Justice Akintayo Aluko of the Federal High Court in Lagos, on May 28, convicted and sentenced a cross-border drug trafficker, Elijah Adejumo, to 24 years in prison for trafficking 3.3 kilograms of cocaine and 60 grams of cannabis sativa.
The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) had brought Adejumo before the court on a six-count charge involving conspiracy, unlawful possession, and transportation of the prohibited substances.
During the trial, the prosecuting counsel, Nyam Aondover, informed the presiding judge that the convicted drug trafficker was apprehended with the illicit drugs on November 5, 2024, at the Lagos end of the Seme Border in Badagry, while attempting to smuggle the drugs into Nigeria.
The prosecutor further stated that the convict had used a red-colored Toyota Sienna with a Republic of Benin registration number – RBC 426 CP to transport the illicit drugs.
The lawyer also told the court that the convict had conspired with one Olawale (now at large) to commit the crime.
He asserted that the offences contravened Sections 14(b), 19, and 11(b) of the NDLEA Act CAP N30 Laws of the Federation of Nigeria 2004 (as amended).
The convict entered a not guilty plea when the charges were read to him.
Following his plea and the exhibits presented, which the court admitted, the prosecutor requested the court to convict and sentence him in accordance with the sections of the NDLEA Act under which he was charged.
The prosecutor also requested the court to forfeit to the federal government of Nigeria the sum of $10,400 and N100,000, the vehicle used to transport the drugs, and a set of chains, which were proceeds of his illicit activities.
However, the defense lawyer pleaded with the court to temper justice with mercy by imposing a non-custodial sentence or a fine in place of imprisonment on his client.
Delivering the judgment, Justice Aluko sentenced the convict to five years imprisonment on count one, three years on count two, five years on count three, three years on count four, five years on count five, and three years on count six.
The judge, however, stipulated that the jail terms run concurrently, adding that the time spent in custody before arraignment should be deducted from the sentence.
Justice Aluko also ordered the final forfeiture of a red-colored Toyota Sienna with registration number RBC 426 CP, which was used to transport the drugs.
The court further mandated the final forfeiture of $10,400, N100,000, the vehicle used in conveying the drugs, and a set of necklaces, which were proceeds of illicit activities.
A Gentle Reminder: Every obstacle is a stepping stone, every morning; a chance to go again, and those little steps take you closer to your dream.
Nnamdi Okoli
