A disturbing trend is emerging in Nigeria, where elderly citizens are increasingly being arrested for drug-related offenses. According to recent reports, suspects aged 60 and above have been caught with various substances, including cannabis, tramadol, and large consignments of cocaine. This shift in the demographics of those involved in illicit drug trafficking has raised concerns about the changing face of the trade in Nigeria.
In March 2026, a 74-year-old man was arrested at Abuja's Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport while attempting to smuggle 11 kilogrammes of cocaine to the United Kingdom. The suspect, who claimed he was traveling for vacation, had concealed the cocaine in blocks wrapped in foil papers and balloons, hidden among food items in his luggage. This incident is not an isolated case, as another elderly Nigerian-British grandmother, Mary Yetunde Barek, was arrested in June 2026 at Lagos' Murtala Muhammed International Airport with 13 kilogrammes of cocaine.
The cases of elderly individuals involved in drug trafficking are varied. A 101-year-old great-grandmother, Esther Ogunmabo, was arrested in August 2026 in Ogun State with 90 grammes of skunk, a strain of cannabis. She reportedly sold the substance to people in her community, stating that she resorted to the illicit trade after her provisions shop was razed by fire. Her daughter, who resides in Lagos, allegedly supplied her with the substance every four days.
Financial hardship appears to be a significant factor in the involvement of elderly Nigerians in the illicit drug trade. Many elderly individuals depend on pensions, small businesses, family support, or informal activities for survival, making them vulnerable to financial difficulties. The loss of a source of income can push them into the trade, as seen in Ogunmabo's case. However, poverty alone may not explain the growing number of elderly people appearing in drug cases.
The role of drug dealers in exploiting vulnerable elderly individuals is also a factor. A 67-year-old visually impaired man, Aliyu Adebiyi, was arrested in January 2026 in Osun State after 234 kilogrammes of Indian hemp were found in his house. He claimed a drug dealer kept the consignment with him for a fee of N6,000 per month and paid him for three months upfront. This case highlights how dealers recruit elderly people, often using their economic circumstances.
The illicit drug trade remains a lucrative business in Nigeria, with large quantities of controlled substances being moved through various channels. The NDLEA has intensified its operations against traffickers and dealers, intercepting significant amounts of Tramadol, Indian hemp, and other substances. The agency's efforts aim to curb the trend of elderly individuals being exploited by drug cartels.
The use of elderly people as mules may be linked to the belief among traffickers that they are less likely to attract suspicion. Elderly travelers, particularly those appearing to be traveling for family or holiday purposes, may be perceived differently by security operatives. This perception makes them useful to criminal networks seeking couriers for international routes, as seen in the cases of the 74-year-old man and the 67-year-old grandmother arrested while traveling to the United Kingdom.
Key points
- Elderly Nigerians are increasingly being exploited by drug cartels as mules due to financial hardship and vulnerability.
- The involvement of elderly individuals in the drug trade is not limited to street-level dealing, but also includes international trafficking and local sales.
- The NDLEA has intensified its operations to curb the trend of elderly individuals being exploited by drug cartels.
