A Federal High Court in Benin, Edo State, sentenced cannabis farm owner Mike Omoarukhe, his manager and three workers to 15 years on each of five counts, a total of 75 years to run concurrently, over 183.5 kilogrammes of cannabis sativa and 22 hectares of cannabis farms.[1][2] The charges, filed by the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) in July under charge number FHC/B/107c/2021, covered possession of the cannabis, conspiracy to possess and cultivate, and cultivation of the farms.[1][2]

Justice A.C. Obiozor, sitting in Court 2 of the Benin Judicial Division, delivered the judgement on 14 October 2021.[1][2] The judge gave the five convicts an option of a N700,000 fine on all counts.[1][2] NDLEA chairman Brig. Gen. Mohamed Buba Marwa directed an immediate appeal against the fine option.[1][2]

NDLEA operatives had stormed the Ughieudu forest in Uhunmwonde Local Government Area on 1 July 2021, arresting six people with 50kg of cannabis, and in a follow-up operation on 3 July arrested one more person, destroyed three farms measuring about 22.2 hectares and seized 133.5kg of cannabis.[1][2] After weeks of manhunt, 36-year-old Omoarukhe was arrested at a drink joint in Irrua, and all were charged except two minors.[2]