Rita Odafe
A Lagos-based businessman, Nnamani Sunday Sunny, aged 36, was sentenced to four years in prison by Justice Ayokunle Faji at the Federal High Court for his attempt to send 800 grams of Cannabis Sativa, commonly known as marijuana, to the UK.
The sentencing took place on Monday, November 18, 2024, and no alternate fine was offered.
The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency’s prosecutor, Mr. Abu Ibrahim, revealed that Sunny was apprehended on August 10, 2024, while cargoes were being inspected at the Skyway Handling Company Export Shed located at Murtala Muhammed International Airport in Lagos.
According to the prosecutor, the defendant hid the marijuana within packages of Chikki Noodles.
He also mentioned that Sunny had arranged for a co-conspirator, Nwajideopi Samson, to assist in exporting the illegal substance.
The charges indicate that Sunny’s actions violated Sections 21 (2)(d) and 20 (1)(a) of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency Act, punishable under Sections 11(b) and 20 (2)(a) of the same law.
Sunny admitted guilt to both charges listed under FHC/L/788c/2024 during his arraignment.
In light of his acknowledgment of guilt, the prosecutor requested a convicting sentence based on legal precedents and relevant sections of the Administration of Criminal Justice Act (ACJA) 2015.
Sunny’s lawyer, Anthony Nnamoko, appealed for mercy during sentencing, emphasizing that Sunny was a first-time offender and had not delayed proceedings.
After reviewing both sides of the argument, Justice Faji sentenced Sunny to two years for each charge, to be served concurrently, without the option of a fine.
