Reported by: Ijeoma G | Edited by: Oravbiere Osayomore Promise.
A Federal High Court in Kano has sentenced Jonathan Nuhu, a 45-year-old repeat offender, to 15 years’ imprisonment for unlawful possession of cannabis sativa. The judgment, delivered on March 17, 2026, by Justice M. N. Yunusa, is one of the most stringent penalties handed down recently for drug-related offences in northern Nigeria, highlighting the judiciary’s firm approach toward combating narcotics trafficking.
According to the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) Kano Strategic Command, Nuhu was arrested on July 20, 2023, near the Wudil Bridge in Wudil Local Government Area of Kano State. During the operation, operatives seized 116 bags of cannabis sativa, totaling over 1,500 kilograms. Investigations revealed that Nuhu was part of an organized syndicate involved in transporting large quantities of cannabis across multiple northern states for distribution.
Court records indicate that the drugs were intercepted following an intelligence-led surveillance operation that traced the shipment from a loading point in Lokoja, destined for distribution in Jigawa and surrounding areas. Evidence presented during the trial linked Nuhu directly to the illegal activity, demonstrating that the offence was deliberate and part of a broader trafficking network rather than incidental possession.
The case was further complicated by Nuhu’s criminal history. He had previously been convicted in 2021 by a Federal High Court in Jigawa for a similar cannabis-related offence, receiving a 15-year prison sentence. At the time of his arrest in Kano, he was on bail pending appeal from that earlier conviction. Prosecutors emphasized this history as evidence of repeated criminal behavior, influencing the court’s decision to impose a lengthy custodial sentence without the option for a fine.
Commander D. Y. Lawal, head of NDLEA’s Kano Strategic Command, praised the conviction and highlighted the agency’s commitment to pursuing offenders relentlessly, including those who re-offend while under judicial supervision. The NDLEA credited the success of the operation to the diligence of its operatives, careful intelligence gathering, and close coordination with the judiciary to ensure a timely prosecution.
This ruling comes amid a broader pattern of increased enforcement activities in Kano State, where NDLEA has successfully interdicted multiple large-scale cannabis consignments over the past few years. The state’s strategic location, extensive road networks, and proximity to neighboring regions make it a hub for drug trafficking operations, making enforcement and prosecution crucial in disrupting these networks.
Public health and community advocates have supported the ruling, noting the social and economic risks posed by widespread cannabis trafficking and abuse, including rising crime rates and family breakdowns. Legal experts, however, emphasize that while severe sentences serve as a deterrent, a comprehensive approach combining law enforcement, community education, rehabilitation, and prevention is essential for long-term reduction in drug-related offences.
The case also highlights challenges in Nigeria’s justice system, particularly regarding repeat offenders. Nuhu’s re-offending while on bail raises questions about bail monitoring and conditions for serious offences. Legal observers suggest stricter bail terms may be necessary for individuals involved in large-scale drug trafficking to prevent recidivism and safeguard public safety.
For NDLEA and other law enforcement agencies, the conviction underscores that persistent prosecution, coupled with intelligence-led operations, can yield significant results. Authorities continue to work with international partners, strengthen surveillance, and engage communities to tackle not only trafficking networks but also the underlying factors enabling the illegal drug trade.
Jonathan Nuhu will begin serving his 15-year sentence immediately, making his case a cautionary example for other traffickers. Authorities have reiterated the importance of public cooperation in reporting suspicious activities to support ongoing efforts to combat drug trafficking and protect communities from the harms associated with narcotics abuse.
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