From Lateef Dada, Osogbo
A middle-aged man, Nwoke Ifeanyi, was sentenced to two years imprisonment by Justice Mashkur Salisu of a Federal High Court in Osogbo, Osun State, for unlawful possession of 600 grammes of tramadol.
The prosecutor, Olufemi Ijimakin, from the Nigeria Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), told the court that Ifeanyi was arrested along the Gbongan-Ibadan expressway with 1,010 capsules weighing 600 grams of tramadol. This act violated section 19 of the NDLEA Act, 2004.
Ifeanyi, who was arraigned on May 15, admitted guilt to the crime. Justice Salisu held that the convict’s statement, admission of guilt, and other evidence presented by the prosecution were sufficient to find him guilty.
Ifeanyi’s counsel, Alfred Adegoke, pleaded for leniency, stating that his client was a first-time offender with no criminal record and had promised to turn a new leaf.
Justice Salisu acknowledged the section under which Ifeanyi was convicted provided for a minimum of 15 years sentencing. However, considering the plea of the counsel, he sentenced Ifeanyi to two years imprisonment starting from the date of arrest on April 4.