A Federal High Court in Ibadan on Wednesday sentenced an unemployed man, Abdullahi Abubakar to 10 months in prison for dealing in cannabis sativa.
The convict was found guilty of unlawful dealing in narcotic after his arrest and prosecution for being in possession of a black sack containing 200gm of the illicit substance, while trying to sell it.
Delivering judgment, Justice Ekerete Akpan convicted and sentenced Abubakar based on the evidence tendered before him by the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA).
Akpan held that the prosecution proved beyond reasonable doubt that the convict committed the crime.
“This judgment took cognizance of the fact that the convict did not waste the time of the court and that he was a first time offender.
“I hope that you will not go back into the crime after completing your jail term.
“To serve as deterrent to others interested in the illicit trade, Abubakar is sentenced to 10 months in prison or pay a N20,000 fine into the account of the Federal Government of Nigeria.
“The weed exhibit found in the convict’s possession shall be destroyed by the NDLEA,” the judge held.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that prior to the court’s pronouncement, Abubakar, in an allocution, prayed the court for leniency.
The convict who spoke in Hausa language through an interpreter, said that he was jobless and had children to cater for.
The NDLEA Counsel, Oyo State Command, Mr Daniel Otunla, had informed the court that the convict was arraigned on a-count charge of unlawful dealing in narcotic.
Otunla had narrated that Abubakar was arrested on Sept. 20, 2023, in Ibadan, Oyo State, with a black sack containing 200 gm of the illicit substance while trying to sell it.
He said the offence contravenes section 11 (C) of the NDLEA Act Cap N30 Law of the Federation, 2004. (NAN
By Olawale Akinremi