A Federal High Court in Ibadan on Monday sentenced Ibrahim Abdulateef, a 25-year-old, to six months imprisonment for possession of 700 grams of Indian hemp.
The judgment came after Abdulateef pleaded guilty to the charge, and admitted his involvement in the drug-related offence.
While delivering the judgment, Justice Uche Agomoh explained that the conviction was based on the evidence provided by the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), as well as Abdulateefโs guilty plea.
Justice Agomoh highlighted that Section 270 of the Administration of Criminal Justice Act (ACJA 2015), recommends a reduced sentence for individuals who plead guilty, as it saves court time and public resources.
โHowever, to serve as a warning to others planning to embark on the illicit business, the convict is sentenced to six months in prison,โ Justice Agomoh stated.
She stated that Abdulateefโs sentence would commence from the date of his initial arrest and detention, noting that his remorse alone was insufficient.
โThe sentencing starts from the date he was first arrested and detained,โ the judge declared.
She urged the convict to abandon crime, saying, โBeing remorseful is not enough, but the convict must completely stay away from any form of crime because it doesnโt pay.
โThe weeds exhibit found in Abdulateefโs possession shall be destroyed by the NDLEA.โ
According to courtโs records, NDLEA operatives arrested Abdulateef on February 24, 2023, in the Moniya area of Ibadan, where he was found with a bag containing 700 grams of hemp.
The prosecuting counsel, Mrs. O.O. Olorunsola, informed the court that the act violated Section 11(C) of the NDLEA Act, Cap. N30, Laws of the Federation, 2004.
Before his sentence, Abdulateefโs defence counsel, Mr. Musibau Olapade, appealed for leniency on his clientโs behalf, and assured the court that Abdulateef will change his ways.