BREAKING: Two Brothers Sentenced to Prison for Cocaine Trafficking at Lagos Airport — Court Gives Option of N6M Fine
In a firm stance against drug trafficking, the Federal High Court sitting in Lagos has delivered judgment in a case involving two brothers, Abugu John Onwuima and Abugu Kenneth, who were found guilty of attempting to unlawfully export narcotic drugs out of Nigeria.
Justice Ambrose Alagoa, who presided over the case, sentenced the duo to two years imprisonment each on Monday, May 12, 2025, after both men admitted to the crime and pleaded guilty to a one-count charge of drug trafficking filed against them by the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA).
However, in what may be seen as a partial reprieve, the judge exercised his discretion by offering each of the convicts an option of a N3 million fine in place of serving jail time. This brings the total possible fine for both convicts to N6 million.
Arrested at Lagos Airport on Their Way to India
The NDLEA, represented in court by its legal officer, Abu Ibrahim, narrated how the agency apprehended the two brothers on April 4, 2025, at the departure hall of the new terminal at Murtala Muhammed International Airport in Ikeja, Lagos. According to the prosecutor, the arrest happened while the suspects were undergoing outward clearance as passengers aboard a Qatar Airways flight heading to India.
The NDLEA alleged that each of the two men was caught with 2.5 kilograms of cocaine, which they attempted to export without obtaining any legal permission — a clear violation of Nigeria’s anti-drug trafficking laws.
Charged Under Nigerian Drug Law
The specific charge brought against them was filed under Charge No: FHC/L/2025. It accused the brothers of breaching Section 11(b) of the NDLEA Act, Cap N30, Laws of the Federation of Nigeria, 2004, which criminalizes the exportation of narcotic drugs without lawful authority.
During the proceedings, Abu Ibrahim presented the detailed facts of the case to the court. He confirmed the arrest, the drug quantity involved, and the airline and destination, all aligning with NDLEA’s investigation.
On the other side, the defence counsel, Benson Ndakara, did not contest the charge. Instead, he informed the court that his clients, John and Kenneth, had taken full responsibility for their actions and had pleaded guilty.
Court Delivers Judgment with a Warning to Others
In delivering the judgment, Justice Alagoa made it clear that the court was acting within the provisions of Nigerian law, particularly given the guilty plea entered by the defendants. He ruled:
“The sentence is in line with the provisions of the law and the defendants’ plea of guilt.”
The judge also emphasized that the ruling is intended to serve as a deterrent to others who may be involved in, or are considering engaging in, drug trafficking. He said the court would not condone any attempts to undermine the integrity of Nigeria’s borders or its fight against the drug menace.
Justice Alagoa then formally sentenced each man to two years in prison, while giving them the option to instead pay a fine of N3 million each.
What's Next for the Convicts?
As it stands, Abugu John Onwuima and Abugu Kenneth now face a crucial choice: serve their two-year jail terms or pay the N3 million fine each, as imposed by the court.
This ruling sends a powerful message that the Nigerian judiciary and law enforcement agencies are not taking drug trafficking cases lightly, especially at international points of exit such as the Lagos airport.
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