Police operatives from the Ekpan Division in Uvwie Local Government Area of Delta State have arrested an 11-year-old girl in possession of controlled substances.

The young girl, who identified herself simply as Rejoice, was apprehended while traveling in a commercial tricycle (Keke) in Warri. During a media briefing at the State Police Headquarters in Asaba, Police Public Relations Officer, SP Bright Edafe, confirmed the arrest.

According to Rejoice, she was carrying the drugs at the instruction of her mother. “My name is Rejoice. My mum sent me to buy the drugs, and I was arrested with them in a Keke. I had codeine, tramadol, and Swinol in my bag,” she said. She denied rumors circulating on social media that the drugs belonged to another passenger in the vehicle, insisting she was the one carrying them in a black polythene bag.

The drugs were reportedly valued at N100,000.

Her mother, Esther Ugbunugo, 45, admitted to police that she had sent her daughter to purchase the substances. She also confessed to selling the drugs, including to internet fraudsters, commonly referred to as “Yahoo boys.” She further admitted to occasional personal use.

“My daughter was arrested with codeine and tramadol. I sent her to Jakpa Road to buy them. I’ve been doing this for nearly two years. I sell to Yahoo boys, and sometimes I use tramadol when I can’t sleep,” she revealed.

SP Edafe expressed deep concern over the incident, particularly the involvement of such a young child in drug trafficking.

“It’s disturbing to see a child as young as 11 not only carrying drugs but identifying them by name without assistance. That speaks to the level of exposure and normalization of this illegal activity within the home. It’s heartbreaking,” he said.