mother's condition had become critical. She told the NDLEA officers that she was not fit enough to appear in court, but they forced her into their van. Samuel was present and begged them to let her stay behind, but they ignored him. He also appealed for her release so she could receive treatment, but they refused. After being forcibly taken to court, she collapsed and later died there. NDLEA officers even accused her of pretending, despite the fact that she had been dead for over an hour.
Lack of Transparency and Support
Samuel was unaware that his mother was taken for a medical check-up. When they finally found out, they were not allowed to see the report. One officer noticed her condition but said he did not have the power to help. Their commander refused to authorize her release. Another woman arrested with her was granted bail after paying over N2 million. Samuel used to visit the NDLEA office, which felt more like a company than a detention facility. He witnessed a lot during those visits.
Attempts to Pay Bail
Samuel and his family offered N500,000 for her bail, but the NDLEA said it was not enough. They later demanded N2 million. Initially, they had asked for N5 million before reducing it to N3 million.
Controversy Over the Corpse in a Viral Video
Samuel is the one seen in the white cloth in the video. After the NDLEA confirmed his mother’s death, they tried to leave with her corpse, claiming they had handed it over to the family. While she was still alive, they had begged them to release her for treatment, but they refused. Lawyers and other sympathizers had to intervene before her body was eventually evacuated to the mortuary.
The Judge's Response
After his mother died, the court dispersed when it became clear that she had passed away. Everyone ran out, and Samuel does not know when the judge left. It was a very painful scene.
Calls for Government Action
Samuel is calling on Nigerians to support him in his pursuit of justice for his mother. Through his lawyer, they have written a petition, but nothing concrete has happened.
Communication with the NDLEA
The NDLEA has not contacted Samuel since the incident. They only transported his mother’s corpse to the mortuary. A female NDLEA officer stood by while his mother died and did nothing. They kept her in custody for about three months before bringing her to court. Government work must be carried out with humanity, with the understanding that officers are also human beings.
Coping with the Loss
It has been extremely difficult for Samuel. His father is dead, and now his mother is gone. These events have destroyed his life. Life has never been easy, and situations like this can push people toward crime.
Final Appeal
Samuel wants the government to ensure justice. They are not criminals, and they need answers. He does not want to take the law into his own hands. If nothing is done, more people may die, and others could be pushed into criminality.