In a significant development, Justice Chukwuejekwu Aneke of the Federal High Court in Lagos has handed down a five-year prison sentence to a 49-year-old man, Ariyibi Ahmed Olaseinde, for his involvement in the attempted illegal exportation of 11.5 kilograms of Cocaine to Saudi Arabia.
Olaseinde pleaded guilty to the charges of conspiracy and illegal drug exportation brought against him by the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), leading to his conviction by Justice Aneke.
According to the prosecutor, Augustine Nwagu, the convict was apprehended on February 20, 2023, at the Screening Hall of Terminal 11 of Murtala Muhammed International Airport in Lagos. He was attempting to clear outbound passengers on a Qatar Airways flight to Medina, Saudi Arabia, via Doha when the drug was discovered.
Nwagu also revealed that Olaseinde had conspired with an accomplice named Jeleel Badmus, who is currently at large. During the investigation, the convict confessed that he was commissioned by Badmus to transport the banned substance, with a promise of being paid $1,500. He had already received $300 as partial payment.
The prosecutor emphasized that the convict’s actions violated sections 14(b) and 11(b) of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency Act, Cap N30 Laws of the Federation of Nigeria, 2004.
Based on Olaseinde’s guilty plea, Nwagu presented multiple exhibits to the court, including the seized drugs, the convict’s two confessional statements, his two ECOWAS/Nigeria International passports, and the $300 payment.
Following the presentation of evidence, the prosecutor urged the court to convict and sentence the offender according to the applicable sections of the law.
In her plea on behalf of the defence, Chief Lilian Omotunde asked the court to show mercy, considering that her client was a first-time offender. She also requested that the court consider an option of a fine instead of a custodial sentence, highlighting that the convict had not wasted the court’s time during the proceedings.
Taking all factors into account, Justice Aneke sentenced Olaseinde to five years in prison. However, the judge granted the convict the option of paying a N5 million fine instead of serving the jail term. Additionally, the judge ordered Olaseinde to perform 150 hours of community service and forfeit his two passports and the sum of $300 to the federal government of Nigeria.
This conviction and sentencing serve as a stern reminder of the consequences of engaging in drug trafficking activities, emphasizing the commitment of the Nigerian judicial system to combatting the illicit drug trade and ensuring the safety and security of its citizens.