Two Traders from Alaba-Rago Market Sentenced for Cannabis Trafficking in Lagos
In a recent ruling, a Federal High Court in Lagos handed down a 12-month prison sentence to two traders, Abubakar Sadiq and Isah Ibrahim, both operating within the bustling Alaba-Rago market. The duo was found guilty of conspiring and illegally trading 11 kilograms of Cannabis Sativa, commonly referred to as marijuana or Indian hemp.
Details of the Conviction and Charges
The conviction came after both defendants entered guilty pleas to the charges filed by the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA). Justice Deinde Dipeolu presided over the case and delivered the sentence following their admission of guilt.
According to the prosecution led by Abdullahi Buhari, the suspects were apprehended on July 3, 2025, at the Alaba-Rago market situated along the Lagos-Badagry expressway. They were caught in the act of selling the prohibited substance to customers.
Specific Charges Against the Defendants
Abubakar Sadiq, aged 25, faced two counts: conspiracy and unlawful dealing in the banned drug. Meanwhile, Isah Ibrahim, 27, was charged solely with conspiracy. The prosecutor highlighted that Sadiq’s actions violated sections 14(b) and 11(c) of the NDLEA Act Cap. N30, Law of the Federation 2004, while Ibrahim’s conduct breached section 11(c) of the same legislation.
Proceedings and Legal Arguments
Upon reading the charges, both men pleaded guilty, prompting the prosecution to present the case facts and submit evidence. The prosecutor urged the court to convict and impose appropriate sentences.
In his defense, counsel Evans Njoku appealed for leniency, emphasizing that both clients were first-time offenders with no previous criminal records. He also noted that their guilty pleas conserved the court’s time and requested either a non-custodial sentence or a fine instead of imprisonment.
Judgment and Sentencing
After considering the defense’s plea and confirming with the prosecution that the accused had no prior convictions, Justice Dipeolu sentenced both men to six months imprisonment on each count, to run concurrently, totaling 12 months.
However, the judge allowed an alternative to incarceration: Abubakar Sadiq was ordered to pay a fine of ₦1.1 million, while Isah Ibrahim was fined ₦500,000. Payment of these fines would exempt them from serving jail time.
Legal Context and Implications
The amended charges read: “That you, Abubakar Sadiq, male, 25 years old, and Isah Ibrahim, male, 27 years old, on or about 3rd July 2025, at Alaba-Rago, within the jurisdiction of this honourable court, conspired to traffic in 11 kilograms of Cannabis Sativa, a narcotic akin to cocaine, heroin, and LSD, thereby committing an offence punishable under section 14(b) of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency Act Cap. N30, Law of the Federation 2004.”
Additionally, Sadiq faced a separate charge: “That you, Abubakar Sadiq, male, 25 years old, on or about 3rd July 2025, at Alaba-Rago, within the jurisdiction of this honourable court, without lawful authority dealt in 11 kilograms of Cannabis Sativa, a narcotic similar to cocaine, heroin, and LSD, contrary to section 11(c) of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency Act Cap. N30, Law of the Federation 2004.”
Broader Context of Drug Enforcement in Nigeria
This case underscores the ongoing efforts by Nigerian authorities to clamp down on illegal drug trade, particularly in major commercial hubs like Lagos. The NDLEA continues to intensify operations to curb narcotics trafficking, which remains a significant challenge in the region.
Recent statistics from the NDLEA reveal a 15% increase in drug-related arrests in Lagos State in the first quarter of 2025 compared to the previous year, highlighting the agency’s commitment to enforcing drug laws and protecting public health.
Conclusion
The sentencing of Abubakar Sadiq and Isah Ibrahim serves as a stern warning to those involved in the illicit drug trade. With stringent laws and active enforcement by agencies like the NDLEA, Nigeria continues to battle the proliferation of narcotics, aiming to safeguard its communities from the adverse effects of drug abuse and trafficking.
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