A Federal High Court in Lagos on Thursday sentenced a Nigerian passenger, Anoke Roomy, to 12 months imprisonment for attempting to unlawfully export 600 grams of tramadol, a controlled substance. However, the court granted the convict the option of paying a fine of N300,000 in lieu of serving the prison term.
Arrest and Charges
Roomy, who resides in Turkey, was apprehended on November 15, 2024, at the Murtala Mohammed International Airport, Ikeja, Lagos, during the routine screening of passengers boarding Ethiopian Airlines. The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) discovered the tramadol in his possession. Roomy, holding Nigerian passport number B51272212, was traveling from Lagos to Turkey via Addis Ababa when he was detained.
The NDLEA subsequently charged him with an offense under Section 11(b) of the NDLEA Act, CAP N30, Laws of the Federation of Nigeria, 2004. The section criminalizes the unlawful exportation of controlled substances and prescribes penalties for offenders.
Court Proceedings
During the arraignment, the NDLEA prosecutor, Abu Ibrahim, informed the court of the facts of the case, detailing how Roomy was intercepted and the tramadol seized. When the charge was read to him, Roomy pleaded guilty. Following his plea, the prosecutor urged the court to convict and sentence him in line with the provisions of the NDLEA Act.
Roomy’s defense counsel, Augustine Nwagu, pleaded for leniency, emphasizing that his client was a first-time offender who had demonstrated remorse for his actions. Nwagu argued that the tramadol, purchased for N40,000, was for personal use and not intended for trafficking. He further urged the court to consider a non-custodial sentence, highlighting the time Roomy had already spent in detention.
Sentencing and Conditions
Justice Akintayo Aluko, after reviewing the facts and verifying that Roomy had no prior convictions, sentenced him to 12 months imprisonment. The judge acknowledged the plea for leniency and allowed the convict to pay a fine of N300,000 as an alternative to serving the prison term.
Additionally, Justice Aluko ordered:
- The forfeiture of Roomy’s Nigerian passport to the Nigerian Immigration Service.
- The destruction of the tramadol exhibits unless an appeal was filed within the stipulated timeframe.
Legal Implications
The case underscores the Nigerian judiciary’s commitment to enforcing the NDLEA Act, particularly in matters involving controlled substances. While Roomy’s lawyer argued that the tramadol was for personal use, the court maintained the strict stance of punishing the unlawful exportation of drugs to deter others.
Broader Context
Tramadol, a prescription opioid, is classified as a controlled substance in Nigeria due to its potential for abuse. Cases involving tramadol trafficking have surged in recent years, prompting stricter enforcement measures by the NDLEA. The agency has intensified surveillance at airports and border points to curb the illicit trade of drugs.
Conclusion
The sentencing of Anoke Roomy serves as a reminder of the consequences of engaging in drug-related offenses. By providing an option for a fine, the court balanced punishment with leniency, considering the circumstances of the case and the convict’s remorse. The forfeiture of Roomy’s passport and destruction of the drug exhibits further emphasizes the judiciary’s commitment to eradicating drug trafficking in Nigeria.
