(High Court. Photo Credit; Guardian Nigeria News)
A Federal High Court in Abuja has handed down a 27-year prison sentence to an Abuja-based businesswoman and mother of three, Mrs. Anita Job, after she was found guilty of drug trafficking in the Federal Capital Territory.
Justice Hauwa Joseph Yilwa delivered the verdict on Friday, convicting Mrs. Job on two counts brought against her by the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA).
She was sentenced to 12 years on the first count and 15 years on the second.
However, taking into consideration her remorse throughout the trial, her status as a first-time offender, and her decision to admit guilt without prolonging court proceedings, the judge ordered that both sentences run concurrently. As a result, Mrs. Job will effectively serve 15 years in prison rather than the full 27 years.
While acknowledging the convict’s remorseful disposition, Justice Yilwa emphasized that drug-related offences carry serious consequences for both Nigeria and the international community and therefore cannot be treated lightly.
The judge expressed particular concern over the volume of illicit drugs found in the convict’s possession, which amounted to 250 kilograms a quantity considered commercial in scale.
Mrs. Job’s defense counsel, Barrister D. I. Badams, had appealed to the court for leniency, citing his client’s sincere pledge never to return to the drug trade.
The concurrent sentencing reflected the court’s partial consideration of those mitigating factors.