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

Senate donates ₦50m to families of teachers, soldiers killed in Oriire school abduction

The Senate has approved a ₦50 million donation to the families of five individuals who lost their lives during the Oriire school abduction in Oyo State, describing their deaths as a painful sacrifice in Nigeria’s ongoing fight against insecurity.

The donation was announced on Wednesday by Senate President Godswill Akpabio during plenary, where lawmakers also commended the Nigerian Armed Forces and other security agencies for successfully rescuing abducted pupils, teachers and caregivers after 56 days in captivity.

According to Akpabio, ₦10 million will be presented to each of the families of the two teachers murdered by the kidnappers and the three soldiers who died during the rescue operation, bringing the total support package to ₦50 million.

He said the financial assistance is intended to provide some relief to the bereaved families while recognising the courage and sacrifice of those who lost their lives in the line of duty and in service to education.

“Their sacrifice will not be forgotten. This support reflects the Senate’s appreciation of their courage and our solidarity with their families during this difficult period,” Akpabio said.

The victims were among those affected by the May 15, 2026 attack on two schools in Oriire Local Government Area of Oyo State, where armed kidnappers abducted more than 45 pupils, teachers and caregivers, triggering nationwide outrage and renewed concerns about the safety of schools, particularly in rural communities.

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According to reports, one teacher was shot dead during the attack on the school premises, while another was later killed by the abductors during captivity. Three soldiers also lost their lives while participating in the intelligence-led military operation that eventually secured the victims’ freedom.

The abductees spent 56 days in captivity before they were rescued through a coordinated operation involving the Nigerian Army, intelligence agencies and other security operatives.

Security authorities have described the operation as an intelligence-driven mission that relied on sustained surveillance and coordinated tactical operations rather than the payment of ransom, resulting in the safe rescue of the remaining victims.

During plenary, senators praised the professionalism, resilience and bravery displayed by the Armed Forces and other security agencies throughout the rescue mission, noting that the successful operation demonstrated the effectiveness of intelligence-led security strategies against kidnapping and terrorism.

The Senate had earlier observed a minute’s silence in honour of the slain teachers and soldiers and commended President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, the military high command and all security personnel involved in the rescue operation.

Lawmakers reiterated their commitment to supporting policies, legislation and adequate funding aimed at strengthening Nigeria’s security architecture, improving intelligence gathering and enhancing the protection of schools under the Safe Schools Initiative.

The upper chamber also urged the Federal Government to improve welfare packages, insurance benefits and compensation for military personnel and other security operatives deployed to high-risk operations across the country.

The donation comes amid growing calls from education stakeholders, security experts and civil society organisations for increased investment in school security, surveillance infrastructure and stronger collaboration between communities and security agencies to prevent future attacks on educational institutions.

The Senate maintained that while the successful rescue brought relief to many families, the deaths of the teachers and soldiers underscore the enormous sacrifices being made by educators and security personnel in safeguarding lives and protecting the nation’s future.

Senate donates ₦50m to families of teachers, soldiers killed in Oriire school abduction

EFCC returns recovered assets worth millions to Australian woman defrauded in romance scam

The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has returned assets recovered from a convicted romance scammer to an Australian woman, reaffirming Nigeria’s commitment to ensuring justice for victims of financial crimes and strengthening international confidence in the country’s anti-corruption efforts.

The recovered assets were formally handed over to Karo Rita Kazzi through her lawyer, Blessing Nwankwo, during a ceremony held at the EFCC Lagos Zonal Directorate 2 on Wednesday.

Among the assets returned to the victim are a Lexus RX350 SUV, an iPhone 12 Pro Max, a gold wedding ring, a gold chain with a cross pendant, and a one-storey building comprising six self-contained apartments located in the Ajah area of Lagos.

The assets were recovered from Odey Steven Aleka, who was prosecuted and convicted for romance scam and obtaining money by false pretence after defrauding the Australian woman during their marriage.

According to the EFCC, the case began after Kazzi, through her legal representative, petitioned the commission, alleging that Aleka fraudulently obtained money and valuable assets from her under false pretences while they were married.

The anti-graft agency launched an investigation, which uncovered evidence leading to Aleka’s arrest, prosecution and eventual conviction before the Special Offences Court sitting in Ikeja, Lagos.

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The court sentenced Aleka to one year imprisonment with an option of a N1 million fine and also ordered the final forfeiture of the recovered assets to the Federal Government for restitution to the victim.

Speaking during the handover ceremony, the Acting Zonal Director of EFCC Lagos Directorate 2, ACE I Bawa Usman Kaltungo, said the successful recovery demonstrates the commission’s commitment not only to prosecuting offenders but also to restoring stolen assets to victims whenever possible.

Kaltungo said the EFCC remains focused on ensuring that perpetrators of financial crimes do not benefit from the proceeds of their illegal activities, adding that asset recovery is a key component of the commission’s anti-corruption strategy.

He also commended the dedication of the investigators and prosecutors who handled the case, noting that the successful prosecution and restitution underscore the effectiveness of the commission’s efforts against cybercrime, romance fraud and other forms of financial crime.

Representing the victim, Blessing Nwankwo expressed appreciation to the EFCC for its professionalism and persistence throughout the investigation and prosecution. She described the return of the assets as a significant step toward justice for her client, who suffered financial and emotional losses as a result of the fraud.

The EFCC reiterated its warning to fraudsters involved in romance scams, internet fraud and other cyber-enabled crimes, stressing that offenders will continue to face investigation, prosecution, conviction and the forfeiture of illegally acquired assets.

The commission also urged members of the public, particularly those engaging in online relationships or cross-border financial transactions, to exercise caution, verify identities before making financial commitments and promptly report suspicious activities to law enforcement agencies.

The latest restitution highlights the EFCC’s increasing emphasis on asset recovery as part of its broader mandate to combat economic and financial crimes. In recent years, the commission has recovered and returned assets to victims within and outside Nigeria through cooperation with local courts, foreign governments and international law enforcement partners.

EFCC returns recovered assets worth millions to Australian woman defrauded in romance scam