A Federal High Court in Lagos yesterday sentenced a 21-yearold man, Nura Abdullahi, to five years imprisonment for unlawfully dealing in 62 kilogrammes of marijuana.
The convict was said to have become blind while in the prison custody, since his arrest on March 19, 2013.
Justice Mohammed Yunusa sentenced the convict after the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency, NDLEA, prosecution led by Mr. J. I. Aernan, tendered the confessional statement and exhibits.
Abdullahi, who was only arraigned on September 3, on one-count of unlawful possession of marijuana, had promptly pleaded guilty to the offence.
The prosecutor informed the court that the convict was arrested with 62 kilogrammes of marijuana on March 19, 2013, at Ezewanta Motor Park, Ijora, Lagos State.
He said the offence contravened Section 11 (b) of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency Act Cap N30 Laws of the Federation of Nigeria 2004.
“We most humbly urge my lord to convict the accused person based on his own confessional statement coupled with the evidence adduced before the court,” Aernan prayed.
Justice Yunusa in his judgement said he was convinced the prosecution had proved its case beyond reasonable doubt, and pronounced the convict guilty as charged.
The accused, in his brief allucutus, urged the court to temper justice with mercy in sentencing him.
He claimed that he was a first offender, and that he had had bitter experiences while in prison custody, which included loss of his sight.
Justice Yunusa sentenced Abdullahi to five years in prison, to start running from the day he was first arrested.
