A Federal High Court sitting in Jos on Monday sentenced a Secondary School student aged, 20, to two months imprisonment for unlawful possession of Cannabis Sativa (Indian hemp).
The Convict, Longji Timothy, a resident of Abbatoir in Jos South Local Government of Plateau State, was arrested in possession of 450 grams of Indian hemp at a Joint, within the community on March 17 by officials of NDLEA in Jos Command.
Timothy was charged over unlawful possession of a Narcotic drug similar to cocaine, Heroine, and LSD, and thereby committed an offense contrary to and punishable under section 19 of NDLEA Act Cap N30 LFN 2004 (As Amended).
When the case came up before Justice Dorcas Adeshi, the accused pleaded guilty and begged for leniency.
“My Lord, am guilty of the offence; but ma, as an orphan, I was pushed by circumstances as I was trying to sell it to get some money that could enable me buy school text books.
“I am very sorry ma; I won’t do it again; I promise you ma, ’’ the convict pleaded.
The NDLEA Counsel, Mrs Ramatu Oketola told the court that since Timothy had owned up to his crime, the court should give its summary trial.
“My Lord, since the suspect has pleaded guilty of the offense, I pray that he should by given summary trial and convicted to serve as deterrent to others, ’’ she posited.
Justice Adeshi then sentenced the suspect to two months imprisonment without option of fine.
“Having confessed to committing the offense, this honourable court hereby sentence you to two months imprisonment without option of fine, ’’ she declared.
However, the student burst into tears after the sentence, as the prison officials took him away.
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