Tobias Sylvester
A Federal High Court in Lagos has convicted a popular skit maker, De General, who was arrested by the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) over drug trafficking.
De General Convicted For Drug Trafficking
KanyiDaily recalls that on January 12, NDLEA operatives raided the comedian’s Lagos home and recovered some cannabis sativa, 225mg worth of tramadol, and some paraphernalia for drug use.
In a follow-up statement, the agency said De General, born Joshua Sunday, admitted ownership of the drugs after which he was arrested alongside three other persons.
On Monday, January 24, the comedian was arraigned before the court along with a cinematographer, Caleb William, and both charged with three counts of trafficking tramadol and cannabis sativa.
During the trial, they pleaded guilty to the charges brought against them by the NDLEA and the prosecutor, Jeremiah Aernan, reviewed the facts of the case and tendered evidences before the court, through an NDLEA exhibit keeper identified as Lucky Oghaifu.
Aernan said the defendants were arrested for unlawfully dealing in 15g of cannabis and 14 g of tramadol, noting that the offences committed by the convicts are contrary to and punishable under section 11 (c) of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency ACT CAP N30 Laws of the Federation of Nigeria, 2004.
The prosecutor then prayed the court to sentence the two men as prescribed by section 356(2) of the Administration of Criminal Justice Act (ACJA) 2015 since they pleaded guilty to the charge.
But the defence counsel, Lilian Omotunde urged the court to consider other options besides sentencing the defendants.
Omotunde also based her argument on the grounds that the defendants were still at their prime and could still be useful to society.
In his ruling, Daniel Osiagor, held that the volume of substance was minimal and would rather convict the defendants and caution them, rather than sentence them.
The thereafter cautioned the defendants to “go and sin no more”.
KanyiDaily had also reported how BBNaija star, Khloe Abiri accused an NDLEA female officer of assaulting her at Lagos Airport which also led to her missing her flight.
