The Federal High Court in Lagos has sentenced a drug trafficker, Nnamani Sunday, to four years imprisonment for attempting to export 800 grams of Cannabis Sativa to the United Kingdom.
The judgement, delivered on Monday by Justice Ayokunle Faji, came without an option of a fine.
Sunday was apprehended by the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) on August 10, 2024, during a routine examination of cargo at the Skyway Handling Company (SAHCO) Export Shed at Murtala Muhammed International Airport, Lagos.
According to the NDLEA prosecutor, Abu Ibrahim, Sunday had concealed the illicit substance within packs of Chikki Noodles and had engaged an accomplice, Nwajideopi Samson, to facilitate the export.
The charges against Sunday were filed under Sections 21 (2)(d) and 20 (1)(a) of the NDLEA Act, Cap. N30, Laws of the Federation of Nigeria, 2004, and were punishable under Sections 11(b) and 20 (2)(a) of the same Act.
During his arraignment, Sunday pleaded guilty to the two counts filed against him (marked FHC/L/788c/2024). In response, the prosecutor urged the court to convict and sentence him in line with the charges, citing relevant legal authorities and sections of the Administration of Criminal Justice Act (ACJA) 2015.
While pleading for leniency, the defense counsel, Anthony Nnamoko, highlighted that Sunday was a first-time offender and had saved the court’s time by admitting guilt. Nnamoko also requested that the court consider imposing a fine in lieu of imprisonment.
In his judgement, Justice Faji rejected the plea for a fine, emphasising the seriousness of the offence. He sentenced Sunday to two years imprisonment on each of the two counts, with the terms to run concurrently. This brings the total effective sentence to four years behind bars.
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