The Federal High Court sitting in Lagos sentenced two brothers, Abugu John Onovama and Abugu Kenneth, for the illegal export of narcotic drugs.
Justice Ambrose Alagoa made a verdict on Monday, May 12, 2025, as both pleaded guilty to one-time drug trafficking charges filed against them by the state drug enforcement agency.
However, the judge gave them a N3M fine, which totaled N6M.
NDLEA’s prosecutor Abu Ibrahim told the court during the arraignment that the offender was arrested on April 4, 2025 at the departure hall of the new terminal at Mutara Mohamed International Airport.
He said they were arrested while cleaning out when Qatar Airways was on a flight to India’s Qatar Airways.
NDLEA claims both attempted to export 2.5 kilograms of cocaine without legal authority.
The charge was filed under the allegation number: FHC/L/2025, noting that under Article 11(b) of the NDLEA Act, N30 Cap N30, Federal Law of Nigeria, 2004
During the lawsuit, Ibrahim brought the facts of the case, and defense attorney Benson Ndakara told the court that both accepted the responsibility and pleaded guilty.
Justice Alagoa sentenced two years in prison in the ruling and chose the N3M fine.
The court ruled that the judgment was in line with the provisions of the law and the defendant’s guilt, adding that the judgment was a warning to others involved in drug trafficking.
The two offenders are expected to either obey their prison terms or follow the fine imposed by the court.
