Dispatch Rider Sentenced to 7 Years for Tramadol Trafficking in Lagos

Dispatch Rider Sentenced to 7 Years for Tramadol Trafficking in Lagos

A Federal High Court in Lagos has convicted and sentenced a 33-year-old dispatch rider, Yahaya Nuru, to a total of seven years’ imprisonment for the unlawful distribution of tramadol and other prohibited drugs.

Justice Musa Kakaki delivered the judgment on Wednesday after Nuru pleaded guilty to a four-count charge filed by the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA).

At the arraignment, the prosecution counsel, Peter Ekuri, told the court that the offences were committed in November 2025 at Ashogbon Street, Lagos Island, where the convict conspired with two others still at large to traffic controlled substances.

Ekuri disclosed that Nuru was arrested with 4.12 kilogrammes of tramadol hydrochloride, 40 millilitres of tramadol injection, one litre of diazepam injection, and 1.04 litres of tramadol hydrochloride injection, which he intended to dispatch to various buyers.

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The prosecutor noted that the offences contravened Sections 20(1)(a) and 11(c) and are punishable under Section 20(2)(a) of the NDLEA Act, Laws of the Federation of Nigeria, 2004.

Following the guilty plea, the prosecution urged the court to convict and sentence the defendant in line with the Administration of Criminal Justice Act (ACJA), 2015.

While pleading for leniency, defence counsel described Nuru as a first-time offender who saved the court’s time by admitting guilt, urging the judge to temper justice with mercy.

In his ruling, Justice Kakaki said he had considered the plea for leniency and the fact that the convict had no prior criminal record.

The judge sentenced Nuru to four years, five months, one month, and three years’ imprisonment on counts one to four, respectively, with an option of fines totaling ₦580,000.

Justice Kakaki ordered that all sentences and fine options run concurrently.

Dispatch Rider Sentenced to 7 Years for Tramadol Trafficking in Lagos