NDLEA Secure Conviction of Canadian National In Court and Sentenced to 11 Years for Importing Illicit Drugs into Nigeria

A Federal High Court in Lagos has sentenced Canadian national Adrienne Munju to 11 years in prison for importing 35.20 kilograms of synthetic cannabis, known as Canadian Loud, into Nigeria. Munju was arrested by the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) at Murtala Muhammed International Airport on October 3, 2024, after arriving on a KLM flight. The court’s ruling on Wednesday, October 23, 2024, follows Munju’s guilty plea to two charges related to drug trafficking.

Justice Dehinde Dipeolu presided over the case, during which evidence including the drugs, two suitcases used for concealment, and Munju’s Canadian passport were presented. Munju admitted to being recruited through an online platform to traffic the drugs in exchange for 10,000 Canadian dollars, which she intended to use for her master’s degree program in Canada. The court’s decision highlights Nigeria’s zero-tolerance stance on drug trafficking.

Arrest and Conviction

Adrienne Munju was apprehended by NDLEA officers at the terminal of Murtala Muhammed International Airport while undergoing routine clearance. The arrest occurred after officers discovered 74 parcels of Canadian Loud, a highly potent synthetic strain of cannabis, in her luggage. Upon further investigation, Munju confessed that she had been recruited online and promised a sum of 10,000 Canadian dollars upon successful delivery of the drugs in Lagos.

During her arraignment at the Federal High Court, Munju faced two charges related to drug importation and possession. Prosecuting Counsel, Barrister Abu Ibrahim, presented evidence including laboratory test results, Munju’s confessional statement, and samples of the illicit drug. Following the submission of these exhibits, Justice Dipeolu found Munju guilty, sentencing her to a combined 11 years of imprisonment—six years for the first count and five years for the second count. Additionally, she was offered an option of paying a total fine of N100 million in lieu of serving her sentence.

Legal Consequences and Sentencing

The court’s ruling emphasized the severe legal consequences for drug traffickers. The prosecution cited Sections 20(1)(a) and 19 of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency Act, which prohibits the unlawful importation and possession of illicit drugs. Munju’s guilty plea, combined with the evidence submitted by the NDLEA, left little room for defense.

The sentencing drew attention to the option of a hefty fine alongside the prison term. Justice Dipeolu sentenced Munju to six years for importing the cannabis and five years for possessing the drugs, with an alternative of paying N50 million for each count, making a total fine of N100 million. This financial penalty is one of the largest imposed in recent drug-related cases in Nigeria, underscoring the country’s commitment to deterring drug-related offenses.

NDLEA’s Response to the Conviction

Brigadier General Mohamed Buba Marwa (Rtd), the Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of the NDLEA, commended the efforts of the officers and men involved in Munju’s arrest and prosecution. He also lauded the judiciary for its swift handling of the case. Marwa emphasized that this conviction sends a clear warning to drug traffickers, both local and foreign, about the consequences of attempting to smuggle drugs into Nigeria.

“The conviction and stiff penalty will send a strong warning to others contemplating similar actions,” Marwa stated. He also highlighted the importance of collaboration between the NDLEA and judicial authorities in ensuring that drug offenders are swiftly brought to justice. The agency remains resolute in its mission to combat drug trafficking in Nigeria.

Broader Implications for Drug Enforcement in Nigeria

This high-profile conviction illustrates the growing sophistication of Nigeria’s drug enforcement efforts and the NDLEA’s increasing success in intercepting international drug traffickers. The arrest of Adrienne Munju is part of a broader crackdown on illicit drugs at Nigerian airports and borders. NDLEA has ramped up its operations in recent years, using advanced technology and intelligence-sharing to detect drug trafficking activities.

The stiff penalties imposed on drug traffickers like Munju are expected to deter others from engaging in similar criminal activities. The NDLEA’s proactive measures, including heightened surveillance and partnerships with international anti-narcotics agencies, have been key to these successes. As Nigeria continues to confront the challenges of drug trafficking, the conviction of foreign nationals like Munju highlights the country’s unyielding stance against illicit drugs.