A Lagos Federal High Court on Thursday 11 March 2021 convicted and sentenced 31-year-old Imo State University graduate Ilomuanya Jennifer Eberechukwu to two years’ imprisonment for exporting 2.22 kg of cannabis sativa, known locally as Indian hemp.[1][2] Justice Chuka Austine Obiozor imposed the term after she pleaded guilty to one count of unlawful export brought by the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA).[1][2]
NDLEA officers had arrested Eberechukwu, a resident of Alaba International Market, on 17 February 2021 at the examination bay of the SAHCO export shed at Murtala Muhammed International Airport in Lagos, after the agent she gave the parcel to for clearance was caught.[1][2] Prosecutor Abu Ibrahim told the court she hid the cannabis in food produce, and exhibits including her statement, forensic analysis and samples of the seized drugs were admitted.[1][2] The offence falls under Section 11(b) of the NDLEA Act.[1][2]
In her plea for mercy she said she did not know the parcel’s contents until her arrest and that her Dubai-based fiance had arranged for it to be sent to him.[1][2] Justice Obiozor gave her the option of a N250,000 fine in place of the jail term.[1][2]