FG plans to scrap fine option for convicted drug offenders – NDLEA

By Lawrence Agbo

The Federal Government (FG) is set to amend Nigeria’s anti-drug laws to remove the option of fines for convicted drug traffickers, a move the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) says will strengthen the country’s fight against illicit drug trafficking and abuse.

The agency’s Director of Media and Advocacy, Femi Babafemi, disclosed this during an interview on Channels Television’s Sunrise Daily, where he praised the judiciary for its support in securing convictions against drug offenders.

Babafemi said the NDLEA enjoys a strong working relationship with the courts, noting that the agency records a conviction rate of nearly 90 per cent, with many of its cases ending without appeals because suspects are often arrested with overwhelming evidence.

“We’ve had a very good relationship with the judiciary because when you look at our conviction rate, it’s almost 90 per cent. In our own case, you hardly find any appeal because we get offenders with the exhibits right there,” he said.

Despite the success, Babafemi identified the provision allowing convicted drug offenders to pay fines instead of serving prison sentences as a major loophole in the law.

According to him, some offenders exploit the option by paying fines ranging from millions of naira after conviction, thereby avoiding custodial sentences.

He revealed that the Office of the Attorney General of the Federation and Minister of Justice is already working on an executive bill to amend the law and eliminate the fine option.

“We’re grateful that the Federal Government, through the Office of the Attorney General, is addressing that. An executive bill will soon be transmitted to the National Assembly to amend the law so there will be no option of fine,” Babafemi stated.

He explained that once the amendment is passed, convicted drug traffickers would face mandatory prison terms, with sentences expected to range from a minimum of 15 years to as much as 25 years, depending on the offence.

Babafemi argued that the tougher penalties would serve as a stronger deterrent, as offenders would not only lose their freedom but also forfeit assets linked to their criminal activities.

“They will know that once they are arrested and convicted, they are going to jail, and they will lose everything. The NDLEA will not close its eyes to their assets. Those assets are forfeited and auctioned to the public,” he said.

The NDLEA spokesman expressed confidence that removing the fine option would close a major gap in the country’s anti-drug enforcement framework and reinforce efforts to curb drug trafficking and abuse nationwide.