A Federal High Court sitting in Lagos has convicted and sentenced a 25-year-old bricklayer, Olamilekan Idowu, to two years imprisonment for unlawful possession and dealing in 48 kilogrammes of Cannabis sativa, commonly known as marijuana.

Justice Ibrahim Kala delivered the judgment after Idowu pleaded guilty to a one-count charge brought against him by the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA).

Prosecuting counsel Julian Negedu informed the court that Idowu was arrested on May 24, 2024, in the Ibeju-Lekki area of Lagos State with the illicit substance. She noted that his actions violated Section 11(c) of the NDLEA Act, Cap N30, Laws of the Federation of Nigeria, 2004, which prescribes punishment for such offences.

Negedu prayed the court to convict and sentence the defendant, presenting exhibits in accordance with Sections 274(1)(2) and 356(2) of the Administration of Criminal Justice Act (ACJA), 2015.

The defence counsel, O. Ogunleye, pleaded for leniency, urging the court to temper justice with mercy. Ogunleye highlighted Idowu’s guilty plea as a demonstration of remorse and assured the court of her client’s resolve to avoid future criminal activity. She further requested a non-custodial sentence for her client.

In his judgment, Justice Kala sentenced Idowu to two years imprisonment but offered an alternative of a N500,000 fine and community service.