A Federal High Court in Kano, under the jurisdiction of Justice S.A. Amobeda, has handed down a 10-year prison sentence to Muhammad Sambo, a well-known drug trafficker.
The case stems from the arrest of Sambo, along with six other individuals involved in drug trafficking, by the Kano State Command of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) in October.
Illicit drug trade
According to a statement released to the press by Sadiq Maigatari, the Public Relations Officer of the NDLEA command, Sambo’s conviction and subsequent 10-year imprisonment were the result of dedicated efforts led by the state Commander, Abubakar Ahmad.
The NDLEA commander has been unwavering in his commitment to eradicating illicit drug activities within the state.
This successful prosecution sends a strong and unequivocal message to all individuals engaged in the illegal trade and transportation of cannabis and other banned substances that Kano is not a haven for their activities.
The statement provided further details about the case, explaining that Sambo was arrested on November 11, 2020, for his involvement in the transportation of substantial quantities of cannabis sativa from Ondo and other southern states to the northern regions.
NDLEA officers on patrol along the Kano-Zaria Road initially became suspicious when a Honda Accord, which later refused to stop, was spotted. After a pursuit, the suspect was apprehended in Kano’s Hotoro area.
Subsequent investigations unveiled 201 kilograms of dried leaves believed to be cannabis sativa concealed within Sambo’s vehicle.
The suspect’s true identity and his residence in Lokogoma, Abuja, were subsequently verified.
Laboratory tests conclusively confirmed the substance as cannabis sativa, further solidifying the case against Sambo.
He was ultimately found guilty of trafficking in cannabis sativa, a clear violation of the NDLEA Act.