A 32 year-old man, Abolaji Adeshina, who claimed to be indian hemp smoker, has been convicted and sentenced to two years imprisonment, by Justice Chukwujekwu Aneke of a Lagos Federal High Court.
Justice Aneke sentenced the convict to the jail-term, after he pleaded guilty to the charge of unlawful dealing in 97 Kilogrames of Cannabis Sativa, also known as marijuana, made against him by the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA).
The convict, who resides in Akorounfayo Street, Fadayi, Lagos, had earlier pleaded not guilty to the charge, when he was arraigned before the court, sometimes last year.
He was subsequently admitted to bail with some terms.
However, at the resumed hearing of the charge, the convict, who was not represented by any counsel, signified his intention to change his earlier not guilty plea.
He also told the court that he has no money to hire a lawyer and that he will represent him in the matter.
Based on his submission, the court ordered that the charge be reread to him for the purpose of recording his new plea.
Upon rereading of the charge, the convict pleaded guilty to the one count.
However, when asked if he was the owner of the 97 Kilogrames of cannabis.
The convict said: “am not the owner, though, I smoke ‘igbo’. I was arrested when I went to where the ‘igbo’ is being sold. I only smoke but I don’t sell it.”
When told about his confessional statement, where he stated that he was the owner of the banned.
