Kano: Drug peddler jailed 15 years as NDLEA seizes 510 blocks of cannabis

By Maduabuchi Nmeribeh/Kano

The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), Kano Strategic Command, has secured a 15-year jail term against Mr. Jonathan Nuhu, (45) of Kanke Village, Plateau state, for unlawful possession of cannabis sativa.

The Federal High Court No. 2, Kano, presided over by Hon. Justice MN Yunusa, sentenced Jonathan to 15 years imprisonment on 17 March, 2026.

The sentence is to run from the date of judgment.

Mr. Nuhu was apprehended by NDLEA operatives, Kano command, on 20 July 2023 near the Wudil bridge in Wudil Local Government Area, Kano State, following the seizure of 116 bags of cannabis sativa.

He was promptly charged and arraigned before the court. After three years of investigation and prosecution, the court returned a verdict of guilty and imposed the custodial sentence.

Mr. Nuhu had earlier been convicted by the Federal High Court in Jigawa State on 22 June 2021 and sentenced to 15 years imprisonment for a similar offence.

He was on bail pending appeal in that matter when he was arrested in Kano for the fresh offence now resulting in the current conviction and sentence.

Investigations linked Mr. Nuhu to a larger syndicate involved in the transportation and distribution of cannabis across northern Nigeria.

The Kano Command, under the leadership of Commander D.Y Lawal, commended the diligence of its operatives and the persistence of the command’s legal team in prosecuting the matter to a successful conclusion.

“This judgment reinforces our resolve to pursue suspected drug traffickers relentlessly, including those who attempt to continue illegal activities while on bail,” said Commander DY Lawal.

He applauded the legal team for their professionalism and perseverance in ensuring that the matter was brought to finality.

The NDLEA Commander reiterated the Command’s commitment, in line with the prosecutorial philosophy of the Chairman/Chief Executive Officer, Brg Gen Mohamed Buba Marwa (rtd), to pursue investigations and prosecutions from inception to conclusion, thereby ensuring that persons found culpable face the full rigour of the law.

He added that the Kano Command will continue to track, apprehend, and prosecute members of criminal networks until they are brought to justice.

Moreso, the NDLEA), Kano Strategic Command, has arrested a suspect and recovered 510 blocks of cannabis sativa in a major seizure ahead of Eid‑al‑Fitr celebrations.

The State Commander DY Lawal, states this on Thursday.

According to him, on 10 March 2026, operatives of the NDLEA Kano Strategic Command arrested Mr. Sani Musa, (34) of Bebeji Local Government Area, following an intelligence-led operation.

During the operation, officers recovered 510 compressed blocks of cannabis sativa that Mr. Musa said had been delivered to him by a known drug dealer identified as “Alaramma” for safekeeping in his house.

Mr. Musa admitted he was authorized to sell the consignments to customers and stated the stock was intended for distribution during the Sallah period when demand and profits typically increase.

“Mr. Musa’s statements indicate he had full knowledge of the illicit substance and participated in the drug trade.

“Since the arrest and recovery of the exhibit, investigations are ongoing to locate and apprehend the other suspect known as Alaramma, who remains at large,” the Commander said.

Commander Lawal assured the good people of Kano of sustained NDLEA operations across the state, especially during festive periods when traffickers often escalate activities.

He urged residents to remain vigilant and report any suspicious activity immediately to the nearest NDLEA office.

“We call on everyone planning to engage in illicit drug trafficking or use to desist, embrace lawful livelihoods, and choose healthy, safe ways to celebrate,” Commander Lawal added.

“On behalf of the Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of the Agency, Brg Gen Mohamed Buba Marwa (rtd), CON, OFR, and the NDLEA Kano Strategic Command, we wish the good people of Kano a joyful, peaceful and blessed Eid‑al‑Fitr in advance. May your celebrations be safe, drug‑free, and filled with unity, prosperity and renewed hope.

“The NDLEA Kano Strategic Command will continue to pursue leads and collaborate with local communities to prevent drug distribution and abuse,” he said.