Ghana based Nigerian bags 2yrs jail term or N1m fine over unlawful transportation of hard drugs
By Onyewuchi Ojinnaka
A Federal High Court sitting in Lagos on Tuesday convicted and sentenced a 32 year old Ghana based Nigerian, Peter Edward Omang to 2 years imprisonment over unlawful transportation of 3.5 kilogrammes of Marijuana, otherwise known as Cannabis Sativa, a narcotic drug across Nigeria.
However, the trial Judge, Justice.Chukwujekwu Aneke gave the convict an option to pay a fine of the sum of N1million in lieu of the prison term.
When the matter was called for arraignment of Peter Edward Omang, the prosecution counsel for the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency, Chibuzo Ohanyere informed the court that he had a one count charge against the defendant before the court. He prayed that the charge be read to the defendant for him to take his plea.
The court granted his prayer and ordered the registrar to read the charge. According to the charge which was read to the defendant Peter Edward Omang, he was said to have on or about the 27th day of February, 2026, at NDLEA Baggage Checkpoint, Seme border, Badagry, Lagos, within the jurisdiction of the court, without lawful authority transported 3.5 kg of Marijuana, otherwise known as Cannabis Sativa, a narcotic drug similar to Cocaine, Heroin and LSD.
The defendant committed an offence contrary to and punishable under Section 11(b) of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency. He pleaded guilty to the charge.
In view of the defendant’s plea of guilty, the prosecutor told the court that he was ready to review the facts of the case. He called a witness who while testifying before the court, tendered some documents, the analyzed cannabis Sativa and bulk of the substance which were admitted as exhibits marked 1 to 8.
Having listened to the prosecution, looked at the exhibits before the court and the guilty pleaded by the Peter Edward Omang, the court found him guilty and convicted him as charged.
In allocutus (plea for mercy) on behalf of the convict, the defence counsel Evans Ajoku Esq. pleaded for leniency on behalf of the convict. He submitted that the convict is a first time offender who pleaded guilty at the earliest opportunity without wasting the precious time of the court. He urged the court to consider the non custodial sentence and give him an option of fine. He told the court that the convict is remorseful.
After listening to the allocutus by the defence counsel Evans Ajoku, the trial judge, Justice Aneke said: ” I have considered the plea for leniency on behalf of the convict by Ajoku, particularly the fact that the convict is a first time offender who pleaded guilty at the earliest time and did not waste the scarce and precious time of the court.
However, the court is not unmindful of the harm and damage the nefarious act of the convict has caused the image of this country in the international communities.
“Consequently, the convict Peter Edward Omang, male, adult, 32 years is sentenced to two (2) years imprisonment from February 27, 2026, or in lieu of term of imprisonment to a fine of the sum of N1 million to be paid into the consolidated revenue account of the Federal Government of Nigeria.
” In addition to the option of fine, the convict is to serve a 100 hours on Community service. Finally, Exhibit P7 shall be destroyed after 90 days from this day of judgement.
The charge marked FHC/L/181c/26, dated March 6, 2026 reads: “That you Peter Edward Omang, male, adult, 32years Nigerian of Osu, Accra, Ghana, on or about 27th day of February, 2026 at NDLEA Baggage Checkpoint, Seme border, Badagry, Lagos within the jurisdiction of this honourable court, without lawful authority, transported 3.5 kg of Marijuana, otherwise known as Cannabis Sativa, a narcotic drug similar to Cocaine, Heroin, LSD by which act you committed an offence contrary to and punishable under Section 11(b)of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency Cap N30 Laws of the Federation of Nigeria 2004.”.
