A Federal High Court, Lagos, on Friday, convicted and sentenced a mother of four, Ima Okoroji, to 12 months imprisonment for unlawful dealing in cannabis sativa, popularly called marijuana.
The 44 years old convict, according to the Mr. Jerry Aernan, the prosecutor for the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), was arrested on May 25, 2017, at Ijegun area of Lagos State, with 200 gramms of the said banned weed.
Aernan had told the court that the offence committed by the convict is contrary to and punishable under section 11(c) of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency Act. Cap N30, laws of the federation of Nigeria, 2004.
The convict, during his arraignment, had pleaded not guilty to the charge.
However, mid-way to the trial, the convict changed her plea, and pleaded guilty to the charge.
In pleaded for mercy, the convict told the court that the banned weeds were given to her by her husband, and that she has been in the business of selling it for a long time.
She pleaded with the court to temper justice as she has promised not to deal in the illicit business again.
The prosecutor, Mr. Aernan had told the court that the convict was arrested first time offender who did not have any previous criminal record.
In sentencing the convict, Justice Ayotunde Faji said: “considering the plea of guilty and her long stay in the business, I’m of the view that 12 months will be appropriate for her.
“So, I hereby sentence her to 12 months imprisonment starting from the day of her arrest”.
Pic: The picture of the convict when she was arrested by the NDLEA
