Matilda Omonaiye/
A Federal High Court sitting in Lagos and presided over by Justice Musa Kakaki has convicted a Lagos socialite, Fayisara Ajoke Opaleye, popularly known as Iya Ruka or Iya Elediye, for trafficking 1,540 kilograms of Cannabis Sativa (popularly known as marijuana).
The 61-year-old socialite was convicted alongside her 41-year-old driver, Abideen Adio, following their guilty plea to an amended one-count charge filed against them by the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA).
Both defendants were initially arraigned in May 2025 on a three-count charge of conspiracy, trafficking, and unlawful possession of the prohibited substance.
They had earlier pleaded not guilty and were granted bail.
However, at the resumed hearing on Friday, they admitted guilt to the amended charges, with Opaleye charged for trafficking and Adio for transportation of the banned drug.
Prosecuting counsel, Barrister Buhari Abdullahi, told the court that their actions contravened Sections 11(c) and 11(b) of the NDLEA Act, Cap N30, Laws of the Federation of Nigeria, 2004. He reviewed the case facts, tendered exhibits, and urged the court to convict them.
He also asked the court to forfeit an Isuzu truck (Reg. No. LSD 127 YK, Chassis No. JAANPR71HE7101834) used to transport the drugs, to the Federal Government as the instrumentality of the crime.
In his plea for leniency, Chief Benson Ndakara, who led Kate Igbo for the defence, begged the court to temper justice with mercy, citing the socialite’s poor health and their remorseful change of plea. He also asked the court to consider the driver’s prolonged detention and to impose a non-custodial sentence with an option of fine.
After considering the submissions and confirming that both convicts were first-time offenders, Justice Kakaki sentenced Iya Ruka to pay a fine of ₦20 million, and her driver ₦10 million, in lieu of imprisonment.
Excerpt of the Amended Charge
“That you, Fayisara Ajoke Opaleye (female, 61), on or about December 31, 2024, at No. 33 Adebayo Oyebayo Street, Ago Palace Road, Okota, Lagos State, within the jurisdiction of this Honourable Court, without lawful authority, dealt in 1,540 kilograms of Cannabis Sativa, thereby committing an offence contrary to and punishable under Section 11(c) of the NDLEA Act.”
“That you, Abideen Adio (male, 41), on or about the same date and place, without lawful authority, transported 1,540 kilograms of Cannabis Sativa using an Isuzu truck (Reg. No. LSD 127 YK), contrary to and punishable under Section 11(b) of the same Act.”
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