Self-acclaimed Clearing Agent Bags 10 Years Imprisonment For Smuggling 657.5kg Of Tramadol
A man Cyril Ogunna, who was acclaimed to be a clearing agent, was Friday, convicted and sentenced to 10 years imprisonment, by a Lagos Federal High Court, for unlawful importation of 657.5 Kilograms of Tramadol.
The convicted was given jail terms by Justice Daniel Osiagor, after he pleaded guilty to a two count-charge of unlawful importation and conspiracy, made against him by the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA).
The convict, according to the prosecutor, Mrs. Lily Wifa-Aranyeli, was arrested with the banned drug, on December 1, 2021, at ESS Libra, Bonded Terminal, Ikorodu, Lagos, which was unlawfully brought to the country from India.
The prosecutor told the country that the convict had conspired with one Umeezeoke Emeka Emmanuel, who is said to be at large, to brought in the country in a 20 feet Container numbered UETU2798479.
She also told the court that the convict’s actions, contravened Sections 11(b) and 14 of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency Act Cap N30 Laws of the Federal on Nigeria (LFN) 2004, and punishable under the same Act.
The convict, did not deny the allegations as he instantly pleaded guilty to the charges.
Upon his guilty plea, the prosecutor, urged the court to Convict and sentence him in accordance with sections of the NDLEA Act, he was charged with.
But his counsel, Mr. G. O. Okaka, urged the court to tamper justice with mercy in sentencing his client.
The lawyer said his client was a clearing agent, who was contracted to clear the banned drug. And that he has decided to quit the job (forwarding and clearing) after he was arrested.
Justice Osiagor, after listened to the prosecutor and counsel’s submissions, sentenced the convict to 10 years imprisonment.
The judge, however gave the convict a fine option of N500, 000, in lieu of the jail terms. And also ordered that the seized Tramadol be destroyed if there is no appeal against the judgment within the period prescribed by the law.