Court sentences drug trafficker to 12 months in prison or N300k fine
By Jude-Ken Ojinnaka
A Federal High Court sitting in Lagos, on Tuesday, convicted and sentenced a 28-year-old man, Chigozie Anyikalam to a prison term of 12 months over drug trafficking.
However, the convict was given an option of a N300,000 fine.
The convict was arraigned by the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) before Justice Ambrose Lewis Allagoa on a one-count charge bordering on unlawful deal in Cannabis Sativa at the Young Shall Grow Motor Park
He pleaded guilty to the charge when it was read to him.
Following his plea, the prosecutor, Mrs N.J Mamza, proceeded to review the facts of the case and tendered several exhibits which were admitted and marked by the court.
She then urged the court to convict and sentence the defendant based on his plea and evidences presented by prosecution and in accordance with the provision of the offence which he was charged with.
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The court accordingly convicted the defendant as charged
After a plea for mercy on behalf of the convict by defence counsel Mr Okeh Ojakovo, the court sentenced the convict to a term of 12 months in the correctional service.
The court also gave the convict an option of N300,000 fine in lieu.
According to the charge, the convict was said to have committed the offence on May 2,, at the Young Shall Grow Park Cele, Apapa Road.
According to the charge, the convict dealt in 1.52kg of cannabis sativa a.k.a hemp at the motor park, without lawful authority.
The prosecutor said that cannabis sativa is a psychotropic substance which is similar to cocaine, heroine, and other hard drugs prohibited by law.
The offence contravenes the provisions of Section 11(c) of the NDLEA Act Cap N30 Law of the Federation 2004.
