By Agbafo Ijeoma
Justice Uche Agomoh of the Federal High Court in Ibadan has convicted a 33-year-old man, Eze Emeka, for trafficking and dealing in 1.043 kilogrammes of cocaine. The court delivered the conviction on Thursday after the defendant pleaded guilty to the two-count charge.
The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) counsel, Mr D.O. Otunla, told the court that Emeka was arrested on April 20 along the Ibadan-Oyo Expressway while travelling towards Sokoto. He said the defendant was arrested for dealing and trafficking in cocaine and subsequently excreted a total of 1.043 kilogrammes of the substance.
Otunla said the offences contravened Sections 11(b) and 11(c) of the NDLEA Act, 2004, and urged the court to sentence the defendant according to the law.
Emeka had earlier pleaded guilty to the charges during his arraignment.
In her ruling, Agomoh said the prosecution had discharged the burden of proof through the defendant’s guilty plea and the exhibits tendered before the court. She said she was satisfied that the prosecution had proved the charges beyond reasonable doubt and consequently convicted Emeka as charged.
In his plea for leniency, the defence counsel, Mr Anthony Nnamuko, described Emeka as a first-time offender with a wife and two children who depended on him. He said the convict was remorseful and had been influenced by friends, urging the court to give him another opportunity to rebuild his life and support his family. After considering the plea, Agomoh adjourned the case until Sept. 23 for sentencing.
