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Dispatch Rider Sentenced to Seven Years for Illegal Tramadol Trafficking in Lagos
A Lagos Federal High Court has handed down a seven-year prison sentence to 33-year-old dispatch rider, Yahaya Nuru, following his conviction for the illicit distribution of tramadol and other banned substances.
Judgment Delivered by Justice Musa Kakaki
On Wednesday, January 14, 2026, Justice Musa Kakaki pronounced the sentence after Nuru admitted guilt to a four-count indictment brought by the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA).
Details of the Offense and Arrest
According to the prosecution led by Peter Ekuri, Nuru, in collaboration with two accomplices still at large-Abdulrazak and Chukwu Emmanuel Emeka-engaged in the unlawful sale and distribution of controlled drugs in November 2025 at No. 6 Ashogbon Street, Lagos Island.
During his arrest, Nuru was found in possession of significant quantities of tramadol hydrochloride, including 4.12 kilograms of the substance in tablet form, 40 milliliters of tramadol hydrochloride injection, one liter of diazepam injection, and an additional 1.04 liters of tramadol hydrochloride injection. These drugs were intended for dispatch to various buyers across the city.
Legal Framework and Charges
The offenses contravened Sections 20(1)(a) and 11(c) of the NDLEA Act, Cap N30, Laws of the Federation of Nigeria 2004, with penalties prescribed under Section 20(2)(a). The prosecution urged the court to apply Section 247(2) of the Administration of Criminal Justice Act, 2015, emphasizing the seriousness of the crimes and the evidence presented.
Defense Plea and Court’s Consideration
While the defense counsel appealed for leniency, highlighting Nuru’s status as a first-time offender and his cooperation through a guilty plea, Justice Kakaki took these factors into account during sentencing.
Sentence Breakdown and Fines
The court sentenced Nuru to staggered prison terms: four years for the first count, five months for the second, one month for the third, and three years for the fourth count. These sentences are to run concurrently, totaling seven years behind bars.
Additionally, fines were imposed as alternatives to imprisonment: ₦300,000, ₦30,000, ₦50,000, and ₦200,000 respectively for each count. The judge stipulated that both the custodial sentences and fine options would run simultaneously.
Context and Implications
This conviction underscores the ongoing efforts by Nigerian authorities to clamp down on the illegal distribution of tramadol, a drug whose abuse has surged nationwide. Recent reports indicate that tramadol misuse affects over 10 million Nigerians, contributing to public health and security challenges.
Similar cases have seen courts impose stringent penalties to deter traffickers and protect communities from the dangers of narcotics proliferation.
