Marginalisation meets desperation: The rise of drug trafficking among disabled, elderly Nigerians

Against the backdrop of societal neglect, stigmatisation, and economic hardship, some persons with disabilities have resorted to crime, including drug trafficking for survival. BABATUNDE TITILOLA reports

In 2004, Abass Adesina faced a new reality that would shape the rest of his life. Born with normal vision, he suffered permanent blindness a few years later, forcing him to readjust to his new life.

being too much of a burden for their caregivers.”

The mental health expert emphasised that everyone has roles to play in supporting PWDs to ensure they do not feel abandoned or left to suffer.

“Focus on prevention, not punishment”

According to legal experts and inclusion advocates, this unfortunate reality raises critical questions about social responsibility and the role of family, society, and government in fostering an environment where everyone has the chance to thrive, regardless of their impairment.

Bukola Ayinde, an advocate for the needs of PWDs in Nigeria, said drug-related offences are one of the consequences of neglecting PWDs.

Ayinde said, “If PWDs are not properly integrated into the system, they become a burden on society. Drug-related offences are one of the fallouts of this burden. It all starts with acceptance in the family. People abandon their children because of their disabilities. There is also stigmatization, and society is not integrating them, even into the education system.

“The government’s role should also be examined. What is the level of inclusion in government policies? How can PWDs be given economic power? Many have become beggars because their families, society, and government have abandoned them.

“I have a child with a disability. She is graduating from primary school this week and will proceed to secondary school. We have achieved this success because we have accepted her as she is and worked closely with her school to find a way for her to learn. She aced her entrance exams. So, families, society, and the government all have roles to play.”

Government reacts

The Head of Information and Public Relations at the National Commission for Persons with Disabilities, Mbanefo John-Michaels, said the commission had been working hard to improve the welfare of PWDs, with the aim of keeping them out of illegal activities, including drug trafficking.

He said, “Criminals, of course, must face the laws of the land when caught, regardless of their status, but the commission will not rest on its laurels until there’s an all-inclusive society in Nigeria and persons with disabilities are completely taken off the streets.

“This depends on the specifics of each case. Regarding the fact that most PWDs who engage in drug abuse claim it is due to depression caused by emotional distress, the commission would prefer they be referred to rehabilitation and restorative centres so they can be properly reintegrated into society.

“However, when we preach inclusion, it involves all aspects of accepting and integrating persons with disabilities into society, and as such, the commission will most likely adhere to the rules of law and equal justice, even when it concerns PWDs.”

John-Michaels noted that the issue of the five per cent provision for the employment of PWDs in all federal government offices had been resolved, and the NDLEA, in accordance with Section 29 of the Discrimination Against Persons with Disabilities (Prohibition) Act of 2018, recruited some persons with disabilities into its agency.

Also responding, the NDLEA’s Director of Media and Advocacy, Femi Babafemi, said the number of arrests of PWDs for drug-related crimes was low compared to other social groups, adding that some persons with disabilities engaged in criminal activities believing their physical challenges would shield them from suspicion or consequences.

He said, “Yes, we have had some of these people arrested occasionally, and that is because some of them believe that due to their physical challenges, nobody will think or consider them capable of doing such things.

So, for them, their challenge is seen as an easy way of escaping from law enforcement agents, but unfortunately, they got it wrong. Everybody is equal before the law. Sometimes, we may have to consider people with disabilities, but that is not an excuse to go into crime.

“The common excuse given by persons with disabilities for engaging in criminal activities like drug trafficking is their desperation to escape poverty and hunger, but these are not acceptable before the law. But that is the common denominator.

“Most of them say they did it because they needed to survive, but there are other things they can do. If they can get into criminal activities to survive, it means they can also survive on legal activities like businesses that can still offer them a comfortable living.”