A cannabis sativa (India hemp) trafficker Muhammad Bako Sambo has been sentenced to 10 years imprisonment by Federal High Court 3, Kano, headed by Justice S.A. Amobeda.
Sambo was among seven drug traffickers arrested and convicted by the Kano State Command of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) in October.
A statement signed by the command’s public relations officer, Sadiq Muhammad Maigatari, and made available to newsmen in Kano yesterday, indicated that Sambo, was convicted and sentenced to a 10-year jail term.
Sadiq stated that the successful conviction was led by the state commander, Abubakar Idris Ahmad.
Sadiq said the Kano NDLEA Commander has been relentless in the effort to rid the state of illicit drug activities, adding that the NDLEA’s successful prosecution sends a clear message to all those involved in the illegal trade and transportation of cannabis and other illicit substances that Kano is not a base for them.
“Sambo, whose operation involved transporting large quantities of Cannabis Sativa from Ondo and other Southern States to the North, was apprehended on November 11, 2020.
“NDLEA officers on patrol along the Kano-Zaria road became suspicious and stopped a Honda Accord that initially refused to stop. After a pursuit, the suspect was arrested in the Hotoro area of Kano State.
“Subsequent investigations at the State Headquarters led to the discovery of 201 kilograms of dried leaves suspected to be Cannabis Sativa in Sambo’s vehicle. The suspect’s real identity and his residence in Lokogoma, Abuja, were later confirmed.
“Laboratory tests on the substance confirmed it as Cannabis Sativa, solidifying the case against Sambo. The convict was found guilty of trafficking in Cannabis Sativa, a violation of the NDLEA Act,” the statement said.
Furthermore, Commander Ahmad praised the dedication of his prosecutors and reiterated the NDLEA’s commitment to fighting drug trafficking.
“This case is a significant victory in our ongoing fight against drug trafficking. We will continue to work tirelessly to ensure that those who traffic illegal substances face the full weight of the law,” he declared.
He added that the NDLEA under Brigadier General Mohammed Buba Marwa’s leadership has brought about a paradigm shift in NDLEA’s prosecution efforts.
