Drug dealer jailed, assets forfeited to Federal Government

By Lukman Olabiyi

The Federal High Court sitting in Lagos has sentenced a drug dealer, Ibemesi Chijioke Francis, also known as Chisco, to seven years’ imprisonment for trafficking in 1,762.8 kilogrammes of cannabis sativa (marijuana).

Justice Akintayo Aluko, who delivered the judgment, also ordered the final forfeiture of the convict’s cash, vehicles and landed properties to the Federal Government of Nigeria, having found them to be proceeds of drug trafficking.

The conviction followed Francis’ guilty plea to a one-count charge filed against him by the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA).

Prosecuting counsel, Abu Ibrahim, told the court that the convict was arrested by NDLEA operatives at his residence, No. 19, Agboke Street, Okota, Lagos, where the prohibited drug was recovered.

Upon his plea of guilt, the prosecutor reviewed the facts of the case and tendered exhibits, urging the court to convict and sentence him accordingly.

However, defence counsel, Uchenna Okenyin, pleaded for leniency, describing his client as a first-time offender who showed remorse by pleading guilty at the earliest opportunity.

He urged the court to consider a non-custodial sentence or fine in place of imprisonment.

In his ruling, Justice Aluko sentenced the convict to seven years in prison, with an option of a ₦8 million fine.

Following the conviction, the prosecution moved an application for the final forfeiture of the convict’s assets, pursuant to relevant provisions of the Constitution and the NDLEA Act, arguing that the items were proceeds of illicit drug trafficking.

The assets ordered forfeited include funds in Access Bank and Ecobank accounts, $11,600, £2,000, €62,200, and 50 Canadian dollars.

Also forfeited were four vehicles: a Toyota Sienna, Toyota Highlander, Volkswagen Bus, and Lexus 460.

The court further ordered the forfeiture of two landed properties, including a property known as Daisy Garden at No. 7, Pius Eze Street, off Ago Palace Way, Isolo, and another at No. 19, Agboke Street, Okota, Lagos, pending the conclusion of investigations.

While the defence opposed the forfeiture application, arguing that the assets were not proceeds of drug trafficking, Justice Aluko, after considering submissions from both sides and citing relevant legal authorities, upheld the NDLEA’s application.

The judge consequently ordered that all the monies, vehicles and properties be forfeited to the Federal Government of Nigeria, describing them as proceeds of drug trafficking.