Duke Orji V. Federal Republic Of Nigeria (2019)

LAWGLOBAL HUB Lead Judgment Report

OLABODE RHODES-VIVOUR, J.S.C.

The appellant as the accused person before a Federal High Court, (Ilorin Division) pleaded Guilty to a one count charge which reads:

That you Duke Orji, Male, Adult on or about 14 June 2011 at Ogun-edu Village near Kambi town in Moro Local Government Area of Kwara State, within the jurisdiction of this Honourable Court, without lawful authority, dealt in 3.4. Kilogrammes of Cannabis Sativa (otherwise known as Indian hemp) a drug similar to Cocaine, Heroin, LSD etc and thereby committed an offence contrary to and punishable under Section 11(c) of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency Act Cap N30 Laws of the Federation of Nigeria 2004.

I shall now reproduce the entire proceedings of the trial Court on 13 July, 2011, the day proceedings commenced and came to an end.

“Charge Called.

Accused person in the Dock.

I.J. Igwubor for the prosecution.

M.A. Lawal with O. Akinfolarin (Miss) for the defence

Igwubor : Applies for charge dated and filed 30/6/11 to be read to the accused person for plea.

Lawal: No objection.

1

Court: Please read and explain the charge to the accused person and take his plea. Charge read and explained to the accused person in English language and he appeared perfectly to understand same.

Plea: Guilty

Igwuhor: Tenders; Statement of accused person, Packing of substance Form, Certificate of test analysis, Request for scientific and FORM, Brown sealed envelope.