Court jails man seven years for advertising cannabis on social media

Court jails man seven years for advertising cannabis on social media

A Federal High Court sitting in Kano has sentenced 28-year-old Ashiru Idris to seven years’ imprisonment without the option of a fine for advertising and offering cannabis sativa for sale on social media, in a judgment that underscores Nigeria’s growing crackdown on online drug trafficking.

The conviction followed a successful prosecution by the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) after investigators tracked the defendant through a viral social media video in which he openly promoted cannabis to prospective buyers.

According to the NDLEA Kano Strategic Command, Idris was arrested on April 22, 2026, following intelligence gathered from the widely circulated video. The operation was carried out on the directive of the Kano State Commander, CN DY Lawal, who ordered a swift investigation into the incident.

Following his arrest, the suspect was charged before the Federal High Court No. 1, Kano, where prosecutors presented evidence linking him to the unlawful promotion and sale of cannabis.

Delivering judgment, Justice S.M. Shuaibu found Idris guilty of the offences and sentenced him to seven years in prison without the option of a fine, directing that the jail term commence from July 14, 2026.

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In a statement issued after the judgment, NDLEA Media and Advocacy Officer in Kano, Sadiq Muhammad Maigatari, described the ruling as a landmark decision that sends a strong warning to individuals using social media and other digital platforms to advertise or distribute illicit drugs.

The agency said the conviction demonstrates that security agencies are increasingly deploying intelligence and digital surveillance to identify and prosecute offenders who exploit online platforms to facilitate drug trafficking.

Reacting to the judgment, Kano State Commander CN DY Lawal said the conviction has strengthened the command’s resolve to tackle drug-related crimes and dismantle criminal networks operating through social media.

“This judgment reinforces our determination to confront drug offenders who brazenly promote illegal substances on public platforms. We will continue to act swiftly on credible intelligence and ensure offenders are brought to justice,” Lawal said.

He also commended NDLEA Chairman and Chief Executive Officer, Brigadier General Mohamed Buba Marwa (Rtd.), for providing strategic leadership and operational support that have enhanced the agency’s anti-drug operations across Kano State and the country.

The conviction comes amid intensified efforts by the NDLEA to curb the growing use of digital platforms for the marketing and distribution of prohibited substances. The agency has repeatedly warned that traffickers are increasingly turning to social media to recruit customers, coordinate sales and evade detection.

In recent months, the Kano Strategic Command has stepped up enforcement operations, leading to the seizure and destruction of large quantities of illicit drugs, the arrest of hundreds of suspects and the successful prosecution of numerous drug-related cases.

The anti-narcotics agency urged parents, schools, community leaders and social media users to remain vigilant and report suspicious online activities, stressing that public cooperation remains essential in the fight against drug abuse and trafficking.

The NDLEA reiterated that anyone involved in the cultivation, trafficking, sale or online promotion of illicit drugs will continue to face investigation, prosecution and stiff penalties under Nigeria’s drug control laws.

Court jails man seven years for advertising cannabis on social media