A Federal High Court sitting in Kano has sentenced a 28-year-old man, Ashiru Idris, to seven years’ imprisonment without the option of a fine for advertising cannabis for sale on social media.
The conviction followed his prosecution by the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), which described the judgment as a significant step in the fight against illicit drug trafficking.
In a statement issued by the Media and Advocacy Officer of the NDLEA Kano Strategic Command, Sadiq Muhammad Maigatari, the agency said Justice S.M. Shuaibu delivered the judgment on July 14, 2026.
According to the statement, Idris was arrested on April 22, 2026, after a video showing him publicly advertising cannabis sativa for sale circulated on social media.
The statement read, “Operatives of the NDLEA Kano Strategic Command, acting on the directive of the State Commander, CN DY Lawal, arrested Ashiru Idris following the circulation of a video in which he publicly advertised cannabis sativa for sale on social media.”
The court ordered that the seven-year prison sentence should take effect from the date the judgment was delivered.
Reacting to the verdict, the Commander of the NDLEA Kano Strategic Command, CN DY Lawal, said the ruling sends a strong message to individuals involved in promoting or trafficking illicit drugs.
“This judgment reinforces our resolve to confront drug offenders who brazenly promote illegal substances on public platforms. We will continue to act swiftly on credible leads and ensure offenders are brought to justice,” Lawal said.
The NDLEA also appealed to members of the public to continue supporting the agency’s efforts by providing credible information that could help curb drug trafficking and substance abuse across the country.
