By Jude-Ken Ojinnaka
A Federal High Court sitting in Lagos on Monday convicted and sentenced a drug trafficker Godwin ThankGod to 2 years imprisonment for exporting prohibited narcotics, 7.10 kilograms of Codeine and 100 grams of Rophynol.
However, the convict was given an option of fine of N250,000 in addition to 30 days of Community service on each of the two counts charge.
Practically, if the convict elects to pay fine, he will pay N500,000 and 60 days Community service.
The sentence on Godwin ThankGod was passed on him after he was found guilty, having earlier pleaded guilty to the two counts charge preferred against him by the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency, (NDLEA).
According to the charge filed by the NDLEA prosecutor, Mr Abu Ibrahim, Godwin ThankGod was said to have on or about the 11th January, 2024 at the departure gate Terminal 2 of the Murtala Mohammed International Airport Ikeja Lagos, during the outward clearance of passengers of Royal Air Maroc flight to Casablanca, without lawful authority, exported 7.10 kg of Codeine( contained in a preparation) a narcotic drug similar to Cocaine, Heroin and LSD and 100 grams of Rophynol, a Psychotropic substance.
The offences committed are contrary to Section 20(1)(a) of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency Act Cap N30 Laws of the Federation of Nigeria 2004.
The defendant pleaded guilty to the two counts and in view of his plea, the prosecutor Abu Ibrahim applied for review of the facts of the case.
After the review of the facts and tendering of the substances and other supportive documents, as evidence, the court asked the defendant if he has any objection to the facts and evidence of the prosecution. He said that has no objection, saying that all that the prosecution said was correct.
Based on his admission of guilt, the court found and pronounced him guilty of the two counts.
In his allocutus, the defence counsel Mr Dennis Warri prayed the court to be lenient to the convict, saying that the convict is first time offender, pleaded guilty without wasting the precious time of the court. He canvassed for a noncustodial sentence and preferably an option of fine.
After the allocutus, Justice Kala sentenced Godwin ThankGod to 2 years jail term or N250,000, in addition to 30 days community service for each of the two counts.
The judge ordered that the bulk of the prohibited narcotics recovered from the convict be destroyed after 90 days if there is no appeal.
