Federal High Court Sentences Man to Six Months for Cannabis Trafficking in Lagos

A Federal High Court sitting in Lagos has sentenced Deji Adesanya, 35, to six months’ imprisonment for the unlawful possession and trafficking of cannabis sativa.

Justice Akintayo Aluko delivered the judgment on Tuesday after Adesanya pleaded guilty to a one-count charge filed against him by the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA).

According to the prosecuting counsel, Peter Ekuri, the defendant was arrested on November 22, 2025, at Safecourt Apartment in Ikate-Elegushi, Lagos, in possession of five kilograms of cannabis sativa, a substance prohibited under Nigerian law.

Ekuri told the court that Adesanya had no lawful authority to deal in the narcotic, describing the offence as a clear violation of the NDLEA Act. He added that the charge was punishable under Section 11(c) of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency Act, Cap N30, Laws of the Federation of Nigeria, 2004.

Following the guilty plea, the prosecution tendered relevant evidence and outlined the facts of the case, urging the court to convict the defendant and impose an appropriate sentence.

In response, defence counsel R.M.J. Nyiew appealed for leniency, citing her client’s prompt admission of guilt, expressed remorse, and assurance that he would not reoffend. She also requested that the court consider a non-custodial sentence.

In his ruling, Justice Aluko noted that the prosecution had confirmed Adesanya was a first-time offender with no prior criminal record.

The court consequently sentenced him to six months’ imprisonment with an option of a ₦450,000 fine.