Bricklayer, 33, Jailed for Cannabis Possession

A Federal High Court in Lagos, on Wednesday, sentenced a 33-year-old man, Rilwan Ayiegun, to a term of five years imprisonment for drug possession.
The convict, a bricklayer, had pleaded guilty to a one count charge of drug trafficking preferred against him by the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA).
He had no legal representation.
After his plea, the prosecutor, Mr Jeremiah Aernan, reviewed the facts of the case and tendered several exhibits before the court.
They included a written statement of the convict, a request for scientific aid form, a forensic analysis form, as well as a bulk exhibit.
He had then urged the court to issue a conviction accordingly, based on the evidences proffered.
In delivering judgment, Justice Mojisola Olatoregun found the accused guilty of the offence as charged.
She, accordingly, sentenced him to a term of five years imprisonment with an option of N5 million fine.
In the charge, the convict was said to have committed the offence on December 14, at Ikota, in Eti-osa Local Government Area of Lagos.
The prosecutor said that he was arrested on a tip off, during which about 8kg of Cannabis Sativa also known as Indian hemp, was found in his possession.
According to Aernan, hemp is categorised by the agency as a banned narcotic.
He said that the convict was consequently arrested and detained.
The offence is said to have contravened the provisions of section 11 (c) of the NDLEA Act, Cap N30 Laws of the Federation 2004
In his plea for mercy, the accused begged the court to show him mercy, because he was a first offender.