A Federal High Court sitting in Kano has sentenced a 28-year-old man, Ashiru Idris, to seven years’ imprisonment without the option of a fine for publicly advertising cannabis sativa for sale on social media.
The conviction followed his arrest by operatives of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), Kano Strategic Command, after a video allegedly showing him promoting cannabis for sale circulated online.
According to a statement issued on Wednesday by the Command’s Media and Advocacy Officer, Sadiq Muhammad Maigatari, the suspect was arrested on April 22, 2026, on the directive of the State Commander, CN DY Lawal.
The statement said Justice S.M. Shuaibu of the Federal High Court 1, Kano, convicted Idris and ordered that the seven-year prison sentence commence from the date judgment was delivered July 14, 2026.
The NDLEA described the ruling as a landmark judgment and said it would serve as a strong warning to individuals who use public platforms to promote or engage in the illicit drug trade.
Reacting to the judgment, Commander Lawal said, “This judgment reinforces our resolve to confront drug offenders who brazenly promote illegal substances on public platforms. We will continue to act swiftly on credible leads and ensure offenders are brought to justice.”
The agency urged members of the public, community leaders, families and social media platforms to support efforts to combat substance abuse by providing credible information that could aid the fight against illicit drug trafficking.
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