Woman sentenced for Tramadol trafficking in Lagos
A Federal High Court in Lagos has sentenced a woman, identified as Mrs. Ifeoma Ogbu, to one year imprisonment for trafficking Tramadol, a controlled and prohibited substance under Nigerian law. The conviction followed her arraignment by the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) on charges of unlawful possession and intent to distribute the drug.
According to the case presented in court, NDLEA officers apprehended Ogbu at a motor park in the Ojota area of Lagos, where she was found with several packs of Tramadol capsules concealed inside a travel bag. During interrogation, she admitted to being in possession of the drugs but claimed she was only delivering them on behalf of an acquaintance. However, the agency maintained that she had violated the NDLEA Act, which prohibits the trafficking and possession of psychotropic substances without proper authorization.
Delivering judgment, Justice Nicholas Oweibo found her guilty as charged, stating that the prosecution had successfully proven its case beyond reasonable doubt. The judge sentenced her to one year imprisonment, with an option of fine, emphasizing that the sentence should serve as a deterrent to others engaging in the illegal drug trade.
The NDLEA commended the court’s ruling, describing it as a reflection of the agency’s ongoing commitment to curbing the abuse and trafficking of prescription drugs, which have continued to pose serious threats to public health and safety. The agency further warned that anyone involved in the distribution of controlled substances without approval would face the full weight of the law.
