In a recent ruling, a Federal High Court in Lagos sentenced five women to two years in prison each after they admitted to illegally importing nearly 7 kg of cannabis. The women, all found guilty of possessing a strain of marijuana called “Ghana loud,” were apprehended on August 21, 2024, by officials of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) at the Seme Border in Lagos State.

The convicted individuals—Basirat Olarigbibe, Fatima Garuba, Amudalat Adekunle, Oloye Arafat Awele, and Ademola Bola—were caught with varying quantities of the substance. According to the prosecutor, Olarigbibe had 1.54 kg, Garuba 1.47 kg, Adekunle 1.52 kg, Awele 1.53 kg, and Bola 900 grams.

Each woman faced charges of conspiracy and illegal importation under Nigeria’s NDLEA Act. The case proceeded swiftly, as all five pleaded guilty, allowing the court to move directly to sentencing. Prosecutor Andover G. Yuanyam urged the court to base the sentencing on their guilty pleas and the evidence.

The women’s lawyer, Oke Ojakovo, appealed to the court for leniency, highlighting their status as first-time offenders and mentioning that two of the women are widows responsible for their families. He requested that the court consider a lighter punishment, such as a non-custodial sentence or a fine.

After reviewing the case, Justice Chukwujekwu Aneke sentenced each woman to two years in prison but offered an alternative: a N500,000 fine and 100 hours of community service for each woman instead of serving time. Justice Aneke’s decision took into account their cooperation and clean criminal history.

The case highlights both the serious stance Nigerian courts take on drug trafficking and the possible avenues for first-time offenders to avoid lengthy jail terms.