Justice Akintayo Aluko of the Federal High Court sitting in Lagos has sentenced two traders, Ezeifeoma Michael and Philip Ucheka, to five years imprisonment each for trafficking a large quantity of cannabis sativa.
The convicts, who operate at the popular Ladipo Spare Parts Market in Lagos, were arrested by operatives of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) for being in possession of 55.60 kilograms of cannabis, commonly known as marijuana.
According to court proceedings, the men were arrested on November 27, 2025, after NDLEA operatives intercepted them with the illegal substance concealed inside two vehicles—a Toyota Sienna and a Hyundai Veloster—used to transport the drugs...READ FULL STORY; FROM THE SOURCE.
The prosecution informed the court that the offence violated Section 11(b) of the NDLEA Act, which prohibits unlawful dealing and trafficking in narcotic drugs.
During trial, both defendants pleaded guilty to the charge, prompting the court to proceed with sentencing. Their defence counsel pleaded for leniency, describing them as first-time offenders who showed remorse.
However, Justice Aluko held that the gravity of the offence could not be overlooked, stressing the dangers of drug trafficking to society, especially among youths.
The court sentenced each of them to five years imprisonment, with an option of a ₦2 million fine each in lieu of jail term. The judge also ordered the final forfeiture of the two vehicles used in committing the crime to the Federal Government.
The ruling is part of ongoing efforts by Nigerian authorities to curb drug trafficking activities across major commercial hubs in the country.
