By Babatunde Titilola
In a world where opportunities are scarce and societal neglect is rampant, individuals with disabilities in Nigeria often find themselves grappling with unimaginable hardships. For some, these challenges have driven them to desperate measures, including crime, in a bid to survive. Among the most heart-wrenching stories are those of persons with disabilities (PWDs) who, despite their best efforts to lead dignified lives, have been pushed to the fringes of society, with some resorting to drug trafficking and other illegal activities.
One such individual is Abass Adesina, whose life took a tragic turn in 2004. Born with normal vision, Adesina’s world was suddenly plunged into darkness when he lost his sight completely just a few years later. This devastating event altered the course of his life in ways he could never have imagined. His education, social interactions, and overall existence were thrown into disarray, and he was forced to adapt to a new reality.
“My life changed in ways I never expected,” Adesina reflects, his voice tinged with sadness. “Simple tasks like grocery shopping or using public transport have become scary experiences. It is very difficult navigating inaccessible physical spaces and relying on others for transport every time.”
His parents, determined to give him a chance at a normal life, enrolled him in a special school for the blind, where he learned to read and write in Braille and use adaptive technology. But despite these efforts, Adesina’s life was never the same. The mental and emotional toll of his disability was profound, compounded by societal attitudes that often led to feelings of isolation and marginalization.
“What people think of me significantly impacts my self-esteem and job opportunities. People often underestimate my abilities or make assumptions about my disability, leading to limited career progress and social interactions,” Adesina laments. He recalls being screened out of several job interviews despite being fully qualified, a stark reminder of the pervasive discrimination faced by PWDs in Nigeria.
Adesina, now 36 years old, credits his faith and a strong support network for helping him resist the temptation to engage in illegal activities as a means of survival. “I face discrimination during job interviews, where assumptions about my abilities are made based on my blindness. Public transport has also been a challenge, with drivers refusing to accommodate me or lacking knowledge about accessibility features,” he explains.
But not everyone is as fortunate as Adesina. For many PWDs, the lack of opportunities, coupled with societal stigma, poverty, and social isolation, creates a perfect storm that can push them towards crime. “Some will be pushed into crime because of the lack of opportunities, societal stigma, poverty, and social isolation. When basic needs are unmet and societal barriers persist, some PWDs may turn to illegal activities as a means of survival or coping mechanism. There are not enough opportunities for PWDs to lead fulfilling lives,” Adesina warns.
The story of 30-year-old Olamide James echoes similar themes of loss and resilience. In August 2008, James was rushed to a hospital due to complications from chronic malaria. Despite the doctors’ best efforts, they were unable to save his vision. “I decided to move on with my life,” James recalls, his tone a mix of determination and resignation. He withdrew from Lagos State Polytechnic and enrolled at the Federal College of Education (Special) in Oyo State, where he studied English.
Today, James works as a teacher at a secondary school, but life has not been what he imagined. “My biggest daily challenge is the high cost of essential commodities, including transport, because as a visually impaired person, I have to pay twice the price that an individual without visual impairment would pay,” he explains. The financial burden is exacerbated by the societal discrimination he faces, particularly in the job market. “I have been let down by society because of unequal treatment and discrimination. In terms of job opportunities, I recently applied for a position for which I was suitably qualified, but was systematically disqualified,” James says, his frustration palpable.
The fear of abject poverty and lack of employment opportunities are major reasons why some PWDs are driven to crime. James acknowledges that the temptation to turn to illegal activities is ever-present for those who see no other way to survive. “The fear of being unable to meet basic needs, combined with societal neglect, pushes some PWDs to engage in crime. It’s a tragic reality that many face,” he adds.
The Rise of PWDs in Drug Trafficking
In a society where marginalised groups often struggle for recognition and support, it is not surprising that some PWDs in Nigeria have turned to drug trafficking as a means of livelihood. The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) has reported a troubling trend of PWDs being arrested for drug-related offenses, highlighting the dire circumstances many of them face.
One such case occurred on Tuesday, July 16, when NDLEA operatives arrested 48-year-old Amadu Garba, a man with one leg, at his residence in Yawuri town, Kebbi State. During the operation, authorities discovered six bags of cannabis weighing a total of 67 kilograms. Garba’s arrest underscores the desperation that can drive PWDs to engage in illegal activities.
Similarly, on February 1, 2024, a male suspect who is deaf was arrested in the Samaru area of Zaria, Kaduna State, for selling illegal substances. At the time of his arrest, authorities recovered 150 grams of cannabis from him. These cases, though isolated, are indicative of a larger issue: the systemic neglect and lack of support that leaves PWDs with few options for survival.
On September 1, 2017, the Cross River Command of the NDLEA apprehended six suspects, including a blind man and a person with a physical disability, during various operations across the state. The two individuals, Christian Joseph and Edet Bassey, were caught infusing cannabis sativa into meat pies, egg rolls, doughnuts, and other snacks. Their arrest highlights the lengths to which some PWDs will go to eke out a living, even if it means breaking the law.
In another case, on May 22, 2013, a Federal High Court in Lagos sentenced 34-year-old Wale Arowolo to six months imprisonment for dealing in cannabis sativa. Arowolo, a man with a physical disability, pleaded guilty during trial after he was arrested with 500 grams of the illegal substance under a bridge in the Onikan area of Lagos State.
Combating Drug Trafficking: The Role of NDLEA
The NDLEA is Nigeria’s primary agency responsible for combating drug trafficking and abuse. Established in 1989, the agency’s mandate includes enforcing drug-related laws, preventing drug abuse, and rehabilitating drug users. Its mission is to eliminate the production, trafficking, and abuse of illicit drugs while fostering a drug-free society.
With 14 directorates, 14 zonal commands, 111 state area commands, and 10 special commands for airports and seaports, the NDLEA is present in all the nation’s airports, seaports, border posts, and strategic locations on road networks across Nigeria. The agency’s efforts are critical in curbing the rise of drug trafficking among PWDs and addressing the root causes of this troubling trend.
Addressing the Root Causes
The rise in drug trafficking among PWDs is a symptom of deeper societal issues that need urgent attention. The lack of accessible education, employment opportunities, and social support for PWDs creates an environment where crime becomes a viable option for survival. To address this issue, there must be a concerted effort to provide PWDs with the tools and opportunities they need to lead fulfilling lives.
Education and job training programs tailored to the needs of PWDs can open up new avenues for employment and economic independence. Social support systems, including mental health services and peer support groups, can help PWDs cope with the challenges they face and resist the temptation to turn to illegal activities.
Moreover, there needs to be a societal shift in how PWDs are perceived and treated. Discrimination and stigma only serve to isolate PWDs further, making it harder for them to integrate into society and contribute to the nation’s development. Public awareness campaigns and inclusive policies are essential in breaking down these barriers and promoting a culture of acceptance and support.
Conclusion
The stories of Abass Adesina and Olamide James, along with the troubling trend of PWDs turning to drug trafficking, underscore the urgent need for systemic change in how Nigeria addresses the needs of its disabled population. While the NDLEA continues its vital work in combating drug trafficking, the root causes of this issue must be addressed through inclusive education, employment opportunities, and social support systems.
Only by addressing these underlying issues can we hope to create a society where PWDs are empowered to lead dignified lives, free from the pressures that drive them to the fringes of legality. The time for action is now, before more PWDs are pushed to the brink.
