Admin|Friday, Nov.01, 2023
IKOYI, Lagos, Nigeria- A Federal High Court sitting in Ikoyi, Lagos has convicted and sentenced Adelakun Ilelabayo Oluade and Nruama Chinemelum Precious to 18-year prison sentence for illegal possession of 8.49 kilograms of Cocaine and 28.8 kilograms of Cannabis Sativa.
The conviction came after the duo pleaded guilty to charges including conspiracy, unlawful possession, and dealing in the banned substances.
Their arrest, which took place on August 4, 2023, at Atlantic Ocean Nominee Estate along Lekki-Epe Express Way, saw the two culprits holding substantial amounts of prohibited drugs.
Nruama Chinemelum Precious, in particular, was caught with 18.5 kilograms of Cannabis Sativa at Flat Alb/A2, House 7A, Road 7, Lagra Estate, Eti Osa, off Lekki-Epe Express Way, Lagos.
The prosecution, led by Umar Hussain, highlighted that the convicted individuals violated sections 14(b), 19, and 11(c) of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency Act CAP N30 Laws of the Federation of Nigeria 2004 (As amended), making them subject to punishment under the same Act.
Notably, Adelakun Ilelabayo Oluade had a prior conviction, having been previously sentenced to 2 years imprisonment for similar offenses.
Despite the plea for leniency by their counsel, Uche Okoronkwwo, Justice Akintayo Aluko differentiated the sentences.
Nruama Chinemelum Precious received a three-year term with a fine option of N300,000 for each of the six counts.
In contrast, Adelakun Ilelabayo Oluade was sentenced to the same prison term without the possibility of a fine, considering his past conviction.
The judge ordered concurrent jail terms for Nruama Chinemelum Precious, and for Adelakun Ilelabayo Oluade, a sentence devoid of a fine, emphasizing the court’s commitment to enforcing penalties for repeated criminal conduct.
