NDLEA Secures Seven-Year Jail Term for Man Who Advertised Cannabis Online

A Federal High Court in Kano sentenced a man to seven years in prison for advertising cannabis on social media, as the NDLEA vowed sustained action against drug-related offences.

The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency has secured the conviction of a 28-year-old man for advertising cannabis for sale on social media, with a Federal High Court in Kano sentencing him to seven years’ imprisonment without the option of a fine.

The agency disclosed this in a statement issued on Wednesday by the Media and Advocacy Officer of the Kano Strategic Command, Sadiq Muhammad Maigatari.

According to the statement, the convict, Ashiru Idris, was arrested on April 22, 2026, after a video surfaced online showing him allegedly promoting cannabis sativa for sale through social media.

The NDLEA said its operatives acted on the directive of the Kano State Commander, CN D.Y. Lawal, following intelligence gathered from the widely circulated video.

“On April 22, 2026, operatives of the NDLEA Kano Strategic Command, acting on the directive of the State Commander, CN D.Y. Lawal, arrested one Ashiru Idris, 28, following the circulation on social media of a video showing him publicly advertising cannabis sativa for sale,” the statement said.

Justice S.M. Shuaibu of the Federal High Court 1, Kano, found Idris guilty of the offence and sentenced him to seven years in prison without the option of paying a fine.

The court directed that the prison sentence should take effect from July 14, 2026.

The NDLEA described the conviction as a clear warning to individuals who engage in the promotion, sale or distribution of illicit drugs, particularly through digital platforms.

Reacting to the judgment, the Kano State Commander, CN Lawal, said the agency would continue to pursue offenders using both intelligence and technology to combat drug trafficking and abuse.

“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 stated.

The agency also appealed to parents, community leaders, social media companies and members of the public to support its anti-drug campaign by providing credible information capable of exposing individuals involved in illegal drug activities.

The NDLEA reaffirmed its commitment to intensifying efforts against drug abuse and trafficking as part of broader measures to safeguard public health and national security.