A Federal High Court has handed a 40-year prison sentence to a 76-year-old grandfather, Francis Omofe, after finding him guilty of drug trafficking offences.
Delivering judgment, Justice James Omotosho ruled that the prosecution successfully established the charges against the defendant beyond a reasonable doubt. “Consequently, he is hereby convicted as charged,” the judge declared.
Despite pleas for leniency, the court stressed the need for a firm penalty to discourage similar crimes and protect public interest.
Justice Omotosho noted that the convict transported a large commercial quantity of cannabis using a vehicle bearing a police number plate to the northern region, particularly Kaduna State. He described the act as disturbing, especially in light of ongoing security challenges where illicit substances have been linked to violent activities.
On count one, the court imposed a 15-year jail term without the option of a fine. For count two, the judge reduced the initial life sentence to 25 years imprisonment, also without an option of fine, taking into account the age of the convict.
The court further ordered that both sentences run concurrently from June 18, 2024, the date of his arrest, effectively leaving him to serve 25 years in prison.
Omofe was arraigned as the sole defendant in a case filed by the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency. He was apprehended in Abuja on June 18, 2024, while conveying the illicit substance in a Nissan Frontier vehicle bearing a police number plate, NPF 558D, reportedly en route from Edo State to Kaduna.
According to the charge, the convict was found in possession of 340.8 kilogrammes of cannabis sativa along Kuje Road in Abuja. He was also accused of transporting 340.38 kilogrammes of the same substance in the vehicle on the same date and location.
The offences were brought under relevant provisions of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency Act.
