A wanted drug baron, Alaba Monday, 49 years old, and ten others are to spend a total of seventy-nine years behind bars over drug-related offences. The Federal High Court sitting in Benin City, Edo State, under Honourable Justice B. O. Quadiri and Honourable Justice Prof. C. O. Obiozor sentenced the convicts, nine males and two females, to seventy-nine years’ imprisonment with hard labour.
Those convicted are Okpiaesi Abraham, 52 years; Atari Isreal, 45 years; Emmanuel Nwosu, 46 years; and Samuel Samson, 26 years. Daniel Peter, 20 years; Margaret Amuludu, 40 years; Abel Edah, 31 years; Bella Fedrick, 29 years; Lucky Aligbe, 50 years old; and Benson Uponi, 65 years old.
The NDLEA Edo State Commander, Dr Mitchell Ofoyeju, reaffirmed the commitment of the Agency to a drug-free society, sending a clear message to offenders that the rule of law will prevail in the fight against narcotics. “Drug offences are criminal, and it is only apt that the punishment is commensurate with the adverse dangers inherent in drug trafficking,” Commander Mitchell noted. The agency urges community members to remain vigilant and report any suspicious drug activities in their neighbourhoods as part of a collaborative effort to combat substance abuse and trafficking effectively.
Among the standout cases was the conviction of Alaba Monday, who was caught with 115 kilograms of cannabis. He got a 15-year sentence with a fine of 3 million naira. Another convict, Lucky Aligbe, was sentenced to 25 years in prison over unlawful possession of drugs, including cannabis, tramadol, swinol, and diazepam. The presiding judge, Hon. B. O. Quadiri J, noted that the quantity and types of drugs and the convicts’ previous conviction record involved warranted a severe sentence, especially as the need to deter similar future offences remains paramount.
In another notable case, Bella Fedrick was sentenced to two years in prison or the option of paying a fine of 5 million Naira for unlawful possession of 29 grams of methamphetamine. This case highlights the ongoing battle against synthetic drugs, which have become increasingly prevalent in communities.
The court also dealt a heavy blow to cannabis cultivation with the conviction of Abel Edah, who, alongside charges of unlawful possession involving 5 kilograms, was found guilty of cultivating a cannabis farm spanning 0.678 hectares. Edah received a concurrent two-year sentence on both counts or the option of a 5 million Naira fine for each count.
The NDLEA’s efforts extended further to multiple individuals in a single case involving Samuel Samson and Daniel Peter, who were both sentenced for unlawful possession and cultivation of cannabis sativa. Each received a sentence of two years or the option of a five million naira fine.
Meanwhile, Emmanuel Nwosu got 15 years for possessing 276 grams of cannabis with an option of 750,000 naira. Also noteworthy was the conviction of Atari Israel, who got two years’ imprisonment for unlawful possession and transportation of 9 kilograms of cannabis with a 2.5 million naira fine. The court, however, authorised the forfeiture of his navy-blue Audi station waggon, linking it directly to his illegal activities.
In total, the NDLEA Edo State Command secured eleven convictions throughout the month, showcasing their relentless dedication to enforcing drug laws and maintaining public safety.
