The Federal High Court in Kano has sentenced a 28-year-old man, Ashiru Idris, to seven years in prison without the option of a fine for promoting cannabis sativa for sale through social media.
The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency announced the conviction in a statement released on Wednesday by the Media and Advocacy Officer of its Kano Strategic Command, Sadiq Muhammad Maigatari.
According to the NDLEA, Idris was convicted by Justice S.M. Shuaibu on July 14, 2026.
“The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) today commends the Federal High Court, Kano, for delivering a landmark judgment in a matter arising from public advertisement and sale of cannabis sativa.
“On 22 April 2026, operatives of the NDLEA Kano Strategic Command, acting on the directive of the State Commander, CN DY Lawal, arrested one Ashiru Idris (m), 28, following the circulation on social media of a video showing him publicly advertising cannabis sativa for sale,” the statement read.
The NDLEA stated that the court directed the seven-year prison sentence to take effect from the date the judgment was delivered.
The Commander of the NDLEA Kano Strategic Command, CN DY Lawal, described the judgment as a strong warning to individuals who promote or engage in the illicit drug trade.
“This judgment reinforces our resolve to confront drug offenders who brazenly promote illegal substances on public platforms. We will continue to act swiftly on credible leads and ensure offenders are brought to justice,” Lawal said.
The agency called on members of the public to continue supporting the fight against drug trafficking and substance abuse by sharing credible information with security agencies.
