Yes, I’m guilty, but forgive me, cries convict

A man who has been convicted by two judges for dealing in cannabis, otherwise known as Indian hemp, has begged that he should be forgiven because of his wife and kids.

The man, Mr. Afiz Isah, 30, described as a notorious cannabis dealer by the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), was sentenced twice in two days at the Federal High Court, Ikoyi Lagos.

 The convict, also known as Agama who resides at Iketuga Street, Meiran, Lagos, was sentenced to eight and half years.

Isah pleaded guilty and begged for forgiveness.

His words: “I want the court to forgive me and have mercy on me. I’m married with children. I want to be with my family. I have made up my mind not to sell cannabis again. If you forgive me, I’ll go back to my village in Kwara State to farm.”

According to NDLEA spokesman, Mitchel Ofoyeju, Isah was first sentenced to 18 months imprisonment for dealing in 29kg of dried weeds that tested positive for cannabis by Justice C. J. Aneke on June 15, 2015.

Two days later, on June 17, 2015 his matter was brought before Justice Okon Abang over unlawful dealing in 3.9kg of cannabis and was sentenced to seven years imprisonment.

NDLEA prosecutor Mr. Jeremiah Aernan informed the court that the accused was not a first offender as he was sentenced two days ago by another court for dealing in cannabis.

Jeremiah said: “We confirmed that Afiz sold cannabis to a female drug trafficker, Toyin Raimi before police apprehended him at Atubaje Street Agege, Lagos and transferred him to NDLEA.”

Not satisfied with his appeal, Justice Abang in his ruling said that the convict did not deserve mercy.

According to him, “I have gone through the facts of the case and it was clear that the accused distributed cannabis to some dealers within the State. I will therefore put an end to his menace and save the society from further damage resulting from his criminal activities. He is hereby sentenced to seven (7) years imprisonment.”

Ofoyeju said: “Preliminary investigation by the NDLEA indicated that a female drug trafficker by name Toyin Raimi was arrested with 29kg of cannabis by NDLEA officers in Lagos. While her case was being investigated, she fingered Isah as her supplier. Coincidentally, police transferred Isah with 3.9kg of cannabis to the Agency. Isah was eventually charged separately for supplying Toyin cannabis as well as the 3.9kg found on him.”

Chairman of the NDLEA, Ahmadu Giade said that punishment for drug traffickers should be commensurate with the offence.

“It’s important for drug traffickers to be taken out of circulation for a reasonable time to discourage others who may be tempted to smuggle drugs,” Giade stated.