A Federal High Court sitting in Lagos, on Monday, sentenced and convicted a Cote d’Ivoire-based Nigerian, Grou Bi Clauvis, also known as Umeme Fabian Lotachukwu to 10 years imprisonment for unlawful dealing in 1.205 kilograms of methamphetamine, a prohibited drug.
The judge, Justice Mojisola Olatoregun sentenced Lotachukwu after he pleaded guilty to one-count charge of unlawful dealing in narcotic leveled against him by the National Drugs Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA).
The convict was arrested by the anti-narcotics agency, on March 27, at the Murtala Mohammed International Airport, Ikeja, Lagos State, during outward clearance of passengers on Qatar Airways flight to Doha, Qatar, with 1.205 kilograms of methamphetamine, a psychotropic substance.
The offences, according to the prosecutor, Mr. Abu Ibrahim, were contrary to and punishable under section 11(b) of the NDLEA Act. Cap. N30, laws of the federation of Nigeria, 2004.
At the resumed trial of the matter, on Monday, the convict maintained his guilty plea.
The convict’s lawyer, Mr. Prosper Ojakovo, pleaded with the court to be lenient in sentencing his client, as he was a first time offender, and promised not to engage in such act if granted second chance.
Justice Olatoregun, ordered the prosecutor to review the fact of the matter.
After the review, the court held, “I have taken into consideration that the convict is a first time offender, and also a young man.
“Am mindful of Section 11 of the NDLEA Act,which is mandatory, but am going to vary it. It is of the public knowledge that the prison is full, and he is a young man.
“The convict is hereby sentenced to 10 years jail term or option of N10 million”.
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