Physically challenged drug trafficker, 5 others jailed 93 years
A Federal High Court in Edo State has sentenced a 35-year-old physically challenged drug trafficker, Rita Idehen, and six others to a combined total of 93 years in a correctional center. The other convicts are Risikatu Tijani, Friday Robert, Etimesy Stephen, Salami Philip Timothy, Christopher Tanko, and Henry Bitrus Okoye. The convicts were arraigned by […]
One of the convicts
A Federal High Court in Edo State has sentenced a 35-year-old physically challenged drug trafficker, Rita Idehen, and six others to a combined total of 93 years in a correctional center.
The other convicts are Risikatu Tijani, Friday Robert, Etimesy Stephen, Salami Philip Timothy, Christopher Tanko, and Henry Bitrus Okoye.
The convicts were arraigned by the Edo State Command of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) for offences related to drug trafficking and unlawful possession of cannabis.
Daily Trust reports that two different judges delivered the verdicts.
Justice (Prof) Chuka A. Obiozor delivered a judgement for some of the convicts, while Justice J. B. O. Quadiri delivered the other.
Idehen, who was arraigned with charge number FHC/B/114C/2022, was found guilty of unlawful possession and dealing in cannabis sativa weighing 2.5 kg, Loud 1.8 grams, and Swinol 2.2 grams.
She was sentenced to 15 years in prison with the option of a N3 million fine.
The court also sentenced 48-year-old Risikatu Tijani to 17 years imprisonment with the option of a N4 million fine.
Friday Robert, 50, was charged with unlawful possession and transportation of 22 kilograms of cannabis sativa and sentenced to 15 years in prison or a N3 million fine.
Etimesy Stephen, 55, was also jailed for 15 years with the option of a N1.5 million fine, while Salami Philip Timothy received a 15-year sentence or a N3 million fine.
Additionally, Christopher Tanko, 28, was sentenced to 15 years or a N5 million fine, and Henry Bitrus Okoye, 22, was sentenced to one year in prison or a N1 million fine.
In response to the judgments, the state NDLEA commander, Mitchell Ofoyeju, stated that 15 cases were charged to court in July, with seven convictions: two females and five males.
He added that 113 cases are still pending in court and noted that stern punishment is one of the greatest deterrents to crime.